Red Carpet

It is almost the end of the school year and there are a lot of events coming up for high school students; prom and commencement lead off the list.  Many young women hunt for that perfect dress and shoes.  Pictures in magazines of hair and makeup help with style ideas.  Today’s post is not about the talent business, but helpful hints for women that want to look as if they walked off the red carpet. 

Maybe you’re thinking you would like to emulate Gwen Steffani’s red lips or Halle Berry’s chic style.  Once you have a vision for your look, it will be easier to narrow down your wardrobe.  Keep in mind shoes, when you find the dress of your dreams.  Are you a gal that never wears heels?  Is this because you can’t even walk in stilettos?  Maybe it is best to do a flat or ballet slipper shoe.  You will be more comfortable and confident.  To spend a lot of money for an uncomfortable pair of shoes is not the answer.  Use your money to accessorize with a great purse or jewelry instead.  Take a parent or friend with you to get opinions on your dress selection.  Sometimes the style might be great, but the color just washes the color out of your face.  Undergarments are important. A strapless bra, the right underwear, or Spanks will smooth out your body shape, so your dress will glide on.

As for your hair, pick a style that is you. If you always wear your hair straight and down maybe switch it up and wear it down but curly.  If your hair is curly, maybe pin some back off your face and keep the curls.  Makeup should be fun.  If you have problem skin, keep in mind not to pile on too much foundation.  This will make it look worse, not better.  Always put on your makeup in natural light.  Use concealer on the blemishes after your foundation is on.  Powder is very important to keep the shine down, so you won’t look oily for pictures.  To keep eye shadow from creasing throughout the day, apply foundation to your eyelids or an eye primer before putting on the eye shadow. Keep in mind that 2, maybe 3, colors are enough to have on your lid.  Any more than that will look busy.  Waterproof mascara and eyeliner is best for the day.

Lip color is sometimes hard to keep from fading.  A tinted lip balm is great for girls that don’t like sticky lips.  It will smooth the lips and have a hint of color.  A lip stain is a great option.  No reapplying is needed with this product, but I do suggest a gloss over it to avoid a dry feeling on your lips.  When you pick a lipstick, consider my long wear secret: apply a neutral lip liner to the whole lip, blot it, brush powder over it, and then apply your lipstick.  Bronzer is another great product.  Apply it last and where the sun would hit your face, but don’t over do it or you will look streaked.  After a few hours at your event, do a quick touch up.  Make sure to check your teeth and lip color after you eat.  The main thing to remember is to have fun.  Some events are only once in your life, take it all in.

Eric Mull/ Karen Siat

Eric Mull/ Karen Siat

Eric Mull/ Karen Siat

                      

Brady Quinn

   

  I must say, networking is the key in any business.  Facebook has had such an impact on us as a society.  I can even Like my grocery store to see their ads on my Facebook page.  Women in their 80’s are at lunch talking about seeing pictures their family posted in albums.  Facebook is like Mc Donald’s, iconic.  I was encouraged to join Facebook a few years back to get my name out and drum up business.  To be honest, it has worked.  Social networking is here to stay.  My FB Friends List is very select: I have known you for awhile, had to have met you recently, or want to do business with you in order for you to be added.

This Facebook story always gives me a laugh…  I was on set for a Cleveland Magazine shoot at Crocker Park in Westlake, Ohio. The subjects were Joe Thomas and Brady Quinn of the Cleveland Browns. I was excited to be there.  Many friends asked if I could get autographs for them, but when I am on set this is one thing I don’t ask for because it is frowned upon.

          My introduction to them was pretty cut and dry, and I read nothing into it. As I was building my friends list, I requested many of my media connections and decided to make a friend request to Brady Quinn.  He did accept me, became a part of my network, and blended in with my other friends or so I thought.  One day, I received a call from my boyfriend.  He said, “What’s up with Brady?  He gave you a wink smile and wrote ‘Hi’ on your wall.” I was shocked hearing this news. I said, “WHAT?” and started to laugh.  In my head, I knew when Brady and I met there was NOTHING there.  At that time, he was dating a gal and I was nearly 15 years older than he as well as divorced with three kids.  By all means, this didn’t seem to mesh.  I told my boyfriend, “Hmm I don’t know.  I will check on it later today.”

Even though it didn’t make sense, it turned out it WAS Brady Quinn! (LOL)  I wasn’t in any hurry, so I went on through the better part of the day before attending to this matter.  Once I logged on, there was a message from Brady.  It read, “To all my friends that received a wink smile and ‘Hi’ message, please disregard. I have a Facebook virus.”  At that, I knew I had to erase my wall post.

  Some of my friends said I should have left it up a few days no matter what it was, but he claimed he really didn’t send it and I am in a relationship.  It was best to remove it.  Once Brady was traded, he deleted his account and I can no longer get posts by accident anymore. 

