Celebrity Makeup Artist Intern for Denise Tunnell: "Lessons Learned"

I assisted celebrity Makeup Artist, Denise Tunnell on the film, The Marriage Chronicles, in Los Angeles last month and I was able to walk away with many valuable lessons that I'd like to share:

1. Understand the industry in which you work. This is the film industry. Be familiar with the character's names, actors, script, and jargon. How makeup is done for film is not the same as a fashion show , etc. Open your mind to understand the "why."

2. Do not self-promote. "If they like how you do their makeup, trust me they know how to get in touch with you."- Denise Tunnell. It's "tacky" to hand out business cards from crew to cast and it's best to be "asked for."

3. Do not engage into conversations amongst the cast. You are there to work and do makeup so get it done. Many times the actors would go from personal conversation into rehearsing and it's best not to disrupt their train of thought also too much chitter chatter on a personal level is not professional and can be viewed as "trying to get in" with the actors. Cordial is just fine.

4. Always make sure you eat before you start. Don't allow yourself to be rushed into starting because someone arrives earlier as if you get started you will be on a roll. Cast as well as crew have a vital impact on the production.

5. Take photos for continuity. For some projects it's good to have a camera and printer or Polaroid to capture each look you do as they pertain to any given scene. This is vital just in case a scene is shot over again. I also made note of each product I used on each actor. (Terri Vaughn, Persia White (touch-ups), Caryn Ward, Billy "Sly" Williams, Darrin Henson, and Ayo Sorrells).

6. I learned how to groom a man's beard with a mascara wand and the "Hair Reel" product.

7. I also learned when doing a man's makeup ensure to cover the ears as well and head if he is bald.

8. I used the beauty blender for the first time and loved seeing the difference (much smoother makeup in appearance). It's great for blending and applying concealers, corrects, blush, and even the contour areas.

9. I learned how makeup appears differently on an HD film camera versus non-HD. It seemed as if more "red" was pulled from the actor's faces so I had to adjust accordingly.

10. It is best to have separate makeup bags for each actor with all products needed for touch-ups while on set and an affordable route is zip-lock bags!

11. If you make an error with makeup, it may be best to clean it off and start all over versus trying to correct over what you've done already. Each case will dictate.

12. Find a "happy middle" when the actor wants their makeup differently than what is requested for the scene.

13. I was also happy to try out some products from Denise's makeup line Illusions Beauty.

14. When working as an intern you are more than an assistant. You don't just "help." You walk away with a lot of the "how to" and "why."

When assisting as a makeup artist it is vital to be a good listener with open ears and mind, be on time and attentive, and realize that you are there for anything requested. I did makeup, took out the trash, ran and grabbed food, took pictures, etc. I was eager regardless of the limited rest I had from working 12-15 hour days back to back.
This experience was beyond valuable, so valuable that I think it is something I should have or would have paid for versus being paid!


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Celebrity Makeup Artist Intern for Denise Tunnell: "Got The Gig"

It's amazing how networking via various social platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, to name a few, can lead to promising opportunities. It's even more amazing to know that it requires hard work coupled with talent, faith, preparation, strong will, a relentless drive for success, and dedication to meet the opportunities set forth for you in your life. One cannot simply be eager, but one must be ready as well. One cannot simply be ready, but prepared as well.

I received the awesome opportunity of being selected as 1 of the 3 makeup artist interns to work with Denise Tunnell on the film, The Marriage Chronicles in Los Angeles last month. Now let me tell you step by step how this happened and what it TOOK from my end because nothing is easy. Everything worthwhile has to be worked for.

