Makeda, can I ask your advice?

Aisha Azar · 06-26-2008, 12:41 AM

Dear Makeda,
I am currently looking for a new make-up artist as my beloved Julie has finally priced herself outside the dance company's budget. We are getting ready to do a promo video and I need some advice for choosing a new make-up artist. I have worked with Julie for over 25 years and have never had to interview a make-up artist, as Hallah just handed me off to Julie when she left town. Are there any specific questions I should ask, or clues as to how to choose a good one? In all my years in theatre, hair and make-up were just two areas where I never really got it together.
Regards,
A'isha

Makeda Maysa · 06-26-2008, 04:16 PM

Hi A'isha,
I'd love to help! Well, when looking for a makeup artist, the first thing I would do is talk to him/her. In my initial meetings with potential clients, I make a point to find out what she needs and wants. Many makeup artists (MUAs) will try to foist their ideas onto you and you don't want that. Look for an artist who will work with you to bring your vision to fruition.

If possible, ask to see a portfolio, so you get an idea of the range of the artist's creativity and technical skill. Ask what kinds of products/product lines she uses. I would come prepared to discuss the different skintones/types in your company, so that the MUA can be prepared. Also, talk about sanitation practices - making sure that separate brushes are used for each individual, how they clean their tools, etc. Keep in mind that the potential artist will probably have plenty of questions, too.

Are there other troupes in your area that may be able to point you in the right direction? Shared knowledge is always good!

I hope I've helped. If this isn't the info you're looking for, let me know and I'll try to be more helpful.

Aisha Azar · 06-26-2008, 04:41 PM

Dear Makeda,
Very helpful indeed, and thanks very much! I never would have even thought about asking about the tools and hygiene. I have never been happy with other dance companies in the area as far as their websites, etc, and the overall look of their PR stuff, though a dancer or two in a group might look okay. Having an expert on the forum is a great stroke of luck!! It is especially helpful as I now know what they should be asking me as well as what I should be asking them!
Do you have favorite product lines I can ask about? I know that Julie uses a lot of Blasco, but I am not sure what else. She does the airbrush thing for photo and and video I think. She once told me the name of two different brands she likes but I can't remember them, I remember the Joe Blasco because I bought some product.
I appreciate your help more than I can say. I can put a costume together our of gossamer newspaper shreds if necessary, but I am really poor at make-up.

I am off to give you Rep on two counts. One if your willingness to take time to help out here. Will PM about the other.
Regards,
A'isha

Makeda Maysa · 06-26-2008, 04:50 PM

Thank you for the rep points - they are appreciated from one as rep-heavy as yourself.

I like to use a bit from many different brands. I would have to say that most of my makeup is MAC, Bobbi Brown (which is more suitable for every day makeup and not much for stage-worthy stuff), NARS (gorgeous blushes and eyeshadows), Stila, Cinema Secrets, Lancome. I have heard great things about Ben Nye and Make Up For Ever, as well.

Aisha Azar · 06-26-2008, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Makeda Maysa

Thank you for the rep points - they are appreciated from one as rep-heavy as yourself.

I like to use a bit from many different brands. I would have to say that most of my makeup is MAC, Bobbi Brown (which is more suitable for every day makeup and not much for stage-worthy stuff), NARS (gorgeous blushes and eyeshadows), Stila, Cinema Secrets, Lancome. I have heard great things about Ben Nye and Make Up For Ever, as well.

Dear Makeda,
Thanks for the list. I have used Nye and its a lot what they used out at the university where I was costume designer in the theatre dept. It is really wonderful on stage; a little hard on the skin, though. I will look for those names and I am going to download this message and the other for my checklist info!
Thanks again.
Oh, and did you receive a PM from me? My mailbox was full and it gave me a message about having to empty something before it could store my message to you or some such thing. If it did not reach you, I will resend.
Regards,
A'isha

Makeda Maysa · 06-26-2008, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aisha Azar

Dear Makeda,
Oh, and did you receive a PM from me? My mailbox was full and it gave me a message about having to empty something before it could store my message to you or some such thing. If it did not reach you, I will resend.
Regards,
A'isha

Nope, didn't get it.

