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Expert Interview
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4/5/2000
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Australia Makeup Artist-Alex B 1.I am located in the Sydney Australia 2.I trained as a beauty therapist and received my masters in nail technology. I taught at the school I trained at for a very limited time before I "fell" into the makeup artistry. I have no formal training in makeup, but I gleaned a lot from other industry people. 3. My current area of expertise is fashion and bridal. I do fashion shoots for various publications and bridal magazines as well as runway work. I enjoy fashion work firstly and look forward to "challenging" the norm in Australia in the bridal industry when I do bridal editorials and advertising. 4.At the moment my favourite product line is Grimas. I love the colours that are available in the eyeshadows and lipsticks finding them to be very true and long lasting. As far as foundations are concerned I am constantly playing with different lines, I'm yet to find the "perfect" foundation range. 5. I have been in the beauty industry for about 5 years. I suppose I've been lucky as every year gets better and my work becomes more popular. 6. I had a friend who was a hairdresser and a nutrimetrics consultant and one day after her shift she had me play around with her makeup on one of the poor apprentices. I thought it was fun and started doing school formals then weddings. Then another friend (also a hairdresser) ask me to do a photo shoot for a L'Oreal sponsored show with the International Hair Show. My work was well received and I've been doing it ever since. 7.I love playing with colour and inventing new looks. The result must be beautiful yet somehow original whilst still being commercial. It's that challenge that keeps me interested. 8.I dislike being called a beautician. I don't clean feet, hands or faces. 9.The very first show I did had 8 girls and 8 guys and I was the sole makeup artist. I was given a very tight time limit in which to get them all prepared. This was a major show in a well known venue in the heart of Sydney and the models were some of our best. I was scared to death. I don't think I slept very much the night before. I decided that if I was going to elevate myself professionally I would have to bite the bullet and do it, so I kept it all inside and began the task at hand. I planned the type of look I wanted to create for the show and went about doing my makeup. It was an unmitigated success and I have been the sole makeup artist for these shows for the past 2 years now. They book me a year ahead, there are 2 shows a year, each are over 3 days of about 4 shows a day. 10.I believe that you become a makeup artist because you have a passion for the art of using makeup and designing hair styles. A lot of the talent must come from within. I don't do it for the money, but because it's what I do best. If you're serious about becoming a makeup artist you have to learn to accept criticism as constructive and take compliments graciously. Success in this industry is a series of steps, the more steps you climb the better you become as an artist.
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10/17/2006
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CAL-TV & Print Makeup Artist Mary Erickson Part 1
) Where are you located? I am located in San Diego, California
2) What is your educational background?
I have attended a variety of different makeup and hair courses, too many to count over the years!
3) What is your area of expertise?
Makeup/hair for Print/TV/Video. Because I am located in San Diego I do not do film. I do airbrush makeup as well as traditional makeup. 4) What is your favorite product line? Blasco and MAC but I am not real loyal to any product, I have a lot of different lines of makeup in my kit.
5) How long have been in the beauty business?
Apx 19 years
6) How did you get started in this business?
I have always had a love for makeup and fashion, I began making up friends at about 5 years old!, moved onto weddings when my friends started getting married and then onto commercial work where I have been for many years.
7) What do like about it
I like to transform people and I like the gratitude I get from people when I am done. I also like to be creative when ever I get the chance. I prefer making people look better (beauty makeup).
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10/18/2006
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8) Any dislikes? YES, I won't lie to you, there are a lot of things I don't like. I do not like doing brides that are stressed, I have done them for years and the few crazy ones ruin my day and I am getting too old for ruined days. I do not like billing some clients 3 or 4 times before I am paid. I do not like it when a paid model or actor gives me direction on their make-up (ok, I can be a control freak in this area but I like to please the person paying me) . I do not like working with Production people and photographers that think they are Gods gift to humanity, the ones that throw tantrums and bully people. I find the real big names in the photography and production business are pretty humble and great to work with. I think you just relax more when you are at the top and already successful.
