Professional Mobile Makeup Artist

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. My two most common types of jobs include:

1. Photoshoots

2. Figure/Bikini Competitions

I have the most hands-on experience at photoshoot jobs, but I am also a figure competitor and understand the needs of Figure and Bikini competitors.

Photoshoots can have the following looks:

*Clean headshots
*Fitness
*Fitness glamour
*Glamour
*High fashion

Figure/Bikini Competitions are all stage! Not only is makeup a lot heavier and "show" style for the ladies, but I put a lot of focus on shading and contouring because of the very bright lights on stage. Additionally, I can custom blend the makeup to agree with the heavy spray tan worn by competitors.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Do your research! Keep in mind that you are looking to hire them, so think of yourself as the interviewer for a new hire. They want YOUR business, so don't be afraid to ask as many questions as you need. A true professional will have nothing to hide and answer your questions and show their portfolio with ease.

Try to find the answers to these questions:

"How long have they been a makeup artist?"

"Do they have formal training/education? If so, where and what emphasis did their program have?"

"What types of work have they done? Film, high fashion, basic beauty, weddings? Men/women? Age ranges? Ethnicities?"

"Do they have testimonials? What do people have to say about them?"

"Do they have a personal style of makeup application evident in their work?"

"What are there rates? How do their rates compare to other makeup artists in your area?"

"Do you feel comfortable working with them?" With any personal service, there needs to be a professional level of trust. If you do not feel comfortable with this person, do not give them one penny! There are plenty of very talented artists.

Keep in mind that talent is talent -- just because an artist has been actively working as a makeup artist for many years does not necessarily make them the most talented. Some of the best artists I know are young and/or have only been makeup artists for a few short years. The two most important factors that define an artist are:

1. Their portfolio work

2. Their testimonials

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. The foundation of my education and professional work is based on clean beauty, which is created by considering shape and angles of the face and its features, lighting and specific context of makeup wear. Additionally, I like to create a learning atmosphere to all I work with. I encourage questions and comments in order to share my knowledge and establish a collaborative team encompassing trust and communication. It is critical for me to ensure my clients are comfortable with me and that my work meets and/or exceeds their expectations.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. There are two:

*Meeting and collaborating with new and creative individuals and creating new friendships and partnerships.

and

*Making men and women feel like a million bucks! The look on their faces and immediate boost in confidence is absolutely priceless.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. "Did you always want to be a makeup artist growing up?"

As a matter of fact, I never thought about it growing up...it was just something I was always good at doing both on myself and friends/family. Out of High School I moved to Los Angeles to pursue fashion design. After a few years I found myself depressed and unhealthy in the industry and decided on a career change. I decided to pursue two things I was passionate about -- Beauty and Fitness. I was always an artist in some form growing up. I found great crossover in the artistic principles taught in both fashion design college and the makeup academy I attended, which strengthened my application tremendously. Having an understanding of fashion has served as an amazing tool as a makeup artist working with such a range of clients.

"What kind of makeup is the best?"

First of all, it is important to note that in terms of types of face, eye and lip makeup, every person has different needs. Skin type, age and skin tone are the basic considerations when choosing makeup. Additionally, while there are certain "dos and don'ts" with makeup application, keep in mind that with eye and lip application, most of the current trends are just that ... current! Meaning, many of the trends we see today will not be in fashion in 10+ years, so it is important to keep an open mind and differentiate between your personal preference and style, and that which trends try to dictate. On the subject of brands, there are many good brands that are both very expensive and also that can be purchased at the local drug store. Some of my favorites are Cinema Secrets, Stila, M.A.C, Too Faced, Revlon and Cover Girl. The key is to try new products out. A noted high quality cosmetics brand can come out with a few lousy products in their line. It is the same with car brands -- a specific company might have a powerful high performance vehicle, a great SUV yet horrible sedans and trucks in their line as "product fillers".

"What is the best way to apply eye liner?"

There are several options in applying eye liner; liquid liner, brush and shadow, brush and gel liner, an angled brush, small/medium/large liner brushes, eye pencil, etc. The key is to find the tools that you, personally, are able to produce the best precision for your desired look. I personally love the look of the conventional liquid liner, but this can be tricky to both the experienced and inexperienced. The brush and shadow/gel method came about to get the look of liquid liner without being as difficult to create. I personally only use an angled brush when applying shadow or gel liner to myself or clients because my hand feels more comfortable with this, but other people prefer the thinner liner brushes. Moral of this is to find what works best for you. Who cares how you get the look as long as it looks good!