• I'm very active in social media. 
• I've been following, tweeting, and learning from Jennifer James Beauty
• I was invited to join a makeup artist group on Facebook by Jennifer James Beauty
• I stay active via these social mediums.
• I spend my time honing my craft, making my work available for peer critique, testing different products, and researching different makeup techniques when I'm not doing makeup for photoshoots or events.
• As most of you know, I'm also in the Military. I was away for 1-week training with limited internet access, but logged on when the day allowed although we were working 12-15 hour days.
• I noticed the post about Denise Tunnell looking for interns and I immediately posted to the thread that I would apply and was very much interested. As I saw many makeup artists comment I knew the competition would be tight, nevertheless I was hungry and wanted my work to at least be reviewed and considered. Notice, many times we as artist may feel that we are not ready and never put ourselves out there. If I never even presented my work for consideration would I have had this opportunity? NO! Being considered is a form of success in itself, but it doesn't stop there.
• Because my mission didn't allow much time for personal matters during small breaks to eat I would try to get on the internet to submit my resume and website. Time and time again there was either no signal or I was called back in to work and by the time we were released for the night I was so exhausted touching a phone wasn't on my mind.
• I checked my email often and then said you know what? Many people will be emailing plus I need to ensure my email goes through so I sent it THREE times. About 2 days later my email went through.
• I got a reply with the dates for the film. I thought to self hmm I can't do all 10 days because I had a course scheduled of which I could not cancel. She stated as long as I could do 3-5 days that was fine.
• At this point I thought I was already selected, but needed confirmation. She emailed me she would call later. The signal was so low in where I was staying that I didn't receive her call late one night. It went straight to voicemail and I was so upset. I called back, but my signal was awful. Moving forward, my resume was reviewed and we talked on the phone and I got a text stating to standby for an email with location and my schedule. At this point I nearly fell to the floor.
• Although I was already familiar with Denise Tunnell I began to learn more and more about her and her artistry. I mean I'm going to assist right so I need to know as much as possible so I can not only be an intern as far as makeup but personally as well.
• As this would be the first film set I would be on as a makeup artist (I've done extra work on a few films) I researched more and more on makeup for film.
• I packed up my stuff and was off on a little road trip to L.A.  Who you know and the relationship you have with them goes a long way. A friend of mine that I used to act with in Atlanta relocated to L.A. and welcomed me in her home for the days I was down there.
• I woke up each morning before call time and put in 2 hours for work on my MacBook. Red Bull became my very best friend.
• I arrived on set and felt so grateful yet calm and eager all at the same time. I expressed my deep gratitude and how honored I was to meet her (Denise). Opening her case made the illusion of everything so "real!" 
• Working as an intern I not only took all direction from Denise, the Key Makeup Artist, but was also given the opportunity of trying some of her makeup products from her kit to include her own makeup line Illusions Beauty, and some of her tools although I had my entire kit.
• I took mental and written notes as just about everything spoken was a great lesson learned.
• I felt honored to ask if she needed coffee, bring her Starbucks, snacks, etc. I extended not only my makeup artistry, open-mind ready to learn, but also my personal assistance.
• Well I worked Day 1- Day 4 on the set and had the pleasure of doing makeup for Terri Vaughn, Caryn Ward, Billy "Sly" Williams, Ayo Sorrells, and touch ups on Persia White, Darrin Henson, and Mel Jackson.

I learned so much from this experience and within these 13-15 hour days that I will share it all with you in an upcoming post. Please stay tuned and understand that it takes you being more than ready, willing, and able, but communicating, being eager, determined, persistent, and CONTINUALLY honing your craft so when you see an opportunity you don't shy away from it. Keep in mind this is the first film I worked on and many artists in my shoes may have felt intimidated by the makeup artist base in Los Angeles and all over the country gaping at this opportunity, but I didn't let it steer me away...and I see it was well worth it.

View images taken on set on my Facebook page and LIKE if you may. 

"I Only Use" - Expand Your Makeup Brand Usage

Many times you may hear, "I only use this brand or that brand" signifying it is the ultimate, only, and best. Does this comment stem from lack of knowledge, ignorance, or preference. Fact is, it can be any or all of the above. Professional makeup artists strive to stay knowledgable and up to date of what products exists within the industry, their pros, cons, etc so to limit self to any particular brand can actually be a hinderance.

When it comes to the various makeup brands across the market, being "loyal" and having a preference is one thing; however, being ignorant and limited is unbecoming of a professional makeup artist. -Renee Hamilton (Ideity)

Open the mind and kit and expand.

MAKE UP FOREVER Pro Road Show

I'm honored and excited about attending the MAKEUP FOREVER Pro Road Show in San Francisco this month for makeup artists and industry professionals.

Here are the details directly from the site:

MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Road Show
San Francisco, CA | August 13 – 15 | W Hotel San Francisco

The Pro Road Show will bring the MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Studio experience to a selection of cities across North America! Shop our full selection of over 1,400 products. Join our Backstage Card professional Discount Program. Participate in complimentary educational programs with members of the MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Education team along with other top industry experts. Join together with make up artists, industry insiders, models, and entertainers for a weekend of make up , education, business development and networking!

PRO ROAD SHOW HOURS

August 13th-15th from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily


EDUCATION

Attend complimentary educational sessions presented by members of the MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Education team along with other top industry experts and local talent.



*Presenters and topics subject to change. Please visit makeupforeverpro.com for the most updated education schedule.


NETWORKING

A MAKE UP FOR EVER Networking Event will be held on the Sunday August 14th, 2011 evening from 7:00 PM -9:00 PM. It will give you a chance to meet and mingle with other local contacts in the industry as well as interact with members of MAKE UP FOR EVER'S Pro and Artist Relations teams. The location will be announced soon. Please check makeupforeverpro.com for more details.