From finding an old friend, a new lead for a job, or just reading something funny in someone’s post, Facebook makes me smile.  It is a way to connect or reconnect and escape for just a bit. 

The Call

I remember going to concerts while growing up and thinking, “I would love to do the makeup for the performers.  How could I get that job?”  Fast forward to present times, I got THE call.  I was out to lunch with a dear friend last year when I let a call go to voicemail.  Upon leaving the restaurant, I listened to the message.  I about freaked.  I said to my friend, “That was MTV!”  She said, “THE MTV?” I said, “YES, I have to call them right away.  They want to hire me for a show at Kent State University.”  With that one phone call, I was going to be doing concert makeup.  WAY COOL!

The job was to do makeup on V.J. Erinn Westbrook and the band Cobra Starship.  The only problem was that the band’s bus broke down in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and they were now taking a flight into Akron, Ohio.  Then they had to drive to Kent, Ohio, so this delayed the schedule for the whole night.  I thought the show must go on, even if it was delayed.  The band was tired, but very nice and the job went flawlessly.  I left with my stage pass and headed home away from all the rock star glam to my little place with my three daughters and dog. It is fun to have this other side to my life; I do like the mix of it.

In Cleveland, we tend to have sports moments we would rather forget about; although, sometimes there are ones we wish we could freeze frame.  In 2007, the Cleveland Cavs were in the championship game against the San Antonio Spurs.  I received a call from ABC/ ESPN to be the makeup artist for the crew of Sports Center.  This was great for two reasons; I was doing a job while sitting in the best seat in the house, ESPN’s sports booth, and I was there for two games. Meeting Dan Patrick was ironic because, at past photo shoots, I would say to men shy of makeup, “If Dan Patrick can wear makeup on Sports Center, you can wear it for a 20 minute photo shoot.”  Now Dan Patrick was in my chair… AMAZING!  Those two nights were so much fun!  I saw Usher, Eva Longoria, Taylor Hicks, and Drew Carey. Cleveland did lose the championship, but I did get to touch the trophy before it was presented to the Spurs. So, for me, it was a “Win! Win!”

My kids are funny.  I had a call in 2008 from a media company.   They had a client in need of my services.  They wanted to hire me to do makeup for well-known political candidate, now President Barack Obama.  When I was told for whom the job was, I literally jumped up and down when I got off the phone.  My daughter said, “Are you doing Miley Cyrus’ makeup?” I started to laugh and said, “No, I can’t tell you yet who I am taking care of but I have a feeling this client is going to be so much bigger than Miley!”  My instinct was right on.  The day I was hired to be Mr. Obama’s stylist is one of my greatest makeup moments.   He was very kind, funny, and friendly.  I know some of you may not be fans, but to have had the chance to spend an hour with the man that would become our first African American President is pretty darn cool, even historical.  

My job is exciting, sometimes challenging, and not always glamorous. I am happy to  have come this far in my career with my resume and portfolio I am able to obtain these jobs.  I might think I have an ordinary week ahead of me, when something comes along to shake it up.  One thing I do know is that I use to dream big, but worried that the odds were against me and that “IT” might not happen.  Now I dream big, knowing “IT” can happen!

 http://www.mtvu.com/music/movies-and-music-festival/2010-movies-and-music-festival/cobra-starship-good-girls-go-bad/

Tween Makeup

Eric Mull

Eric Mull

Eric Mull

At age 12 I wanted to wear makeup,  I started by wearing eyeliner only to “play” in.  Then I “forgot” to remove it. My mom got so upset when I left the house with it on.  My daughters now try to play that same game, but they don’t have a chance of winning it.  Yes it is just makeup, but the rule in my house is: No makeup until age 13.  As much as I love cosmetics, I feel girls should not fast forward.

       While working in a salon in 1994, my coworker and I came up with an idea that is in many salons now; glamour birthday parties. We offered packages for hairstyles, age appropriate makeup application lessons, and manicures. We decided to invite the local newspaper out to spotlight this new idea.  Once contacted, the editor seemed eager for the story.

The first party was set for a young lady turning nine.  The birthday girl and her friends showed up as did the newspaper. The girls giggled the whole time and left with smiles on their faces.  The event couldn’t have gone any better, and we were confident that a good review was ahead.  A week later things changed very quickly.  We couldn’t wait to see the paper; however, as we started to read the article, we realized our salon was “thrown under the bus.” They showed pictures of the night, but asked readers to give their opinion on this idea for young girls. They asked if this is too much for kids. WOW, we never saw that coming at all!

   The mother called us to complain and stated that her daughter was being teased at school.  The newspaper readers were so mean spirited. One actually said young kids should go on their birthday to nursing homes to read to residents…COME ON! My salon, coworker, and I wanted the press and we sure got it. In present times, I wait until the paper contacts me and I ask a lot of questions before I speak. 

