Reality

I have worked at Eric Mull's photography studio in Cleveland for ten years now. I am freelance but Eric and I work together a few times a week. How did I get this key makeup artist job? Timing! I brought in my daughter for headshots and asked if he needed an artist. Eric's reply was "Yes; I just lost my last artist because we were engaged and just broke off the engagement."


I started there just as my middle daughter started Kindergarten. I was excited to be back to work full time. Just then after just seven months in I found out I was pregnant with my youngest daughter. HUGE shock, this was unexpected. I was so stressed because I didn't want to be replaced in the job I really enjoyed. I made a decision to keep working the 9 months eating lots of snacks along the way and climbing many flights of stairs into work each day during my pregnancy. My reality was that I was not going to be working full time just yet.


Eric's studio is really fun it could actually make a great reality show. We deal with talent agents, models that don't listen to directions and families that don't mind to argue in front of us over silly things. I once had a girl cry when I put her hair in a ponytail for pictures because she said she looked  like a boy. I had to redo her makeup from all the crying. I’ve also shaved a girls arm pits because she didn't know how to before a photo shoot. Another day I had a model call her shoot off after her zipper broke once she put on a dress she brought in to wear. She was convinced that  being overweight caused the break and wasn't comfortable staying. My opinion was that she looked beautiful and should have continued on.


One time a girl brought in a bag of extensions and glue to have me apply on her. I thought when she told me she had extensions to wear they were clip in ones so I went on to apply her makeup. When she pulled out the glue I just laughed because I am not trained in hair extensions. I told the girl “You seriously don't want me to do that, I have no idea where to start." We had to reschedule her.


The typical thing I hear as a stylist is "Oh guys must be easier to work with?” My answer not really. Many come unprepared with clothes that are the wrong colors, dirty or both. Some men have clothes rolled up and stuffed in a plastic shopping bag. They need pressed and sometimes they don’t fit them. Who brings a shirt that makes you look the the Incredible Hulk? Then there is the uni brow or hair that needed to be cut before they came in. You might think they weren't told but they have been by their agent and by me on scheduling. I think it is selective hearing.


The reality to all this modeling/ talent business is that people are trying to get a hold of stardom. Some have actual talent others have a dream. Many agents take all the people they meet even if they are not qualified, in the hopes they can follow directions and learn the craft. This is where people can prove how much they want this as a career and not just as a hobby on the side. If you can't follow directions to get photos done how are you going to be able to do well on an audition?



My life as a stylist is always entertaining, I love what I do and it mirrors life as a Mom. Here’s how, I listen to young people talk about plans for their future and feel compelled to interject words of advice or experience. I help groom all ages of people as if it was school picture day. Then there are times I well up in tears working as models and I talk about loved ones that are sick or have died and how they miss them. You might get to know someone really fast or have no idea what they are all about once the shoot is done. You definitely need to be a people person to be in this profession. My reality is that I am glad I left cutting hair to be a makeup artist. I get to meet some amazing and sometimes famous people. I never seem to have a dull day and my heart is happy.

Working with great people

Eric and I a few years back

Making faces

An action shot from a great day!

Tips for Your Photo Shoot

Eric Mull/ Karen Siat

Eric Mull/ Karen Siat

Eric Mull/ Karen Siat

Eric Mull/ Karen Siat

As promised, I want to give some industry tips on my blog. After having more than a few models and actors come unprepared, I thought I should share some insight on how to get the best photo. 

First off, try to calm your nerves.  Most people come in and say, “I hate taking pictures.”  If this is true, you are the wrong business.  I think it is normal for many to express this thought internally, but do so only the night before when rehearsing in front of a mirror.  It is OK to be anxious but be confident.  If you lack confidence, it will show through your expressions.

Second, be prepared on your shoot.  Take advice from your acting coach or talent agent.  They know best; they want you to work.  It is important to look closely at your wardrobe.  You might have clothes that should not be used in a photo shoot. Here are some wardrobe secrets: If your clothes are dirty or faded, too small on you, or have pilling on the fabric, DON’T BRING THEM!  You would be amazed how many people will.  Yes, even the dirty part is true and gross.  Make sure the items are laundered, pressed, hemmed, intact (no rips, tears, or strings showing) and well fitting.  Then make sure your clothes are on hangers, placed inside a garment bag.  This will save time and ensure you will look your best.  Don’t forget your shoes or undergarments.  Women, ALWAYS have a nude and a strapless bra in your bag.  I can’t tell you how many gals come in with light clothes and ONLY dark bras.  Guys, if you are doing a body shot, bring boxer briefs and please make sure they aren’t an old pair or baggie.  Trust me, I have seen this on past shoots and it was not flattering.  Swimsuits for ladies are best in a bikini style, not a puzzle cut out or one piece.  Neither of those suits photographs well.

Next, if you have been told not to wear any make up, DON’T.  You can exfoliate if your skin is dry and moisturize as needed. The most important tips are as follows: get your eye brows shaped, retouching doesn’t always work to fix this, and schedule a teeth cleaning beforehand with your dentist.  As much as you can whiten your teeth, you would not believe how much yellow tarter can be between them and it doesn’t look good when you smile.  Gals should not wear colored polish.  A neutral or French style is most appropriate.

Finally, remember to bring snacks.  The photo session may take a few hours and you don’t want to loose your energy. You may want to bring along a water bottle to help maintain hydration.

I hope these tips will help you when planning your big shoot. Remember to relax and have fun!  It will definitely show on your disc.

A Day In My Life

   Every day in this profession something different. I meet people who want to be famous three out of seven days a week. The talent ranges in age from the very young to the old. Some have experience, others do not. For many, it is their first photo shoot. Nervous and anxious, they arrive at the photo studio I work at most days. Usually I have spoken to them beforehand on the phone, giving them details about the shoot.  I never know what to expect as they arrive. 

Once I had a man who lived three hours away from the studio forget  half of his wardrobe,  a women appeared  with blistered lips, and a model that showed up with ONLY skimpy clothes despite her desire to work in a conservative Cleveland market. Some of my clients say I am  the first professional makeup artist they have ever met. Others tell me their previous photo shoot horror stories detailing how the makeup artist failed completely and the shoot turned out awful.

    I ask talent to come in with no makeup on, so they must  trust me.  I feel the pressure to come through for them.  I am willing to do what they ask, keeping in mind what the agent wants. I have to meet them in the middle and create a look both parties are happy. The look that makes each of them money. Money is what everyone wants, either more or extra. Money is why people take up acting or modeling. They would love to leave their day job for this dream but, in Cleveland, many can't do this. 

   I work hard to help as many as I can obtain that dream. I plan on giving you a look at my life as a makeup artist; tips on hair, makeup, and wardrobe. As the saying goes, "We learn something new everyday". So let's learn  together!