THIS ARTICLE IS CREDITED TO THE INTERVIEWER AT GLITZ & GLITTER BLOG!....
I’m a big fan of your work! Your current project is the new hit TV show “The Fosters”! Are you excited to be working on the show?
Thank you so much! I am so excited about this show. It has been so long in coming and if it helps just one person be true to themselves then it is worth it. The writing is really true and I think people can really relate to it.
How did you get your start in the industry?
I was teaching fashion design at the University of Cincinnati and I met an incredible makeup artist and hair designer, Lena Kaleva, teaching in the conservatory at the university. She took me under her wing and trained me. I did makeup and wigs with her in opera and musical theater for two years at night while I was teaching during the day! My masters degree is in Costume Designer from Syracuse University so I was always working in the theater. I moved to NYC after two years in Cincinnati and one of my first jobs was with Barbara Walters! I stayed with her for two years, got into the union and then my career really started.
Did you always know you wanted to be a makeup artist?
Not really. I thought I would be a performer or designer but I was dealt with an amazing deck and went with it! I was at the right place at the right time, it was creative and I loved it so stayed.
Lets talk Maia Mitchell. She is one of the up and coming stars. What is your routine for her?
I love Maia. She is so smart and so talented. And even better, has a great sense of humor. The character on The Fosters has had a tough time and finally has been accepted by a loving family. With that said, I wanted her to look as natural as possible but still see a change as she feels abit more safe with her family. I do a full makeup (foundation, blush, powder, eye shadow, mascara, brows and lips) but always well blended and very natural.
Any certain products that you just LOVE to use on the cast?
I have to say I use many products each working for a specific reason. I use everything from MAC and L’oreal to YSL, Laura Mercier, Viseart shadows and Le Clerc.
Lets talk the guys on The Fosters, what does their routine look like?
Since digital is now the norm I find it imperative that the makeup is flawlessly applied and the right coloration used. Nothing makes me crazier than SEEING makeup on men. Everyone gets make up but I am so careful that you never see it.
If you weren’t a makeup artist, what would you be?
A college professor. I taught university for eight years before I became a makeup artist and loved it. I was given the opportunity to do makeup and it was new and exciting. I got to travel, work with incredible people and live a life a kid from Cincinnati, Ohio could only dream of. Believe me, I am thankful everyday!
What is your advice for someone that wanted to be in the business?
I say never stop looking and learning. I have been in the business a long, long time and I am always nervous before a project starts. I feel like it keeps me on my toes and allows me to really stay connected with what’s new. Don’t listen to all of the negative hype about how difficult, competitive, blah, blah blah! If you really want it to happen it will. I work all the time in spite of all of what’s going on right now. Stay focused and it will come. On a creative note I strongly urge anyone who wants to be a makeup artist is to first and foremost take a color class. That is vital. So many times I work with artists who have no idea of the basics! Start at the bottom and learn everything! Go to museums, look at magazines, take walks in nature. That is where some of the most amazing inspiration lies!
Thank you so much! I am so excited about this show. It has been so long in coming and if it helps just one person be true to themselves then it is worth it. The writing is really true and I think people can really relate to it.
How did you get your start in the industry?
I was teaching fashion design at the University of Cincinnati and I met an incredible makeup artist and hair designer, Lena Kaleva, teaching in the conservatory at the university. She took me under her wing and trained me. I did makeup and wigs with her in opera and musical theater for two years at night while I was teaching during the day! My masters degree is in Costume Designer from Syracuse University so I was always working in the theater. I moved to NYC after two years in Cincinnati and one of my first jobs was with Barbara Walters! I stayed with her for two years, got into the union and then my career really started.
Did you always know you wanted to be a makeup artist?
Not really. I thought I would be a performer or designer but I was dealt with an amazing deck and went with it! I was at the right place at the right time, it was creative and I loved it so stayed.
Lets talk Maia Mitchell. She is one of the up and coming stars. What is your routine for her?
I love Maia. She is so smart and so talented. And even better, has a great sense of humor. The character on The Fosters has had a tough time and finally has been accepted by a loving family. With that said, I wanted her to look as natural as possible but still see a change as she feels abit more safe with her family. I do a full makeup (foundation, blush, powder, eye shadow, mascara, brows and lips) but always well blended and very natural.
Any certain products that you just LOVE to use on the cast?
I have to say I use many products each working for a specific reason. I use everything from MAC and L’oreal to YSL, Laura Mercier, Viseart shadows and Le Clerc.
Lets talk the guys on The Fosters, what does their routine look like?
Since digital is now the norm I find it imperative that the makeup is flawlessly applied and the right coloration used. Nothing makes me crazier than SEEING makeup on men. Everyone gets make up but I am so careful that you never see it.
If you weren’t a makeup artist, what would you be?
A college professor. I taught university for eight years before I became a makeup artist and loved it. I was given the opportunity to do makeup and it was new and exciting. I got to travel, work with incredible people and live a life a kid from Cincinnati, Ohio could only dream of. Believe me, I am thankful everyday!
What is your advice for someone that wanted to be in the business?
I say never stop looking and learning. I have been in the business a long, long time and I am always nervous before a project starts. I feel like it keeps me on my toes and allows me to really stay connected with what’s new. Don’t listen to all of the negative hype about how difficult, competitive, blah, blah blah! If you really want it to happen it will. I work all the time in spite of all of what’s going on right now. Stay focused and it will come. On a creative note I strongly urge anyone who wants to be a makeup artist is to first and foremost take a color class. That is vital. So many times I work with artists who have no idea of the basics! Start at the bottom and learn everything! Go to museums, look at magazines, take walks in nature. That is where some of the most amazing inspiration lies!
Once again this interview is from the Glitz and Glitter Blog! If you all would like to see more interviews like this one please let me know and leave your suggestions and comments in the box below! Thanks! :)