LA FEMME FORTE
FEATURED ARTISTS
Photographer Liz Rosa
http://www.lizrosaphoto.ca
Make-‐up Vanessa Mills
VMMA MAKEUP ARTISTRY SCHOOL & STUDIO
http://www.vanessamills.com
Hair & Nails
Stephanie Daon
Model Shereen @ LUXE Model Management
http://www.luxemodels.ca/women/shereen/index.html
FEATURED MAKEUP ARTISTS INTERVIEW
1. What do you hope your contribution to the project says to the viewers?
I hope that viewers will enjoy the beauty of the woman. The makeup, hair, nails and how the model is directed is so breathtaking.
2. How has working with a team benefited you aside from strengthening your skills?
It has made me even more creative in my thinking. Having the team’s energy and excitement is extremely contagious, such an amazing feeling!
3. What is some good advice for Makeup Artists striving to work in this industry?
I could easily write a long essay on this subject as I am also an owner of a private instructional makeup school (VMMA Makeup Artistry School & Studio). But since I want to keep this very short for the viewers to read… I would say the first most important part is to love what you do! Make sure to always be polite, respectful, and reliable and always keep an open mind creatively at all times.
4. What do you find to be the most rewarding and difficult when working with a team of artists to meet a common look?
I absolutely love to be part of creating any project. It’s this huge excitement of what we will collaborate together on. That feeling never goes away. I would say the most difficult part would be narrowing down each concept we all like as a team.
5. How do you plan for the unexpected?
I try to organize everything! Before I even consider working on a shoot or with a client I ask a lot of questions. It is super important to be as prepared as possible as even when you do have a good storyboard and lots of information, things always can change on a project. If it were something I wasn’t sure what my client wanted I would bring my entire kit.
6. What do you feel is a common mistake Makeup Artists make?
We all make mistakes. I like to view those mistakes as learning. If you learn from them, they are never mistakes only learning curves. If I had to say what common mistake any artist can make is not realizing that we are all in this together. There are enough of us to go around with the opportunities out there. We all have our own skills and what I call signature style. I wish we all learned more about each other not comparing or competing. Enjoy your own career, work hard, give back and don’t doubt your talents!
7. What advanced classes have you taken that you feel has helped you the most?
I’ve been in the industry for over 16 years and you never stop learning! I wouldn’t say just one person or class has helped me thus far. It is an accumulation of being self taught, then going to makeup school, working alongside Bobbi Brown’s personal makeup assistants, learning from other makeup artists to even my mother. Having a strong art background is definitely my strength. I take a lot of my methods and concepts from all types of art.
8. What do you say to those who don’t feel education is important throughout their career?
You never stop learning! And you shouldn’t stop learning from either yourself (going to the library reading art books, workshops and any makeup classes you can find in your area). I don’t believe everyone knows everything. Knowledge is power! Now a day’s it’s not just about how amazing your makeup applications are it’s how to brand yourself as an artist. Many artists don’t have that naturally in them the business part. Some schools like mine are completely geared towards this before you graduate. Taking lots of classes is not enough you need a proper business course in makeup artistry to seal the deal. We personalize ours to all our students needs. This is where the real magic happens (getting paid work and finally others seeing your makeup talents!).
9. How do you keep your style fresh?
I am always coming up with new ideas from my own imagination, colors I really like and trying to bring those two things together. I am also a huge magazine and book obsessed person. I can’t get enough of looking at what others are wearing from their makeup, hair and down to their shoes. Every little detail is that important to a makeup artist.
10. What would you say you have learned of most value through your experiences as a Makeup Artist?
There are so many great things I have learned from doing makeup professionally. The people are what drives me the most. I love seeing a woman look in the mirror after I have just completed their makeup. To see their face light up and feel so good about themselves (even when they don’t’ realize how beautiful they are naturally before makeup) makes me extremely happy! I just get a lot of happiness from my career. I would also say that meeting new people as much as I do makes you a better communicator and forces you to look at the big picture. I truly value each and every person I have had the honor to work with.
11. How would you describe your style?
My makeup style is: Clean, Fresh, Detailed and Diverse.
12. How did you get your start in the editorial world? How hard or easy was it for you to build your career?
It is a long story! (short version) I’ve always been a hard worker and have such a huge passion for what I do. I started off in theatre and fashion and a few years later I ended up in film/tv. I stayed in film/tv for about 6 years but always worked in fashion during my film days off. I built up my portfolio by networking with a lot of photographers (calling them or emailing them). From there I had built up a really big portfolio that allowed me to work with even more photographers and new clients. I wouldn’t say it was ever easy. I’ve done everything on my own but I am more proud of that then being served things that I might have not been really ready for at the beginning of my makeup career. Through all the highs and lows you really get to know yourself and how much you are willing to work even harder at.
13. What has been the most amazing opportunity you have had in this industry so far?
There are quite a few amazing opportunities that have come my way. I was given the chance to work with Ozzy Osborne for Interview Magazine a few years back. Interview contacted me directly after seeing my makeup work on my website. I was beyond excited, shocked and nervous! I was very fortunate to work with Grace Park of Hawaii Five-O. She is the most kind and natural beauty. Earlier this year I was asked by Z!NK magazine’s owner to not only be the makeup artist for their photo shoot but the producer! We shot Alexia Fast and not only did we get the full editorial but the cover too! This was my very first big magazine cover! Words cannot describe these amazing events in my life. I am always so appreciative.
14. What colors are you in love with right now?
The colours I am addicted to right now are: gold’s, silvers, whites, reds, copper and a deep blue.
15. What inspires you?
I know this sounds funny coming from a makeup artist… But, I have always found that what inspires me most is a woman without any makeup on and women that have their own style of makeup that never changes. It fascinates me.
16. Next BIG goal?
Wow! That’s a big question! I have many of them, probably too many to mention. But I will say that I hope to be working a lot more outside of Vancouver this coming year. My main focus right now is my fashion, clients and wanting to work with more celebrity clientele. One day though I want my makeup work seen on the front cover of Allure Magazine!! That to me would be the tops!
