I think it's time I write a blog.

The last (and only) blog I've written on this page was 6 months or so ago. I think I have gained a bit of knowledge, as limited and humble as it may be, about the career path I've chosen. And I'd like to share that with anyone bored enough to read it.

Those of you whom I've become friends with this last year, or those that knew me before, are aware of my extensive theatrical background. Both as an actor/singer etc, but also as a makeup artist for the companies I've worked for. And I have come to realize a few obvious differences between theater people and fashion people...Don't worry, I'm not getting philosophical and judgmental about endless debate on actor vs. model...but I do need a bit of a back-story ^.^

Theater and film are actually not that different in what's excepted of a makeup artist. Now I'm not referring to the application process or the final look. Everyone knows that what you do for the Noxzema commercial is not that of the leading lady in Merry Wives of Windsor (Shakespeare, for the young ones ^.^). What I'm talking about are people there to get their makeup done. Even if they have never done a play or commercial before, there seemed to be a natural assumption that things happen a certain way in a certain order. You show up, sit down, get ready, get on set...wait..and wait..and wait..for the lighting to be adjusted (this is true for theater as much as film) and then you say your line and leave. There is a director, a call time, confirmation of everyone involved, weeks of preparation and barring natural disaster, a fairly painful and successful venture for all. With an outcome that can be seen by all the parties involved. Theater however is far more of an instant gratification. I miss being on stage…..I digress...

Photography is VERY different. At least what I have experienced this past year. Though to the fashion world I am fairly new, just over a year now, I like to think I have brought my own style and talent and knowledge to the small but diverse community of PDX. I have always considered myself an easy going and well like person to the colleges I've met this last year. And I'd hope that my small sincere opinion maybe of some help to those starting out in this field as I have done. Not just as a makeup artist, but for models and maybe photographers as well.

I want to stress…I AM NOT AN EXPERT IN ANYWAY!! These are only my opinions. They are not meant to pick on anyone in particular. To offend in anyway!! You can take them as shit or as pearls of wisdom. Or just ignore them completely. I don't care, I'm just bored and had no one to kiss on New Years (self pity moment, please forgive me ^.^)

Helpful suggestions for MUA

1.    Keep you kits clean! My kit (that many of you have seen) is disorganized sometimes. But it is never dirty. I have anti-bacterial hand cleaner and wipes in my kit I use ever time. And my brushed are washed before ever touching a model. Never use the same foundation sponge on more than one person. Always use a new disposable mascara wand for each model. And whatever you do…don't blow on the eyeshadow brush! This goes for hair brushed as well. Clean out the hair and wash the combs. Even the product built up on the irons too.

2.    If you have loose powder shadows (like Mac or Jesse's Girl), the shimmer powders that love to get everywhere…keep them in a separate bag. It just looks tacky to have to wipe off excess powder from all the other pots in your kit.

3.    Sharpen each lip and eye liner pencil before applying to model.

4.    Work at a steady pace! You may be paid by the hour, but if you waste the time of your model or screw-up the shoot time for the photog…you may not be hired again. Sometimes it's really important that the shoot start at a particular time for lighting reasons or whatever. If it takes you 5 hours to do makeup (body painting and special fx not withstanding) then you may need a little more practice before you start working professionally.

Helpful suggestions for models

1.    Don't show up for a shoot with last nights club makeup still on!!

2.    Wash you hair before you shoot. The day of, the night before, completely expectable (unless otherwise instructed). But 3 days ago, not cool!

3.    Just like it is necessary to bring shoes and clothes to your shoot, also bring panties. The white dress looks much better when not showing the hello kitty underwear.

4.    This tip is just of my personal preference…don't help with the makeup. What I mean is, don't open your eyes between every brush stroke of the shadow. It's a good way to get accidently poked. Don't panic if you see the eyelash curler J If you have a real problem, then most MUAs are fine letting you curl them yourself. But learn how to do it…a 90 degree right angle is not curled ;) And don't open and close your lips tight when applying lips unless you are told. I have a steady hand and when you move…the line is not so straight anymore. Just relax, I know what I'm doing..tee-hee :)

5.    Don't wear perfume to a shoot. It can transfer to the clothes that may be VERY expensive and you don't know who might be allergic.

Helpful suggestions for photographers (and I am treading lightly with this one) Please be understanding…

1.    Please be specific in what TF* means to you! An emailed pic for myspace might be fantastic if you are just playing around. But when you are collaborating for book development, YOU NEED SOMETHING THAT CAN GO IN A BOOK J Catch my meaning?? High-res disc, actual print, whatever in is…please get it to everyone involved.

2.    If you have something specific in mind, TELL ME! I have no problem adjusting the look of makeup as I go or even fixing a bit that you may not like. But don't say it's wonderful when you don't like it because that just wastes everyone's time.

3.    I know you photogs are very busy with getting the perfect shot, but in the back of you mind can you keep the little details in there somewhere too. If her hair is stuck to her lipstick, fix it. If the tag is showing on the dress, tuck it in. Hide the bra strap, fluff the skirt…that kind of thing. It just makes the whole image look finished.

Last but not least, just a couple general suggestions.

1.    SHOW UP!! Sorry models, this one is mostly for you….I LOVE you all but if you book a shoot and cancel 20mins before you are supposed to show..OR WORSE…NO CALL NO SHOW!!! Don't expect to get much work on the future. There are only so many "Family Emergency" excuses one is allowed in there life. Why waste them ^.~

2.    I know much of the market here in Portland goes by the "I'm just doing this for fun" philosophy. But I'm not (even though I do have fun doing it ^.^) I'm not a banker/cashier/musician/rocket scientist by day, and play in makeup on the weekends. Most MUAs are the same way. THIS IS OUR JOB! Please respect that as such. I use the same quality and amount of product for free/fun shoots as I would for paid gigs. It cost me money whether I make any or not.

3.    Photoshop is not the Devil!! Every cover shot ever published (with few exceptions i.e Jamie Lee Curtis on the cover of Vogue with no makeup) has been re-touched in some way! It may be as simple as cleaning fly-aways or fixing a zit. Or major corrections in lighting and composition but just because it's photo shopped doesn't mean it's bad. AND YES…makeup is re-touched too. Makeup melts under lights. Bad skin can not always be completely covered, lip stick can be licked off, and you don't always have the luxury of stepping in every 5 frames to fix it!! Anyone who thinks different is diluting themselves.

4.    For the love of GOD, KARMA, and Starbucks, DO NOT sit and talk shit about other models and/or photographers during a shoot. You have no idea what the working relationship the other people around you might have with that person you are bad-mouthing. You may offend or even down right piss-off someone else. It's rude, it's childish, and above all, it's UNPROFESSIONAL!! Keep your personal drama to yourself. You are the only one that looks bad and the only one hurt by the smack you talk. Portland is smaller than you think. And Seattle is not that far away. Everyone knows EVERYONE. And unless you want EVERYONE to know your issues, you should keep them private!!

Thus endith my 2007 ravings..tee-heeJ  I hope that maybe I helped a bit or at least didn't offend anyone. I meant everything I said to be genuine and honest.  I can't think of anyone that I have worked with this past year that has not influenced me in some way. I've learned something from each one of the friends and colleges I've had this year.  I would feel honored if I have left a mark with even one of you in some small way too. I hope 2008 will bring success, happiness, and prosperity to everyone.

With A Fond Farewell,

Me J