Marissa Rhoades, Makeup Artist

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

A. Weddings

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

A. 1.) Do your research! Not all great makeup artists are licensed, but that doesn't mean they are less valuable than those that aren't. An artist's experience and portfolio speaks for itself.

2.) Make sure contracts are involved. This is beneficial to the client and the artist. Make sure all fees and services are understood so that there are no surprises along the way. If the artist does not offer a clear contract of EXACTLY how much they arecharging and what services they will be providing, then be cautious.

3.) Sometimes clients have a difficult time describing the look they want to achieve. Sometimes words are lost in translation, or their idea of what something is differs from a makeup artist (i.e the difference between frost, shimmer and glitter). Pictures of similar looks are always helpful as are celebrities to compare them to.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. Just because someone has a license or degree in cosmetology, it doesn't mean they are a better makeup artist.

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

A. I study all subversive makeup styles such as gothic, punk, cyber and club kid. I also love everything about Asian culture (since that's what I am) so I'm always looking at Asian fashion magazines, researching Japanese and Korean cosmetics and practice standard Asian beauty makeup application. I make my own luxury bath products like soaps, salts, and candles. I also have extensive knowledge of many major cosmetic lines as well as how to practice do-it-yourself natural skin care.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. Making people feel good about themselves.

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

A. How did you get into makeup?

A: It was completely by accident. I was actually applying for a bridal consultant position at a department store. At the end of my first interview, they said I would benefit the cosmetics department better than the bridal. I was hesitant because I didn't to be a "makeup girl." I was kind of a tomboy and rejected anything super girly. When they told me cosmetics was the highest paying position in the store AND we got commission, I was sold. That day I became the counter manager of Elizabeth Arden. Since then, I've never worked in any other profession. I've worked for Clinique, Lancome, and now M.A.C. cosmetics. I've been doing freelance work for the past 2 years and love it!

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. A cancer survivor had lost her eyebrows and eye lashes to chemotherapy. I sat her down, drew on some eyebrows and showed her how to apply fake lashes. The smile she gave when she looked at herself in the mirror was the most inspiring moment of my career.

Q. Describe your most recent project, what it involved, how much it cost, and how long it took.

A. I recently did some work for Designers Afaf Seyam and Suzy Atkinson in the Art to Wear 2011 fashion show in Raleigh, NC. I made up 7 models where have their face was metallic and the other natural. I did not charge a fee b/c I was helping out a friend and I had never done a fashion show before. It took about 4 hours to complete 7 faces. You can watch the video I made of this experience here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEwwJfg2e1Y