my “office” ??

In my world, organization is of the utmost importance.  Some (but not all) expectations of a makeup artist are:

1) tools/makeup are spotless
2) has anything and everything
3) can work out of anywhere

Sometimes number 3 is a tall order…………………

I have a usual set up when I go to a gig.  I like to get my basics out and in front of me.  Moisturizer, makeup remover, water, brushes, brush cleaner, 99% alcohol (for sanitation), bobby pins, q tips, wands (eyes/lips),  sponges, primer (eyes/face), mixing palate, lip balm (the list can go on for days).  Then my foundation palate, blusher, eyes makeup and  anything specialized.  Hair stuff to the side and tissues front and center.

(organized set up)

That is pretty standard and how I like my makeup station to be (see organized station above).

Sometimes base camp is a bathroom or someone’s kitchen (with people still cooking.  What???).  Not always so conducive for creating beauty but we do it and ultimately, we love the challenge!!   On one shoot, I was asked to do the  makeup for our models outside.   In 10 degree weather.  From the back of my car!?!  It was freeeeezing but our models were such great sports and my client was super thankful we made it happen!

(the back of my car)

What do some of your set ups look like?  Here are some of my favorites below.

(backstage)

(bathroom)

(studio)

(kitchen)

(classroom)

(living room)

Have a great week!!

This is happening…

While I learn how to better manage my time, I wanted to give a quick update on some things I have been working on and some major shout outs.  I have been networking away for the past few months and what seemed impossible has become possible.  All it took was a little faith, confidence in my work and honestly, some super cool people.  Trying to break into a new industry in a new place can be daunting but I have come into my own circle of friends who are quickly becoming family.

In January, we finished shooting the Z-Strain.  A zombie movie that I was able to try out my special effects skills on.  I worked with a great crew and got some more experience with the special effects side of the business.  This is something I am definitely going to pursue.  Please visit and like Z Strain on Facebook.

In late January, I had the amazing opportunity to do makeup for Becky Swanson of Late Night Alumni.  They were performing at Ruby Skye in San Fransisco and while my honey was running the lights, I was getting Becky stage ready!  Very very special thanks to not only Becky  but to John Hancock as well as Tracey and Finn Bjarnson.  They have been a great supporters of my endeavor and I am very grateful for them.  Check out some of the smooth sounds of LNA.

In early February, I was lucky enough to attend a makeup school in New York.  I was working under Mitch Ely, who is an excellent teacher and one I learned extensively with.  He is the MUA for CNN currently but some of his background is in film which is where I am leaning towards.  Our curriculum involved makeup, application of makeup and trends of the century.  This was followed by an awesome day of photo shoots in a gorgeous NYC building.  We just happened to be right next to Studio 54 so the inspiration was already there for me.  Mitch does p/t teaching for Last Looks Academy which hosts all kinds of makeup classes nationwide.  Our working set up was amazing as was the models we worked on.  Mitch patiently taught us how to apply makeup starting with the 1920’s all the way through to current day.  The tips and tricks he offered came from many years of tried and true.  Many that I have begun to apply in my world.  Our last day was our opportunity to shoot with 5 different models using 5 different looks.  Basically anything I wanted to showcase.  We had a photographer who took amazing photos of our models and we all walked away with fabulous photos to add to our portfolios.  I should get the final shots soon and I will most definitely share.  Here is a link to my photos during the photo shoot.

Next step was meeting a great photographer with a great message.  Cameron VanAusdal owner of CNV Studios is a portrait photographer that has slowly gotten into the “boudoir” photo sessions.  I will be guest blogging monthly on his website.  The main focus of this blog is to empower us as women to fully understand our potential.  Beauty is so subjective and once we learn to look within ourselves (instead of in the mirror) we can truly shine.  Please visit his new site at www.wortheverypicture.com and keep an eye out for my articles as well as other guest bloggers.

Did some makeup with my friends at Cornerstone Show Foundation.  Thanks as always..

I also had the opportunity to work with the lovely Samantha Mitchell.  She is producer, art director and photographer for ESEM productions.  She is not only awesome at what she does, she is a Brooklyn girl so it was a nice surprise to talk some NY with her.  I was feeling a bit homesick after being in the city for a week so needless to say, the shoot went well.  That couldn’t have happened without the help of a fellow MUA, Megan Reilley.  She keeps me posted on new opportunities and I finally had the chance to work with her on my next project, Proper Manors.  Megan is another inspiration in my life.  I am grateful to know her.

So Proper Manors is a local web drama that just started shooting season two but more on that later.  None of this would be happening if it wasn’t for my wonderful friend and guardian angel, Cate Allen.  I met her at a Utah Film Commission luncheon and she took me under her wing.  I worked with her on Z-Strain (which she choose me to work on) and that’s when the magic happened.  She has sent me countless job opportunities and even helped me with my resume.  She has been instrumental in keeping my confidence up even when work is dry.  She is an amazing actress and producer as well as a savvy business woman.  She hosts a radio talk show each week on Ktalk Utah.  Please tune in Mondays at 9am MST to hear what she is up too.  Her show “Celebrating Women” discusses businesses and topics that involve and celebrate the uniqueness of being a woman, while giving practical insight to everyone. Celebrating Women highlights local and national women-friendly businesses, interests, and products. Celebrating Women is the “go to” outlet for women to access viable information, discounts, and solutions.

Whew. OK.  Proper Manors.  Co-creator, agent, actor and all around great guy (I am sure he is more)..  Pietro D’Allessio asked me to join his team of MUA’s for his series Proper Manors.  As it turns out, our Head of Makeup Dept from last year took another position and I am now the onsite lead (Key MUA).  I am so grateful to Johnnett Bailey Robinson for trusting me to make it happen.  She was onsite for all of (long) season one and got the flow down to a science.  I feel great about our first weekend of shooting and I am confident I am maintaining the same momentum from last year in her absence.  The cast and crew of Proper has been probably the nicest part about this project.  Even after three, 14 hour days, (an hour and a half away from my home)…..I am extremely excited to be on set working with everyone.  It doesn’t even feel like I worked one hour.  That’s when you know your doing something right.  A side note on Pietro and his wonderful wife Tina..  They have welcomed me with open arms and they surround themselves with such great people that it truly is a pleasure going to work each day.  As I have started to meet more of the crew, I see why they are a family.  The atmosphere is one of love and laughs and I am certain Proper Manors will become the original vision it was intended to be.

Thank you to my friend and neighbor, Lora Garlitz of La Belle Luminere Photography who encourgaed me to take some pro head shots and my son Joseph and his girlfriend Melissa, who tweeted my website to thier many followers.  I am at 3100 likes!!  Woo hoo!!

This is just a few of the people that have given me the strength to continue on.  Thank you to my family and  I am eternally grateful to my hunnee as well.  I couldn’t do any of this without his endless support and encouragement.  I hope I can do the same for him.

OH YEAH…

One more honorable mention…

This goes out to all the haters of the world that tried to make my life a living hell.   Without the haters, I would not have BROKEN down, reevaluated or moved on. So yeah, thanks haters.

Enjoy your week 🙂