9) Can you share a great experience with us ?
Sure, I had a great time a few years ago 1998 doing makeup for the Superbowl announcers. I had the pleasure of watching the game in the news room with a lot of announcers and one was Sterling Sharp (announcer ESPN) I was in the room with him when his brother Shannon Sharp made a winning touchdown. (I am not into football but what ever happened it was very exciting.) Sterling was hugging, kissing, jumping, yelling, it was fun to watch!
10) Is there anything else you would add? Advise perhaps to anyone starting out?
Yes I would start as an apprentice with a very respected artist and learn how to work a set and get along with crew, and of course learn good makeup skills. I put together what I look for in an assistant (apprentice) ( go here to veiw the article )
11) If someone wanted to contact you , how would they do that?
As you can see I am into mentoring, I had to look for a long time for help in this business, I found so many artists not willing to share because of reasons I still do not understand. Because there are so few artists willing to mentor others we have a large force of artists out there that just do not have a clue about what they are doing. Job security for the few of us that did have help but overall it not good for the business and I think more established artists need to mentor others, I have a few people I am doing that with now and I wish I could do it with everyone. I am starting a mentoring program that will hook up makeup artists with assistants all over the country. It will be a win win for everyone, free help for the established artists and on the job training for the new artists. I will get this program off the ground in a few weeks. Email me at mary@makeuplessons.com for info. |
10/18/2006
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Florida -Winslow W. White Disney Makeup Artist I am located in the historic downtown business area of Kissimmee, Florida just outside of Orlando and 12 miles from my employer Walt Disney World.My background began in cosmetology. I went to 'The Vogue Institute of Beauty Culture' ( 1970 ) in Richmond, Virginia, then completed Pivot Point classes, along with Canned Ego,Clarol specialized color classes,L'oreal color classes
and a few other specialized classes in coloring, perming and hair shaping. My makeup training came as a result of necessity, when Disney shot 'Star Search' with Ed Mcmanon in 1993-94..I was given a hands-on three week rush course with some of the East coasts top Makeup professionals, by that I mean, people actually working on a day to day basis with a varied client list. I had training with a lady that was flown in from New York's 'Saturday Night Live Show' , by two other artists from NBC television, and several others involving glamour, baldcapping, scars,cuts,corrective,etc..It would be like taking a nine week course in three weeks with 12 hour days. You still had to apply yourself and be somewhat talented. What is your area of expertise?
I like to think that my most proficient area in makeup would be glamour, but in my position as an instructor at Disney, I have to be current with prosthetic appliances,molding,character makeups,film and tape applications,printwork,weddings,just to name a few, so I can't really say what my area of expertise would be.
What is your favorite product line?
That would be M. A. C., it seems I have fallen for their whole line,
especially their eye shadows. I also use R. C. M. A. for their Shinto
equivalents.I have been a hairdresser since 1970 and have worked as a local union 798 makeup artist ( now with local union 631 ) since 1993.
How did you get started in this business?
Well, I came out of the United States Marine Corps in early 1969, and my mother was a hairdresser and had been for years, her boss asked if I would like to attend a beauty school, I of course told him he was crazy, but he talked me into it...and I've been doing it ever since.
What do like about it
I enjoy the creative aspect of taking an idea on paper and bringing that character or desired look to life for a stage show orproduction. I enjoy also sharing knowledge with other artists and picking their brains for new and better techniques. If you enjoy your work, you can't help but like it.
Any dislikes?
Believe it or not, I don't really have too many dislikes concerning my career as a makeup artist. I work solo or with a team, but don't like it when someone starts 'show boating' to attract attention and tries to take credit for everything done, not wanting to realize that others participated in the project or shoot also. I would like to be able to freelance more, but with being employed full time at Disney ( great insurance ), it is difficult to set aside the time required for filmings,etc...but, I do occasionally slip on out there.
Can you share a great experience with us?
