Mark Payne

Mark Payne started his career as a performer. At the age of twelve, Payne began making home movies of himself performing as his favorite singers. He involved his mother, grandmother and neighbors in the creative process. Acting as his own agent, he used these home movies as demo tapes which led to headlining dates in Europe and Australia. By the age of sixteen, he had performed as the opening act for Bob Hope and Milton Berle. Payne morphed his talent into several incarnations. He was a successful performer, singer and recording artist.[3] He also designed clothing for a well-known brand and under his own name. Many celebrities including Madonna and Cher have purchased his clothing. In 1996, while in Texas taking care of his dying grandmother, Payne followed in his mother's footsteps and began working as a makeup artist. In 1997, he met makeup artist Laura Mercier who encouraged him to move to New York. In 1997, Payne collaborated on a Harper Collins book called Double Take: The Art O