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!

Play Ball

  

Growing up I wasn’t a sporty girl, I was into cheering,  majorettes, ballet dancing and pageants. I was very versed in sports knowing the rules and how it is played but cared less to be involved. Now as an adult I attend many of my girl’s sports events.Football games to see my daughter be a helper/coach for the special needs cheerleaders and also watch their softball games and karate.


I do seem to land jobs with sporty people. Sports anchors and athletes. I never considered myself a “cool kid” in school but as time has gone by I get to hang out with a lot of “cool” kids in the entertainment and sports business. I also have become friends with many of them.I was asked by my friend Jeff Grover to be part of a local film that was shot at the Lake County Captains stadium last week. It was the first production night of three. How fun is it to hang out and do some work at the ballpark? Lots of fun! Sometimes I forget it is work.


BETWEEN THE LINES is the movie title. It is a SAG/AFTRA film with actors Andrew Gorell and Aubree Stone and written and directed by Jeffrey with cinematography by Steven Hacker. Between the Lines is a short film about a young girl attending her first major league baseball game but on the way to the park, something she sees is a real game changer.Production will continue into August.



As I gathered my kit to leave I was walking out to fireworks shooting into the night sky.In that moment I thought back to my goals for my career 27 years ago and I am happy about my journey so far but  I have a bit more to accomplish. Thanks to Jeff and Steve for having me back for a third film. I am very grateful for the opportunity and look forward to many other projects.

Andrew and Aubree

Steve on Camera with crew Vidas, Rick and Greg & Jeff directing

Jeff Directing

My Ah Ha moment

Makeover

A few months ago I asked for nominations for someone to win a free makeover. Color, cut, style and makeup was the prize.  A decision was made and Kelly won pictured below. After hearing Kelly’s story I felt it was time she got a little pampering. Thank you my friend Susan Brandt for the use of her salon Beachland Hair Design in Cleveland.

After

Before

ESPN

My Birthday was June 12th and I celebrate a full week each year. To close it out I got a call, to work the NBA basketball finals here in Cleveland for ESPN. Two days of being on set and a spot in the arena for the game. This to me a huge deal because I love the CAVS ever since I was younger. At one point I even tried out to be on the CAVS dance team so by all means I am not a fair weathered fan.

 As I have wrote in other blog post before I have met Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love to groom them for past shoots but tonight it wasn't makeup for the team but the media. Talking to the anchors from ESPN they expressed how much spirit we have here and how they enjoyed their time in town. The night of the game before my shift I was able to see the players from both teams arrive also observe the world media in their pre-game analysis at court side. It was so exciting.

Half time I was off to work doing makeup touch ups and in fourth quarter I was on my way to East 4th street to the ESPN staging area. I had six anchors to get ready for a post-game broadcast that would air after the trophy ceremonies broadcasted.   I was happy to be out of the arena by then because in 2007 I sat in the ESPN booth and watched the Spurs take home the trophy and it felt awful.

This loss was different, we weren't swept and the CAVS fought hard despite the injuries of key players.  Each game was a nail biter. As CAVS fans walked down 4th street after the game they didn't look grumpy this time and they didn’t project hateful opinions. In fact at three different times in the sea of passing fans they chanted " Here we go Brownies here we go… woof woof”. It made be smile because as a native of Cleveland that is what we do just move on to the next season’s sports team and hope we get farther than the previous year.

It didn't faze Mike, PJ, Chauncey or Tim as they looked at their notes for the show, but I felt the energy and the true spirit of Cleveland.  My night went on till 2 am making the men of Sportscenter look flawless. Hopefully next year the big game will be back and I will get to work with one of the best crews in the business again and who knows  maybe then “Third time will be a charm "for the CAVS.

 

 

Delly

 

Lindsay and Tim

Tim and PJ

4th Street



My friend Nicole gets ready for the crowd

 

Kevin Love

Back in November like many people I became a victim to the stomach flu that had me out sick for a week.  I was feeling better just in time to do a shoot with Kevin Love from the Cleveland Cavilers. I was pretty excited to meet this new solid addition to the CAVS. Kevin was going to be on the cover of STACK magazine dedicated to sports fitness.

The crew was asked to arrive around lunch time so after the teams practice the shoot could start. We sat in the media room after setting up and discussed all of our Thanksgiving plans while waiting.  It was three hours before Kevin came in to meet us. When he walked in the room I was amazed how tall he was but considering my height most people tower over me.  After introductions were all done Kevin headed to change into his uniform then I proceed to groom him for the shoot.

As I applied powder the editor of Stack gave Kevin some information about the shoot. After he was already it was onto the set where Eric Mull would take the photos. Kevin practices yoga so some of the photos consisted of yoga poses which added some more conversation. We headed to the court where action shots were captured and pictures of his workout routine.

Kevin has been well received here in town and certainly the ladies think he is eye candy.  My daughter was excited I was going to meet him and my Facebook page was on fire with comments about Kevin. I must say he is not only handsome but very kind. He thanked me for helping him on set and was very cooperative in whatever the editor and staff asked of him.