I have many different stories to tell, some are way out there, some are mild. I guess one of my favorites would be when working on'Burt Reynolds' for a week and a half at Disney, I often wascalled to his room early in the morning to assist with his hairpieces and to apply his makeup ( he carried his own, William Tuttle medium Indian ), and we would use the large bathroom in his suite at 'The Dolphin' as the lighting was better. Well one day, while working on him and talking chit chat, the shower was running and I assumed it
was one of his two business aides taking a shower, well it wasn't, it was his current girlfriend, who had just flown in the night before, and as she stepped out of the shower in the buff, I was introduced and we shook hands, and I said 'DAMN!. I maintained a professional aura, but it was difficult. Sometimes I would be there for thirty minutes, other times two hours. You know, every day for nine days, his aides would hand me a hundred dollar bill and say take this or he would be offended, so I received extra gravy on that
assignment.
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10/18/2006
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Florida -Winslow W. White Disney Makeup Artist PT 2 Advise perhaps to anyone starting out?
To new makeup artists breaking into the business, I can only say be the best that you can be in your craft. Never stop learning new and better ways of perfecting your craft and by all means, don't be afraid to make mistakes. Keep focused when working with clients and make sure you have the materials, tools and knowledge to complete assignments. Do your research no matter what
you are working on, and always expect the unexpected! In other words, don't let them see you sweat!
If someone wanted to contact you, how would they do that? The best way would be thru my website at creativefaces.com
where I have my contact information and partial resume along with a few of my works, or via snail mail at Winslow W. White - P.O. Box 452202 - Kissimmee, Florida 34745-2202.
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10/18/2006
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Florida-Duane Saylor-FX MAKEUP ARTIST PT 1 ) Where are you located?
2) What is your educational background?
3) What is your area of expertise?
4) What is your favorite product line?
5) How long have been in the beauty business?
6) How did you get started in this business?
7) What do like about it
8) Any dislikes?
9) Can you share a great experience with us ?
10) Is there anything else you would add? Advise perhaps to anyone starting out?
11) If someone wanted to contact you , how would they do that?
1, I've been located in Central Florida for the past few years however im in
North Carolina now, and I tend to travel back and forth depending on what
project im working on.
2. I went to college at Appalachian State University in N.C. I obtained my
diploma in make-up from Joe Blasco Make-up Center in Florida.
3. From an early age I was a fan of special make-up effects. I can clearly
remember my first viewing of 'The Exorcist" and how horrified I was. But I
knew then that I wanted to be able to create those illusions, and become a
part of the make-up community.
As time went by, and my skills in effects increased, I decided to expand my
knowledge and became involved in beauty make-up as well. So now I feel very
comfortable in both beauty and special make-up effects.
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10/18/2006
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Florida-Duane Saylor-FX MAKEUP ARTIST PT 2 4. To this day I don't have a favorite product line. But if you opened my kit, you'd find a lot of Visiora and Blasco. 5. I didn't become strong in beauty make-up until I went to make-up school in Florida, although my special make-up effects goes all the back to a time where I tore my moms fuzzy 70's pocket book up and tried to make a werewolf........(I was 10, and it never looked anything like a werewolf) 6. I got started by watching "The Exorcist" at far to young of an age to have watched it. I decided then that I wanted to become a make-up artist, and I've never looked back. 7. What I love the most out of the make-up business is the the fact that I can make a living out of creating things that weren't there just a few hours before. 8. I only dislike my days off.......(well, sometimes) 9. This is lame, but true... My greatest experience was the first time I was on a movie set, and did my effect. I heard the director yell "cut", and then the crew told me they loved it. I will never forget it. Ever. 10. My only advice is to read this site!! 11. Anyone that wants to reach me can do so via email at duanefx@hotmail.com (subject should read make-up) I wish you all the BEST of success!!! Duane Saylor F/X Editor W.A.M.A |
10/18/2006