Aisha Azar · 06-26-2008, 05:16 PM

Dear Makeda,
Okay, I will rewrite
Regards,
A'isha

06-26-2008, 12:41 AM	#1 (permalink)
Aisha Azar V.I.P. Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Pacific Northwest USA Posts: 4,194	Makeda, can I ask your advice? Dear Makeda, I am currently looking for a new make-up artist as my beloved Julie has finally priced herself outside the dance company's budget. We are getting ready to do a promo video and I need some advice for choosing a new make-up artist. I have worked with Julie for over 25 years and have never had to interview a make-up artist, as Hallah just handed me off to Julie when she left town. Are there any specific questions I should ask, or clues as to how to choose a good one? In all my years in theatre, hair and make-up were just two areas where I never really got it together. Regards, A'isha

06-26-2008, 04:16 PM	#2 (permalink)
Makeda Maysa Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 200	Hi A'isha, I'd love to help! Well, when looking for a makeup artist, the first thing I would do is talk to him/her. In my initial meetings with potential clients, I make a point to find out what she needs and wants. Many makeup artists (MUAs) will try to foist their ideas onto you and you don't want that. Look for an artist who will work with you to bring your vision to fruition. If possible, ask to see a portfolio, so you get an idea of the range of the artist's creativity and technical skill. Ask what kinds of products/product lines she uses. I would come prepared to discuss the different skintones/types in your company, so that the MUA can be prepared. Also, talk about sanitation practices - making sure that separate brushes are used for each individual, how they clean their tools, etc. Keep in mind that the potential artist will probably have plenty of questions, too. Are there other troupes in your area that may be able to point you in the right direction? Shared knowledge is always good! I hope I've helped. If this isn't the info you're looking for, let me know and I'll try to be more helpful. __________________ The Niraja Dance Company www.thendc.net

06-26-2008, 04:41 PM	#3 (permalink)
Aisha Azar V.I.P. Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Pacific Northwest USA Posts: 4,194	Thanks!! Dear Makeda, Very helpful indeed, and thanks very much! I never would have even thought about asking about the tools and hygiene. I have never been happy with other dance companies in the area as far as their websites, etc, and the overall look of their PR stuff, though a dancer or two in a group might look okay. Having an expert on the forum is a great stroke of luck!! It is especially helpful as I now know what they should be asking me as well as what I should be asking them! Do you have favorite product lines I can ask about? I know that Julie uses a lot of Blasco, but I am not sure what else. She does the airbrush thing for photo and and video I think. She once told me the name of two different brands she likes but I can't remember them, I remember the Joe Blasco because I bought some product. I appreciate your help more than I can say. I can put a costume together our of gossamer newspaper shreds if necessary, but I am really poor at make-up. I am off to give you Rep on two counts. One if your willingness to take time to help out here. Will PM about the other. Regards, A'isha Last edited by Aisha Azar; 06-26-2008 at 04:47 PM.

06-26-2008, 04:50 PM	#4 (permalink)
Makeda Maysa Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 200	Thank you for the rep points - they are appreciated from one as rep-heavy as yourself. I like to use a bit from many different brands. I would have to say that most of my makeup is MAC, Bobbi Brown (which is more suitable for every day makeup and not much for stage-worthy stuff), NARS (gorgeous blushes and eyeshadows), Stila, Cinema Secrets, Lancome. I have heard great things about Ben Nye and Make Up For Ever, as well. __________________ The Niraja Dance Company www.thendc.net

06-26-2008, 05:16 PM	#7 (permalink)
Aisha Azar V.I.P. Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Pacific Northwest USA Posts: 4,194	PM Dear Makeda, Okay, I will rewrite Regards, A'isha