Celebrity Makeup Artist Keisha Willis Gives Back!

Model turned Makeup Artist
Keisha Willis

Nineveh: How and when did you get started in makeup?

Keisha: I came into this field backwards. I started as a model and was trained by my agency.  At fashion shows other models would ask me to do their makeup too.  So I’ve been doing it a pretty long time.  But just doing makeup – no modeling for about 6 years.

Nineveh: Which makeup artists inspire(d) you?

Keisha: Wow they’re so many great artist out here.  I think my first MUA I feel in love with was Kevin Aucoin. I still have his book Making Faces. Others that inspired me are Sam Fine, Billy B, KJB and several artist on Model Mayhem – too many to name. I love go getters, plus these guys do absolutely beautiful work. I really, really love Mally Roncal. I just smile when I say her name. Not only is she extremely talented but she has a wonderfully infectious personality so bubbly and she’s dresses so cute. I really don’t like the all black clothing thing all the time. I want to add some life into this world just like Mally!

Nineveh: And you certainly do, Keisha!   Tell us about your journey to becoming a full-time freelance makeup artist. What steps did you have to take to become completely self-sufficient as a makeup artist?

Pro MUA Keisha Willis on set

Keisha: Oh my goodness -- it was a journey. I wanted to quit several times.  In this business I learned early that confidence is KEY, and I allowed my confidence to be shaken so many times in the beginning stages. I have had times of feeling like I wasn’t a “real” makeup artist because I didn’t do this full time, but now I see AMAZING artists like Ren-Ren who lets you know that this judgment isn’t true.  In short, I tried to assist a lot of artist – didn’t make too much progress doing that until last year.  I think it’s important to work with other artist because you learn so much from them and pick up so many great tricks.  I did tons of research on You Tube looking at artist like Encore and Ren Ren and others, enhancing my technique. And, of course, hanging on to every word of the “Greats” mentioned above.  Then I was fortunate enough to do a few celebrities and my business just blossomed. I was taking off so much time from my full time job I had to quit.

Nineveh: What a great recap of your journey Keisha. Being that you were able to succeed, what advice would you give to aspiring makeup artists who are considering this career path?

A page from
Keisha Willis' Portfolio

Keisha:To start, really get to know the business. They should know the” Greats” all the way back to Max Factor (he was really a person). :-)  They should know how to do makeup of different periods 20s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s… Each decade was unique. A director or photographer doesn’t have time to teach you – they’ll give you some direction, and you have to know how to run with it. Do a lot of research so you can become experienced, take classes to learn the business and enhance your skills, network and develop a plan, know what field you want to be in – do you like FX makeup or do like the fashion industry or brides? And, have a great personality. Don’t be fake -  people can tell. Be pleasant to be around. Know the rates of other artists and don’t undercut, because you hurt the whole industry when you do. Getting Crystal Wrigt’s book and taking her classes is key in my opinion.

Nineveh: Thank you for that, Keisha.   You have an impressive portfolio. What have been some of your favorite gigs? 

Keisha: Thank you so much. I’m always honored when someone says that. Seriously -- I’m very flattered when someone appreciates my work. I have worked with so many creative photogs.  One photog and stylist actually made outfits out of bubble wrap! That was a fun shoot.  I love working with creative people because the synergy in the room is unreal.  We feed off of each other and come up with great ideas. Another really fun shoot is when I did a Barbie inspired shoot- every girl wants to be Barbie.

Nineveh: Barbie or a celebrity! :-)    Have you ever worked on a celebrity?

A page from Keisha Willis' Portfolio

Keisha:  Yes I have a few that I would like to work with. My list is long. Every celeb I have worked with has been so sweet.  I’ve worked with Judge Hatchet a few times.  She is AMAZING, she makes you feel so at home and welcomed into her space. I’ve also worked with Isis and Sandra – both models on ANTM. That was a surreal experience.  I’ve worked with Paul Warton of Bravo, Chip Wade on HGTV,  but that’s enough name dropping. :-)  But who I’d love work with is Michelle Obama – she’s such a fashion icon. I’d love to do Kim Kardasshian or any Kardashini for that matter, Vanessa Williams, Rihanna and Gwen Stefani -- and lets top it all off with an H&M ad Campaign. I’m actually drooling now. Told you I had a long list.