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Interview Questions with Vanessa Evelyn By Dayna Pinney in NYC On your bio it mentions that you first modeled, you were unhappy with the makeup that was done. What do you feel those makeup artist needed to learn? Sadly, those artists did not understand the individuals face. You cannot put the same style of makeup on every face. They used the same formula on every face. That is why Naomi Campbell often looks ashen. Where did/do you suggest they get that training? I do not know how to answer that. At a certain status, you can’t tell an artist that they need to learn some techniques that would improve their skill, as most artist in the fashion industry are not trained. Many artists have fallen into their positions, as much of the industry is based on who you know. You were a model first and then transitioned to makeup artist. How did this help you? Being a model first helped, because I knew the things I did not like. I.e.: dirty brushes used on me, foundations that were not intended for my skin type or too heavy, and so I see to it I do not make those mistakes on others. The skin has to breathe, makeup has to both look and feel a certain way in order to get the best performance from your subject. Have you ever regretted going from model to makeup artist? No, makeup has proven to be a very lucrative career for me. I was short for a model and that limited my jobs, whist make-up has taken me around the world with some of the most prominent artist. What do you love most about being a makeup artist? Pay, travel, perks, and being able to share my Christian faith and hope with others - being able to share Christ with others. What do dislike the most about being a makeup artist? I do not care for the pretentiousness, the superficiality, and the inability to be sincere, or when celebrities regard the very people that are making them look beautiful like they are worthless, along with those who have no vision telling an artist how they should do what they do best. An example would be a corporate mind telling her how she thinks the makeup should be when this is not their expertise. Where or what was your training to become a makeup artist? Actually, I was not trained, my talents are innate, gifts from God. I spent my childhood practicing on my dolls unaware of the future that was ahead of me, and received much licks for it from my dear mum. I guess you can say she was born with that great sense of style.
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10/17/2006
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Interview Questions with Vanessa Evelyn PT 2 By Dayna Pinney in NYC Do you have any certifications or licenses? If so, what are they? No, I do not have any certifications or licenses, as they are not needed in the fashion and music industry, what I do have to my credits are over 50 covers, catalogs, commercials, videos and endless tear-sheets, what clients and agencies want to see is a great book or the query is, "who have you worked with or assisted". How or where do you suggest a person learn makeup if they do not have access to makeup schools? Be clear on the artist work you admire, look them up, and find out if you can study under them. Sadly, many of the instructors who teach makeup at schools do not have the industry experience or standard to inform many of their students of makeup relating to the terminologies of art director, this puts the artists in a bad light, I believe I can safely say what sets Petra Alexandra’s academy apart from all the other schools is that in addition to learning makeup, students are taught about what is expected from them on the sets, and are given opportunities to speak and in some cases meet with booking agents, and art directors during their education. How do you start a portfolio? You start by finding photographers that are testing and see their work. Find a photographer that has what you are looking for. A clear understanding of what you want and do not want in your portfolio help. Who or what do you decide to put in the portfolio? You have to understand the market you want to pursue and that will be your direction. In "Behind the Scenes", you were wearing a facemask. Were you doing airbrushing makeup? No, I use a facemask when I am working on skin manipulation, which is one of my own techniques. I loved the "Tools of the Trade" shot on your website. Where do you get your tools and makeup supplies? It is funny you mention that shot on my site. I did not plan that shot, Models.com shot it. I buy my tools and makeup supplies from Germany, Paris, and London. Germans make the best makeup. Industry fashion people use products from London, Paris, and Germany. The "catalog" makeup artists carry kits. What made you retire as a makeup artist and open your own school, Petra Alexandra, Inc.? I had so many assistants who constantly asked me to open a school, along with the fact that I had heard from so many that I should teach. I did not want to write a book or do a makeup line as many makeup artist do. I wanted to do something different, I was clear that I wanted to share what God had given to me with others. At 41, I choose to retire, I had done everyone, I had seen everything, and I needed a new perspective. I heard a clear voice, non-audible say; "You have many talents and gifts, share them with others." I knew makeup was the tool to start that journey. Therefore, I opened a Christian academy that teaches students how to empower others as it teaches makeup, and hence we have the COMPLETE MAKEOVER. Do you enjoy teaching? LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!! I am passionate about it, I was born to be a teacher.
