It's a Wrap!

So it is the end of 2012 already.  When I started writing this blog 23 months ago, I didn’t realize how much fun it would become for me.  I wanted it to be different than a blog full of beauty advice and tons of boring product photos.  Instead, I wanted to reveal the behind the scenes look at my life as a working makeup artist in a smaller market.  I hoped to help aspiring artists reach for their dreams.  This year I started out with a list I wanted to accomplish and, to be honest, my list turned out boring compared to what actually happened!

I was hired to be Supermodel Cheryl Tiegs’ makeup artist while she was hot off of the reality show Celebrity Apprentice.  I was part of Cleveland Fashion Week.   Then I was asked to be a feature career on The Career Zoo.com.  I had my own “Cover Girl” moment on the June cover of Cleveland Magazine.  I was also was part of a music video production in Hudson, Ohio.   Along the way, I was able to meet and apply makeup on many local celebrities, brides, and models to make their shoot or day picture perfect.

I am looking forward to this coming year.  I am currently looking for an assistant to work side by side with me on projects and have some other ideas in the works.  If you are thinking about becoming a makeup artist, I encourage you to do so.  It truly is a fun career.  Sometimes I even forget I am working!  I love addressing a client’s beauty challenges and then educating him or her about products that work best.  Seeing someone smile after I apply their makeup is very fulfilling.  I am proud of my little blog.  Finally, I do want to thank my friend and editor Christina Soltesz Peterson for her time in helping me with Sparkle and Shine. You’re the best!  For this year, it’s a wrap.  I can’t wait to see what next year brings for me and what I will share with you.

My June cover girl moment on Cleveland Magazine.

Me and Christina

Cleveland Fashion Week

thecareerzoo.com

www.thecareerzoo.com

      A few months back, I opened my email and found a letter from Jason Boyer.  He is the owner of TheCareerZoo.com.  He wanted to know if he could interview me for his website, which helps students find different careers.  I thought this was an amazing idea and I was on board immediately with the idea.  However, before I could begin, I had to research the website and do some background checking to make sure this was on the up and up.

     After talking to Jason, finding out about him and his company, and seeing his references, it was a go.  I then had to line up a model, find time in the studio, and hope for a nice day.  My first thought for the shoot was creating a modern 70’s look and then placing the model in a classic car.  I started going to car shows, but couldn’t find the right car.  I nixed the idea and went in a complete different direction.   I went shopping for the right wardrobe and asked Jennifer a seasoned model to help out.  Jennifer is tall and gorgeous, so I knew it would come together perfectly. Eric Mull was kind enough to photograph Jennifer and stage what we do all the time, so students watching the how to video get a real feel for it.

    Jason arrived and interviewed me first. I then  proceeded to make her up, walked her through wardrobe, and then on to the location.  I had prayed all week for nice weather to shoot on the roof of our studios 6^th floor.  The scene was picture perfect until the bad news came. The superintendent was away and we had no key to the roof.  UGH!  I thought, “Is this really happening?”  As it goes, the show must go on.  I suggested a different location but Eric had another idea, so off we went.

       The location was very pretty and Jason was able to shadow us.  Jennifer was amazing, as always, and Eric rocked the photos.  I feel very grateful to have been asked to be part of TheCareerZoo.com.  I love what I do and kids need to know the pros and cons of a business before they jump into it head first.  To have the knowledge of the professionals in the industry is so valuable.  My career doesn’t take a four year degree, but I didn’t want to go to college.  Instead, my passion is beauty.  My calling is to be doing what I do now. I am sure of it.

Check out the video to see how the shoot went.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mFalBT-YxU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Jason and Me

Jason, Karen and Jennifer 

Jennifer 

Eric and Me