Film vs. Fashion Make-up Artists

Film and Fashion are like apples and oranges. Both inspire women to try something different within their lives and normal makeup routine. But when they collide it's pure magic. But for some strange reason there seems to be some kind of division or some type of "feeling" among Film and Print Make-up Artists'. Of course, this doesn't apply to all artists'.

When I talk to other Make-up Artists and tell them that I'm a Film & T.V. Make-up Artist I get mixed responses. Half are wonderful responses and the other half seem to respond in a way that may leave me feeling like what I do isn't as prestigious as doing Fashion. I've heard, "Oh, I couldn't do film I would be too bored" or they mention something about the craft services or "I couldn't do the same/boring look every day." I'm sure I'm missing some but you get the point.

Film & T.V. Artists may not set the new trends via the runway but they do make a huge contribution to society and everyday women. It was Alberto De Rossi who created Elizabeth Taylor's famous Cleopatra look, which some say was the source of the famous "Twiggy" look. Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball, Audrey Hepburn, and this list also includes the famous Beauties of Old Hollywood like Clara Bow, Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, and many more but all of their looks have shaped the way that Fashion & Print Make-up Artists do makeup.

The point of this particular post is to shed a little light and awareness that being a Film & T.V. Make-up Artist is just as fabulous as being a Fashion & Print Make-up Artist. Both sides have their own special set of pros and cons, but neither are superior to the other. I believe that we all are hard-working ROCKSTARS!!! It's not just the famous Special Effects Artsits' that you can learn from, the other artists' have something to offer as well. It doesn't matter what road you choose to go down, there are creative and innovative artists on both sides that inspire each other and the world.

Bad Mouthing Other Artists'

Unfortunately, bad mouthing other artists' happens in the Makeup Industry. Heck it happens in all industries. But I'm just going to focus on the industry that I work in. Why is this happening? Is it because of jealousy or has the offended artist been hurt in some way by another artist? The issues and reasons that person may have are endless. There is enough work out there for everybody and there's absolutely no reason to be cut throat, undercut or bash another artist. How do you think the person you are talking to about another artist feels or will look at you? Even though an artist may feel like they are just blowing off steam, they turn out looking foolish themselves.

Is it really worth it? The industry is small and you never know who knows who. Bad mouthing can lead you to loose a job, a potential client, ruin your reputation, and get you blacklisted. If you have to vent, don't  do it to another industry insider and definitely not to a client. I know the industry is frustrating at times but we as artists have to uplift and support one another.

“The habit of being uniformly considerate toward others will bring increased happiness to you!"
- GREENVILLE KLEISER

Sisterhood!

I'm a huge advocate of sisterhood, which may sound corny to some people but I'm not concerned with that. When I say sisterhood, I'm speaking in regards to all women and all races. I'm not into tearing other women down or having an opinion about certain women without being able to back it up with facts. It's one thing not to like another woman for something they have personally done to you or someone you love and care about but it's a completely different story to dislike and hate someone because of their success, race, drive in life, I mean the list can go on and on.

When I was growing up I remember when I would be around some of my female friends and we would see a pretty girl and one of the first things that would come out their mouths was "Oh, she thinks she's cute." Me being the rebel that I am, I would always challenge that comment with saying "How do you know what she thinks?" They never had a comeback for it, which always seemed strange to me at the time. I think there should be an accountability for the relationships and people that you come in contact with.

In my line of work, there are some artists who don't or refuse to share information but will always ask for information. I'm not sure why this exist, it could be that they may feel that someone will take the information and dwindle their chances to excel. Who knows? But whatever the reason or feeling is, the bigger question is why is it there? Whatever is meant for you will still be for you. When you put forth the effort to create a genuine connection, have it be personal, business, or both then you should know the person that you're dealing with to some degree. I understand that a lot of artists have been burned by attempting to help others and I completely get it. But what if someone stopped you and your success right before it happened. What if that special someone didn't help you because of all the times that they have been burned?