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10/17/2006
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Interview Questions with Vanessa Evelyn PT 3 By Dayna Pinney in NYC There is also a consulting firm and an image division. How have these expanded your horizons beyond makeup and teaching? (I rephrased the question.) I have been an image consultant forever. It is just another extension of my talents and who I am. God gave me the gift of style and the ability to help others create the image they dream of. Many women are not happy about their appearance and that is where my services come in. It is the most wonderful thing to see dreams come through, to transform images as well as lives. If someone is interested in your school, may they contact you at your email address or website? I am an old geezer, I prefer to speak to people, this way I can get a better sense of the individuals specific needs. I am awestruck at getting to interview you. Have you ever been awestruck while doing someone’s makeup? If so, who and why? Let us say moved, as I am only awestruck by the knowledge of God and what He has done with my life. There are five (5) names that come to mind. They are Sting, Prince, Alanis Morrisette, Tupac Shakur, and the greatest was Rosa Parkes. She really affected me greatly. I was nervous while doing her makeup. In fact, my hands trembled as I did her makeup. She was indeed the Giant of them all! ( Miss Evelyn asked if I knew who Ms. Parkes was. Yes, I read of her in my history books. She was a brave, strong woman.) I enjoyed your website, portfolio, bio, etc. I want to thank you for allowing me to do this interview with you. Thank you for your time, too, Miss Evelyn. She was a wonderful person to interview. She was very patient and informative. It was privilege to interview her. Respectivefully, Dayna. VANESSA EVELYN'S WEBSITE http://www.petraalexandra.com/about_us.htm
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10/17/2006
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NYC " Makeup Artist at Large " -Michael Thomas
ygor_vamp@sprynet.com.
1) Where are you located?
2) What is your educational background?
3) What is your area of expertise?
4) What is your favorite product line?
5) How long have been in the beauty business?
6) How did you get started in this business?
7) What do like about it
8) Any dislikes?
9) Can you share a great experience with us ?
10) Is there anything else you would add? Advise perhaps to anyone starting out?
11) If someone wanted to contact you , how would they do that?
Answers:
1) Belleville, NJ USA
2) I attended Public School, taught myself make-up, and served my apprenticeship in the Make-Up Department of the NY Metropolitan Opera House.
3) I like Old-Age, Character, and Resemblance Make-Up, like I did on "Saturday Night Live" from 1975 through 1995.
4) I have no one favorite. Kryolan, MAC, and Bob Kelly are among my favorites, as each product line is suited for different jobs.
5) Although I do not specialize in it, I have done Corrective/Beauty make-up since I began my professional career in
1972.
6) I taught myself how to draw when I was very young. At age eight, in the late 1950's, I fell madly in love with the old black-and-white horror films shown on TV's "Shock Theatre". My father was the first person to inform me that the monsters I so loved were, basically, actors wearing make-up. The three teachers who headed the Fine-Arts Department in my high school noticed that I could draw pretty well. They introduced me to stage make-up, and encouraged me to develop my skills. Years later, one, Peter A. Runfolo, quit teaching and entered motion picture production. As soon as he could, he afforded me an introduction to Dick Smith. I was about 20 at the time. I showed Dick several photographs of make-up that I had done on my own. Dick was generous enough to write for me a letter of recommendation to IATSE Local #798 (Make-Up Artists & Hairstylists.) Two years later, the apprenticeship position opened at the Met. I went for an interview, got the job, and the rest is history.
7) Mainly, being able to make a living doing something I really love. Make-up is a wonderful combination of art, science, and fantasy - my three favorite flavors. To be able to convincingly achieve an effect (old age, battle make-up, freckles etc.) is deeply satisfying to me. Also, there is a relative immediacy about the fruits of one's labors. That is, I don't have to wait years or even decades - as an architect would, for example - to see the results of my work.
