In conversation with Gottmik
We had a delight speaking with Kade Gottlieb AKA Gottmik.
Who are you and what is your profession?
Hi! My name is Kade Gottlieb AKA Gottmik from RuPauls drag race season 13 and I am a performer! From makeup to drag I am ready to show my artistry in every way possible!
When did you start as a Make-Up Artist? How and why did you start?
I have been in love with makeup for as long as I can remember but I started working as a signed professional makeup artist when I was 21! I grew up painting and drawing, so seeing my skills translated on people made it living art and I was obsessed.
What are your first memories when it comes to fashion?
The first time I was beyond moved and realized I wanted fashion to be a part of my life was Alexander McQueens Fall 2009 collection. I was in 7th grade and I remember feeling emotions and seeing beauty in a way I never had felt before. A backstage photo from that runway to this day is hung above my bed!
What inspires you the most when it comes to fashion?
I love when art makes people feel something. When I do anything I want to put my emotions and my life experience into whatever I’m doing and that’s what inspires me when it comes to fashion as well. Feeling emotion through a runway is just such a butterfly magic moment for me.
What person in the (fashion) industry inspires you the most?
Anyone that pushes boundaries in the fashion industry inspires me. Galliano, Gaultier, McQueen, Rick Owens, Vicente Westwood, Thome Browne. I could go on forever!
What is your first memory with drag? And how did you start doing drag?
I first saw drag when I was 16 at my first pride in Phoenix Arizona! The queen I saw was very androgynous and I remember thinking that I finally found my art form. It was a way to explore gender and I never looked back!
What is your favorite song at the moment and why? Do you have a playlist that you would like to share with us?
Right now off the top of my head I’d have to say that strong enough by Cher is my favorite song because I’m on tour right now with two of my favorite people in the world (Vanessa Vanjie Mateo and Asia Ohara) and we play that song right as the show is about to start and we dance like I have never danced in my life every time!!
What is the first thing you like to do when you wake up, and last thing you like to do before going to bed?
When I wake up honestly I check my phone to see what time it is because if I’m not being woken up by an alarm these days I’m panicking that I missed something. The last thing I do before I go to bed is thank God and the universe for my life. Literally every blessing and opportunity that is coming my way currently seems so surreal and truly feels like my dreams are coming true, so I have to give credit where credit is due!
Tell us about your highlights in your career, especially after RuPaul's Drag Race?
Being on RDR was absolutely a dream come true for me, and every opportunity that has followed so far has been insane and it has only been a few months! I got to present an award at the MTV movie and tv awards with RuPaul, Michelle Visage, and Symone, I got to go on tour with some of the best drag entertainers in the world, and now I’m on the cover of Numero!
How has it been after the show? How did it affect your personal life and growth?
My life after the show has been non stop. I haven’t really had a full day off since the finale and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Every day I am growing as a person and an artist whether is physically thanks to drag queens around me teaching me old tricks, or if it’s spiritually/ emotionally thanks to meditation and finding inner strength to get me through these long days! either way I’m beyond blessed and thankful and so excited for what the future holds!
What are some of your favorite moments when thinking of your RuPaul's Drag Race experience?
Since we filmed during a pandemic, my favorite moments when thinking of my RuPauls drag race experience would have to be about relationships I made with the other queens. Being able to interact and bond with such amazing artists at a time where we could even leave the house outside of set was insane and made us all cherish every single moment.
How did RuPaul's Drag Race affect your career?
RuPauls Drag Race changed my life and career forever in so many ways. I will never give up the art of makeup but for now I was honored to have my own personal artistry shown of the biggest drag stage in the world and I’m ready to show what I can do even more than the world saw on the show. I am forever thankful to RuPaul, World of Wonder, and VH1 for giving me this opportunity and I’m ready to push my artistry to the next level.
What are your next steps and plans?
My next steps are to stay true to myself, work harder than I ever have before, take every opportunity that comes my way, and fight for my community. I was able to open a few doors for trans and non binary people by being a voice on RuPauls drag race and I want to keep that momentum going and keep elevating queer and trans people as much as I can always.
Did your fashion style develop or change throughout that period? And if so why?
My fashion style definitely stayed true to me, but seeing myself on tv really helped me understand and physically see what I need to refine and level up. I am always ready to learn and have an open mind towards my art so I can’t wait to keep pushing my art to the highest level I can possibly imagine!
Team credits:
Photo : Jack Waterlot @jackwaterlotstudio
Talent: Gottmik
Stylist : Karen Levitt @karenlevittstylist
Hair by Tracy Moyer @tracymoyerhair@therexagency
Nails by Erin Moffett @artdeptagency
Fashion director: Lisa Jarvis @lisajarvis_stylist
Casting: Timotej Letonja @timiletonja
Photo assistants: Shane Rooney
Production assistant: Allison Nguyen
Magdalena Roe & Timi Letonja