I was really looking forward to seeing the CAVS in the playoffs and what kind of magic Kevin could do. Sadly he was hurt in game four against the Boston Celtics and underwent surgery on his left shoulder and will not be part of any more games I just hope the rest of the team can stay healthy and we reach the championships in June.

   I am happy that I have worked with Kevin last November and Kyrie in 2013. Many people ask me if I have met LeBron?The answer is I have been a room twice with him but not formally met. I keep getting closer and before long I feel I will land a project with King James and all the dots will be connected for me.    

Groom time

Photo: Eric Mull

REEBOK

 Timing is everything and It is who you know not what you know are sayings that apply to this blog. After a few months of packing up my father’s home and selling it I was looking forward to a few days off. In my business things change as fast as the weather.  An early morning call from a talented photographer friend Cody York had me scrapping my plans to sit around my robe most of the day and head out to a shoot for REEBOK that was taking place in my city 10 minutes away.

  When I grabbed the call I expected the work would be the next day but then I was told the stylist that was supposed to be there had an emergency I was asked to step in. I had 30 minutes to be there, gather my kit and drop my daughter off to school.  Anna was very helpful to assist me on getting out the door on time.  When I left the house I thought I was getting the model ready for the shoot and leaving still having my day but once I arrived I found out differently.

  As I walk into the cross fit gym I am introduced to the crew from Boston and the UK all very happy I could step in so quickly. I set up and ask the producer what is needed from me? I was told my instructions and then I began.  I also ask” How long I was needed that day?” My answer was” All day and tomorrow if possible”? My lazy days just got hijacked and I was completely OK with that.

   The winter time is such a slow period as a stylist. December through March you begin to think all you worked for is gone and then you land a job like this. Scott Panchik and his family own CrossFit Mentality and has worked with REEBOK in the past and on this day they came to Scott right in my backyard. As a freelancer  I try to meet and network with everyone I can, I even try hard to gain new accounts at big companies. It is frustrating at times but on days like this it pays off. 

  I met Cody on a shoot for the Cleveland Clinic where he was an assistant.  Cody is also a very talented sports and landscape freelance  photographer and I worked with him on a job where he needed a stylist. For  this shoot he was asked who he knew locally that could fill in for the scheduled stylist? Cody  thought I was someone that actually would be up, answer his call and possible be able to be there. So as I said in the first sentence it is who you know and that timing was everything on this day. One thing I also learned that is kind of funny you can rest when you’re dead.

http://www.codyyorkphotography.com/portraits/

On set..,,but can't show the product yet.

Cody and Ricky

Cleveland Magazine Interesting People 2015

Once again, it was Cleveland Magazine’s issue of the Most Interesting People. This year instead of a group photo, we photographed three people in three separate shoots. We have a chef, a news anchor and a football player. The process of scheduling for three individual shots is a lot harder than just one big shoot.

First we photographed Ben Bebenroth: a farmer, chef and owner of Spice Kitchen + Bar and Spice of Life Catering Company. Ben came ready with his farm boots and chef coat in hand. Ben's  home sits on 13 acres of land in Cuyahoga Valley which also is a farm. Ben talks to Kim from Cleveland Magazine about his home, business and family as we got started.On camera Ben holds a few vegetables and knives as props and we have a few laughs. Within minutes the photo needed  has been captured.

Our second shoot was with news anchor Jennifer Jordan from FOX news. Jennifer came in looking beautiful already, just off an early broadcast. Kristen Miller the Art Director had arranged wardrobe for Jennifer but she also brought a few dresses in case they were needed. I helped Jennifer with her makeup and hair. Then there were three dresses to photograph her in and it would be determined later which one would be used. FOX news also sent out a news camera to spotlight her shoot on their program. Jennifer was excited about this shoot and I think she did great.

Our last shoot was with Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer. This was going to be done the day before "THE DECISION" was to be made on whom would start the game against  the Colts Johnny Manziel or Brian. Our shoot was going to be done at the Browns training facility in Berea.  Once we arrived and got checked in we were shown to a very small media room outside the lobby area. Eric Mull set up to do the photographing. 

 When Brian came in he looked sharp in his suit that the magazine requested him to wear. We did some introductions and as Brian was on set Eric said “I had a lot of friends offer to come with me so they could meet you"." People like you.” Brian snickered and relied “Well I am not too sure about today". I looked at Brian's eyes they seemed to be welled up a little. I felt as if he wasn’t taking this decision lightly.

The shoot  was about 15 minutes long and Cleveland Magazine was all in favor of Brian being on the cover no matter the decision. I had joked that there might be a re-shoot of Johnny on Friday. Kristen replied” It will be Hoyer”. The Browns did keep Hoyer for that game but would start Manziel the following week. In my eyes, I am Team Hoyer and he has earned the right to be on the cover because Brian is the hometown guy and this year he has been very interesting.