Attached is a link from the Cleveland talk show Good Company.  The segment features my daughter.  Parents, please take the time to watch it for pointers on tween makeup. Girls, remember; less is more.

 http://www.wkyc.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=587331558001

The Young Ones

Many of my friends ask me, “How many stage moms do you run across?”  My answer is, “In Cleveland, just a few.” To be honest, the young ones really want to act.  Some are perfect for it.  When these children come see me, I want them to have a positive first experience etting headshots.  I want them to have fun, and I assure them that this will be a great time.

I once had a young actress with blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes tell me she was ready to be beautified.  I told her “You are perfect the way you are and makeup really isn’t needed.”  Just two weeks ago a child actress, started asking about my job as I groomed her for photos.  She inquired, “How long have you done this job?” Also, “What famous people have you met?”  At the end of the shoot, she told me that I did a good job and she had a nice time.  She then gave me a hug and said, “Thank you!”  It made my day.

   These actors in training really want to excel, but the parents are confused as to where to start.  Here are some tips for the parents of child actors… 

Plan ahead!  Many parents would like to submit photos right away to agencies in LA or NYC, but don’t have a plan in place if the child actually lands a role.  This fact is foolish.  If you plan on going to a major market, think it through and consider what you and your family are going to do if your child is cast.  If you have other children, are you able to move the whole family?  Does everyone want to leave Cleveland?  Will you have a job when you move?  Most likely your child will not be able to support you right away with this new role.  Some actors have actually landed roles and then the family realizes that they cannot relocate.  What a waste of time and money!

 

Be reasonable!  Here is a news flash: if you think Hollywood will fly your child across county because they LOVE the child’s pictures, guess again. Agencies/studios want talent in that state. You may go to another market audition and work to build your resume, but don’t wait for a “Golden Ticket” to come to you.  If your child is acting regularly, a parent must prepare themselves and their child for an unusual amount of missed school.  Production is Monday through Friday usually 9 to 5.  Agents don’t want to hear about your child’s grades or sports schedule; this isn’t their problem. They will just go to the next child actor willing to miss the necessary hours of school, and your child will lose out.  Many parents tend to home school their child actor, so there isn’t a conflict.

Be smart!  I think the best advice the public can received is: if anyone wants you to pay money up front to be in an agency or ask you to buy a package, DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING and don’t work with them.  Odds are they are shady.  They will take your money and your child will not work.  It is okay to set up a photo shoot on your own.  You might want to pay a fee to the agent for exposure on their website to show your child’s portfolio.  Many clients book talent this way; it is wise to invest your money in this common practice.

Finally, go with your gut, ask questions, and do some research. Also don’t think it will happen overnight and add credits to your child’s resume.  Being in plays and taking acting classes helps. Don’t quit your day job.  You will need that for funding your young ones career until it takes off.  As time goes on, you will see if this business is for your child and your patience.

Eric Mull/Karen Siat

Eric Mull/ Karen Siat

Eric Mull/Karen Siat

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.

Full Circle

   When I was in seventh grade, I knew I wanted to be in the beauty business. In high school I was enrolled in Cosmetology school and then  after graduation went  to barber school to earn another license. I worked as a subcontractor for seven years and then opened my first barbershop. One would think “How great to work for yourself,” but in reality you have all kinds of different situations can arise. I worked alone, so this meant no sick days, no personal days, no paid vacations. I could make my own hours and  some days I  made a lot of money; yet worked until I was half dead or I worked very little  and made no profit.
    I started to dabble into acting.  I had an agent. He mentioned that I should start doing the hair and makeup for the models.  I began to see the light, better pay, better hours and notoriety. I went on to learn my new craft, traveling to Chicago and New York to enhance my skill.
     The Cleveland market is so concentrated. For example, upon breaking into the business, I called to offer assistance to a local artist. She actually lectured me, citing her unwillingness to give up her "secrets" or help me out. She was not the only one to feel this way. Putting this hurdle aside, I made it my mission to be on top. I reached out to my acting agent to sign me as a stylist for their talent pool. This allowed me to make connections and doors started to open. I  was busy enough to leave the barbershop to embark on this new career. 

            The skills as an actress now helped with being behind the scenes. I must confess:  I feel more comfortable as an artist, stylist, and consultant than an actress.  After fifteen years of doing makeup commercially, I now get the emails from students saying they would like to shadow me and calls from  other artist wishing  to assist with me. Do you know what I do?  I email or call them ALL back. I am confident in myself and my work that I will still have a job.  If I help someone out, he or she  will gain knowledge and confidence in themselves to determine if this is his or her true career path. I don’t care to be rude like the artist that spoke  harshly to me.  I know this city is small and work here is scarce, but I feel you still have to be kind. At the end of the day I know I can feel good that I might have made a difference.