Makeup 101

Did you go to school for Makeup?

I didn't attend school for my profession. Working, attending workshops, reading books and studying magazines became my school. I learned my craft as I went and I was always making sure I was around people who inspired me and people I could learn from. I went to FIDM, Fashion College where I studied Visual Communications. I learned the theories of color and design, which helped me as an artist. I also learned how to market a creative business, plan events, wardrobe style and various other skills that helped me along my way as a freelance makeup artist and business owner. I put myself through college while working as a Hair & Makeup Artist. I continue to soak up all the knowledge I can, I continue to push my self, my creativity and my courage. I recommend if you're a Makeup Artist to make sure you're attending Trade shows! Here are a few NOT to miss...

IMATS. www.imats.net International Makeup Artist Trade Show. I was totally inspired by my time at the trade show in Pasadena and ran into some ol' favorites including Dany Sanz of Makeup Forever, Sharon Gault aka Mama Makeup, and met some new inspirational artists including the incredible, Rae Morris and the Creator of IMATS and The Makeup Artist Magazine himself, Michael Key.

The Makeup Show: www.TheMakeupShow.com which starts TODAY (May 15 &16th) in NYC! I so wish I can be there for this spectacular display of talent!! Some of the gurus I'd love to see if I were in the Big Apple this weekend would be... Billy B (whom I had the pleasure of running into while at the MAC store at The Grove in LA!), Charlie Green, Patti Dubroff, Reggie Wells, Sam Fine and other stars!

Enjoy Life. Live Beautifully. Keep Creating. And don't be afraid to Play with Makeup!

An interview...

I had the honor of being asked to be interviewed for a Senior Project. I love to share my story and passion with young artists! Here are a few of my answers (1 of 11 questions), thought I'd also share it with you!

1. What made me become a makeup artist: a Dream and an opportunity, with a lot of dedication, passion and courage! I grew up dancing, so makeup application was a natural part of every performance or concert. As young as I can remember I loved playing dress up and doing makeup. I practiced on my sisters and friends, and at 16 I went and applied for a job at Glamour Shots. It was working there for 2 years that I was able to get my hands on faces of all ages, all ethnicities, all colors. I gained a tremendous amount of experience and love for my craft during those 2 years! At age 18, I met and started working with a celebrity Photographer, who I ended up working with for the next 10 years! I became a makeup artist, because I followed my dream and just NEVER STOPPED doing it, I NEVER GAVE UP!!