Recently noticed among upcoming MUA’s, the latest fad is to declare, “I am self-taught”; not entirely sure why in the young Makeup circle they think saying this is so vogue. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying there is anything terribly wrong with being self-taught, especially since to some extent the industry is so informal. The truth is, there are many who have a natural flair for art and if one is passionate enough one can develop their skills on their own up to a certain level.
The reality is Makeup is an art form that is multi-dimensional, as a result it requires a deeper understanding that goes way beyond how to apply basic foundation, concealer, powder, cut a crease and block colors. There are so many scenarios that requires its own unique approach, for example, makeup for film, television and stage, gives an artist an opportunity to recreate everyday real life or fictional characters that would compliment those in the script, this is one of the aspects of makeup that enthused me the most.
Yes makeup is art, it’s also a lot of fun, yet serious business. As it relates to the everyday day woman, enhancing the beauty that already exist requires an understanding of, corrective makeup, how to use textures, and colors that will read effortlessly in all situations. Every situation requires a different approach and versatility is the name of the game.
Brief history. I started out as a hairdresser and makeup found me. From day 1 of my 8 classes being taught how to perfect my personal makeup, I was told I had a natural flair and was more or less groomed to be able to do makeup on others. I learnt about the importance of eyes, brow and facial shapes, and how to enhance those features that are attractive and disguise the ones that are deemed less attractive. I am grateful I had the technical understanding of Makeup early in the game. Mastering the art of corrective makeup and grasping that full understanding that armed with a pencil or with the contrast of light, dark or color, I can change the shape of any feature on the face are the insights that gave me the edge I have. This in a nutshell was the key to my development into the artist that I am today. I studied the work of Kevin Aucoin and Sam Fine through their respective books and armed with a camera I learnt to see a face beyond what was actually in my chair, I learnt to see everything through the lens of the camera.
It’s ok to be all vogue and say “I am self-taught” and yes, it is obvious that you are because there is no versatility in your work. YouTube and Instagram has created a monkey-see-monkey-do trend of artists, they are so set in their way it’s almost disheartening to watch. There is no unique technical approach, every client looks the same; painted and overdone.
I personally discovered, as good as I was back in the day, I had a lot of people singing my praises, yet I longed to have that flawless, seamless finish that is hard to explain with words. When I had the opportunity to work alongside to Valente Frazier, Tyra Banks’s MUA for Barbados fashion week I leap at it. I could not get enough of watching him. His technique was unbelievable, he complimented me on how well I did skin. I was thrilled with excitement and that’s when I knew I was really on to something. Years later I attended one of Sam Fine’s workshops and it dawned on me that makeup really is to be used to enhance those features that we like and disguise the ones we are not fond of. Makeup when done skillfully the result is almost like a mini plastic surgery that creates a more refined version of your everyday look. One can only accomplished those results if one is open to fine tuning their technique and developing an impeccable eye for detail.
Some MUAs today, lack the skill set, technique and the true understanding of the art of makeup needed to pull of carrying the “Professional MUA” tag, being self-taught by watching YouTube and other such tutorials don’t really give you the insight you need to polish your technique. You can have a million followers on social media along with hundreds of clients supporting your business. You are just a mere copy cat if you don’t understand product textures and how they work, or how to coordinate colors for a cohesive look, or what works best for when, makeup for television or fashion or bridal or theater they each have their own unique approach, if you can’t adapt your technique to compliment a particular situation then you need to get out of your head and ask yourself some serious questions.
How serious are you about your artistry? Do you see your skills on the level of that of the international industry? Are you able to translate a look that works for both video and photography? Do you really understand that the painted masky finish is perfect for theatre and the approach for a beautiful woman who is going to an event is different? Do you know that no makeup does not necessarily mean no makeup? It requires a specific approach to create clean, flawless, radiant skin and well defined features to accomplish the illusion of no makeup. Hashtag makeup-up-that-looks-like-skin should only be used if you have the technique down pat. Then again…. hmmmm!!! I’ll leave that there.
I am grateful that I was humbled enough to know I didn’t know it all and my desire to grow lead me to invest in myself, I did two Editorial classes US base celebrity MUAs Danessa Myricks and Monifa Mortis. They both had different approach to editorial. It was by far the best investment, I became more clear about the whys and the hows.
Even though I had done a little of everything in the industry, Beauty, Fashion, Editorial, Bridal and Music Videos is where my heart is. I give myself every opportunity to master certain skills around being able to work in the international industry at the drop of a hat. Winks!!! Getting there.
Being “self-taught” is cool but if you really want to play on the highest level, you do need to hookup with someone who have the experience so you can receive hands-on guidance that will enable you to perfect your technique and give you a better and deeper understanding of the art of makeup and what it truly means to be a Professional MUA that can work with anyone, with diverse products and any where in the world.
Refresh, Rejuvenate, Exhale, Reprogram 