TRAVEL

1. Starwood Hotel Site more information
2. San Francisco Travel Site more information
3. Top 10 Attractions:
Golden Gate Bridge
Japanese Tea Garden
Exploratorium
Fisherman's Wharf
Alcatraz
Cable Cars
Chinatown
North Beach
Alamo Square
Red-and-White Ferry
4. San Francisco International Airport and transportation services more information
5. San Francisco Hotel Stay more information

Some of the classes offered:

Stay tuned for follow up blog posts.

LIKE my Facebook Fan Page for intermediate updates.

Classic8Media Interview of Art by Ideity

I love documenting behind the scenes as well as the experience of photoshoots. I've done a few shoots with Michelle of Classic8Media and she put this mini-documentary together along with a short interview of me at the end.

I can't just do makeup alone. I have the habit of educating along the way!



Related Blogposts:
Happy Caribbean Heritage Month Part I
Happy Caribbean Heritage Month Part II
After Doing Makeup For a Shoot

Your Makeup Kit: Product Quantity vs. Artistry Quality

"Ooh I have the newest glosses from this and that brand. I have over 200 eyeshadows. I have every blush from this or that company."

These are some of the many comments heard within the community of makeup artists. While there is nothing wrong with building and diversifying one's kit, what's the point of having every top of the line product but not knowing how to use it or having tons of products that go old from not being touched?

There is a difference between collecting makeup as a hobby and actually building one's kit continuously as a professional.

Now I lovvvvvve makeup and have plenty plenty, but my point here is to invest into education as well as products. Purchase books, attend training, research, learn from other artists, open self to peer critique, and hone your craft.

"The quantity of your makeup kit should not outweigh the quality of your artistry." -Renee Hamilton (Ideity)

MAKE UP FOREVER Flash Color Vibrant Yellow: Behind the Scenes

I invested in the MAKE UP FOREVER Professional 12 Flash Color Case which includes an array of vibrant colors which can interchangeably be used for the eyes, lips, and/or cheeks. I decided to try the Juane/ Yellow 013 (Vibrant Yellow) out first and Trudy of Tru Shots Photography, one of my big sisters, captured my experience testing the product out. We went for a little drive in downtown West Palm Beach, FL and while I worked my magic, she captured images and video. Images will be posted in another blog post, but I just wanted to share the "behind the scenes" first. Both business and fun happens behind the scenes!

Enjoy the video and LIKE my Facebook Page to view photos now!



This product can be ordered directly from Make Up Forever or Sephora.
Sephora product review. 

Happy Caribbean Heritage Month- Part II

Here are some more images from the Caribbean shoot in Pacifica, CA.

As you will notice, the models have different brow shapes. Not every brow is alike especially as people's hair grow differently and one shape may compliment a person's face better than the other.

I added a dab of a lighter color in her inner lips to give them a fuller look.

Different factors can stimulate creative ideas and for this shoot, the purple earrings did it for me. I used blush and eyeshadow that was complimentary to the color of the earrings as makeup doesn't have to exactly match your wardrobe or accessories. 

 I loved the scenery. This mass of rock is known to be over a hundred thousand years old and it just felt super cool to have a modern look coupled with ancient beauty.

Like my Facebook Fan Page and to comment on individual photos.

Models: Dominique Dean and Aurelia Linton

Photography: Classic8Media

Happy Caribbean Heritage Month- Part I

Makeup On The Beach: I Love Being Black Apparel & Accessories

This past Saturday I was one of the two makeup artists for the I Love Being Black (apparel and accessories) Black Sand Beach photoshoot in Marin, CA which consisted of 20 modes, 3 photographers, 3 volunteers, 1 jewelry designer, and 1 other makeup artist in addition to myself. I Love Being Black carries accessories, men's and women's clothing, baby and youth, calendars and more.

This is a shot of my view from about a fifth of the way down from the top of the mountain. It was about a 10 minute walk down several countless flights of stairs and steps. I must admit my legs did shake on the last leg of the way down.

It was an all day shoot and it was quite windy and breezy. Actually it was COLD, but as I got to work I felt no temperature, no hunger, and no desire to eat. Well that is the norm for the most part when I'm doing makeup.

It was a new experience for me. Now I grew up in South Florida near the beaches and went out there from time to time, but never have I seen a black sand beach or done makeup on the beach.

 I must say despite the cold I enjoyed myself and after a while time flew by.

Like My Facebook FanPage to comment on images.

Jamrock Festival- My Makeup Special

I was a sponsor and vendor at the Jamrock Caribbean Heritage Festival in south Florida this past weekend. I offered my makeup services at discounted rates and here are a few photos of some clients who took advantage of the deal! 

All work captured by my sis Tru Shots Photography. She has a related blog: Jamrock Festival- Art by Ideity Beauty Booth.