8) The unpredictability of it all. One can never be certain whether an effect will work, or when I as a make-up artist will work.
Also, many jobs are thrown at me with little or no time for preparation or testing. That can be frustrating - maddening, really. Then, there is the sleep-deprivation factor. Working on a feature or episodic TV can really consume your life, and rest and rehabilitation always seem to be at a high premium.
9) Several. Generally, I have been extraordinarily lucky in that the overwhelming majority of the people I have met and worked with as a make-up man have been really wonderful. A real high spot in my career - and my life - was when I did the old age make-up
on John Carradine for the feature film, "The Sentinel." The make-up (designed by Dick Smith) worked very well and Carradine, one of my all-time favorite actors, was one of the most truly incredible individuals I have ever met. Also, being an old horror movie fan, I was delighted to work with the likes of Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, and other people connected with that genre. Finally, I would have to say that surviving 20 seasons on "Saturday Night Live" was one of the happiest associations of my life, being responsible for many professional and personal joys.
10) My advice to anyone serious about the art and craft of make-up would be to learn to draw realistically. Learning to draw is one of the greatest assets to a make-up artist. Also, make sure that your desire to learn make-up has its basis in reality. By that, I mean, you must do it primarily for love of doing it, not because you think it will be an easy way to become rich and hang out with celebrities. It's a tough field to get into and stay in, with many potential heart-breaks, artistic, personal, financial...you name it.
11) Call me at 973-759-4977 (USA) or, e-mail me at ygor_vamp@sprynet.com .
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10/18/2006
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NYC Fashion Makeup Artist-Dyana Aivies daives@aol.com
1) Where are you located?
I am located in NY, NY
2) What is your educational background?
I got my earliest education from my family, all of which are hairdressers and
makeup artists, and got my formal education in California
3) What is your area of expertise?
Freelance fashion print and runway, including but not limited to; fashion
editorial, catalog, advertising, runway, music videos, commercials
4) What is your favorite product line?
Any makeup artist worth her/his salt will tell you that there are many lines
that work depending on what product you need. High-end products include:
Nars, Stila, Face,M.A.C., to low-end products such as the invaluable
Maybeline Great Lash!
5) How long have been in the beauty business?
16 years
6) How did you get started in this business?
Well, as I stated everyone in my family is in this industry, so I got an
early start.
As a kid I did everyone's makeup at the slumber parties, proms, etc., as I
grew up I realized that this was a profitable business. I had visited my aunt
doing makeup on a movie set, and decided this was what I wanted to do for the
rest of my life. I worked in Salons, Makeup Counters, etc., and then started
working with photographers to develop a portfolio.
7) What do like about it
I absolutely LOVE what I do, and I thank God for giving me the chance to make
money doing something I would do for free! What's not to love? I get paid to
play "dress-up" all day long!
8) Any dislikes?
Every upswing has a down side-----the only dislike would have to be trying to
mesh with a million different egos! The higher up the ladder of success, the
bigger the Egos get.
9) Can you share a great experience with us?
There are so many great experiences. Opening up a magazine and seeing my name
(bonus if its spelled correctly -haha), Seeing one of my favorite celebrities
or supermodels up close (bonus-without makeup) and realizing that without a
good makeup artist they are human too!
10) Is there anything else you would add? Advice perhaps to anyone starting
out?
My advice to all the newcomers is this-Make sure that this is your passion,
it's a rocky road [for freelance fashion makeup artists] so make sure you are
willing to be married to your career, to have the drive to get passed the
rejections and find the open door. In a nutshell, work your butt off for
years, and when you think you're ready......Work your butt off for a few more
years!
11) If someone wanted to contact you, how would they do that? >>
They can contact me directly at : daives@aol.com
Or they can visit my website at: http://get.to/makeup
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10/18/2006
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