ESTHETICS
MAKE K UPLADDER KE
Compiled by Tina Christopoulos and Morella Aguirre
Three makeup artists describe their rise to the top and plant a few seeds of wisdom
WHAT WAS THE TURNING POINT IN YOUR CAREER?
WHAT DO ASPIRING MAKEUP ARTISTS NEED TO KNOW?
WHAT MAKES A GOOD MAKEUP ARTIST?
Working in retail for Aveda in New York, then trained with Dana Walker and Brian Dupree, learning the art of makeup conceptually and not so much based on technique.
In 1999, Ray Civello, then creative director of Aveda Global, saw Rudy on the floor and was impressed by him. When Dana Walker decided to leave Aveda to start a family, she recommended Rudy to take over her position, and Ray Civello offered him the position of Global Artist.
Learn to retail. Even the most established and acclaimed makeup artists like Gucci Westman and Bobbie Brown are all trying to push product. So ask yourself: “Can I sell makeup?”
You need to be up-to-date in the beauty business and know about skin care. Often, makeup covers up skin problems, but makeup should work hand in hand with a skin regimen, and a good makeup artist should be able to help recognize problems and not just cover them up.
I apprenticed with makeup artist Paul Langill for about a year before getting my portfolio together and visiting agencies. I travelled quite a bit with him and got to learn with hands-on training. Finally, I got picked up by Ford in the hair and makeup division.
Because I had such thorough training in the field right away, I started working with top photographers and top agencies from the beginning. So, I really feel my career took off right away.
To never give up and always keep trying. You’re going to get rejected a lot. So learn to be persistent but not pushy. And keep doing creative jobs, whether big or small. It will keep your mind exercised and you will keep learning.
Having the ability to fulfill what the client wants. Always being willing to learn and not being rigid about technique. Every job is different and every editor wants something different, you need to be able to deliver that. Keep an open mind and you can always learn from others.
My very first job was in the theatre in Alberta. I then worked at weddings and department stores. I won my first ABA award for evening fashion makeup at 17 years old. I moved to Calgary and started working for Nars Cosmetics. That’s when I met my first agent, Kelly Streit, from Mode Models.
When I moved to Toronto. When I was in Calgary I was still getting a lot of work but moving to Toronto represented the big city for me. I also started my company just before I moved and that was something I had always wanted to do.
You need to try and find a really good agency. And build a very good book. Take every opportunity you get to grow your network and your portfolio.
You have to be able to listen really well and understand what the client wants. People do things in different ways and you have to be open to that. Never think you’re better than anyone else and look at what others are doing. I learn something new every day. S
WHAT IS YOUR TITLE?
HOW DID YOU START IN THE BUSINESS?
AVEDA GLOBAL FACE COLOUR ARTIST
Rudy Miles
FREELANCE HAIR & MAKEUP ARTIST, JUDY INC.
Tana D’amico
FREELANCE MAKEUP ARTIST, PLUTINO GROUP / ARTISTS BY TIMOTHY PRIANO; OWNER, BEAUTÉ COSMETICS
Beau Nelson
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salon > september 06
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