Nineveh: You are too funny! Ok, off of that topic and on to your favorite items.   What are some of your “must have” products for your own personal kit and for your professional set kit?

Keisha: My Graftobian pallet, my SmashBox highlighter (I’m sorry I don’t know the specific name I bought it at a makeup show it’s in a circle container and the stuff is AWESOME), my Urban Decay eye shadow pallets and q-tips!!

Nineveh: Great choices! And, last but not least, Nineveh highlights artists who give back.  What do you do to make the world a beautiful place?

Keisha: I think it’s so important to be a genuinely good person and I really try to do this often. I volunteer a lot at my church and I’m working with Dress For Success to do a seminar with their clients, because I feel like if you look good on the outside you’ll feel good on the inside.  I constantly look for ways that I can help others. I believe in paying it forward.  I also only charge my grads and prom students a fraction of my normal prices and do tons of free work for fashion shows that are charitable events.

Nineveh: I love it!  Anything else that the world should know about you?

Keisha: Well as I said in the beginning I started in this world as a model and modeling is my first love.  I give new models pep talks when they are in my chair and often make friend with them because of it.  I’m also pursuing my MBA and Master’s in Management. Education is very important.  You must know how to build your brand and your business.  I’m a wife and mom of two beautiful girls! Life is good.

Professional Makeup Artist & YouTube Guru: Eman

She's talented. A go-getter. And she is making her dreams come true as a professional makeup artist with a growing fanbase on YouTube. Meet: Eman.

Professional Makeup Artist Eman with Client

Nineveh: Eman, tell us how you got started in makeup.

Eman: I started doing makeup about 3 years ago.  It was kind of a fluke.  I was working on my own fashion line at the time but I quickly realized that wasn't my passion.  I started doing styling, then, through that, I got into makeup, and I fell in love with it.  I haven't looked back since.

Nineveh: Tell us about your journey to becoming a full-time freelance makeup artist. What steps did you have to take to become completely self-sufficient as a makeup artist?



Eman: I started to network with people in the industry.  I slowly started to build my portfolio by doing lots of creative shoots.  I made business cards and handed them out to everyone I knew.  I made a website, a Facebook group, a YouTube channel, and I joined Twitter.  At the beginning I did LOTS of volunteer work, and with time it eventually turned into paid work. Now I have a large network of photographers and stylists that I work with.  And, I am repped by an agency that helps with getting me work as a freelance artist.



An example of Eman's work from her portfolio


Nineveh:    By sharing your experience here, you are likely inspiring potential, aspiring makeup artists. What further advice would you give to them about a career path in makeup?

Eman: Make sure you absolutely love being a makeup artist because it’s a lot of work and that passion for what you do is what will make you successful.  Also, never stop learning.  

Nineveh: And along the way in your newfound passion, which makeup artists inspire(d) you?

Eman: I get inspiration from so many artists.  I look up to past teachers of mine who are now my mentors.  Makeup artists like Troy Jensen, Billy B and Lottie Star are some of my favorites to draw inspiration from.



Another beautiful example of Eman's work from her portfolio



Nineveh:    You have an impressive portfolio. What have been some of your favorite gigs?

Eman: I love doing fashion editorials because they give you the chance to be as creative as you want and there are really no rules. 

Nineveh:    Have you ever worked on a celebrity? If so, tell us who and a little bit about your experience. If not, is there a celebrity you would like to work with? Why?

Eman: I would love to work with someone like Lady Gaga.  She loves creating amazing visuals that are so different and unique.  She loves taking risks and her makeup is never boring.

Nineveh:    You have an amazing fan base of nearly 50,000 subscribers on YouTube. What do you think you offer that attracts people to hit that ‘subscribe’ button?

Eman: I keep the focus of my videos on just makeup.  I don't talk about my personal life, I don't do haul videos or outfit videos.  It’s just makeup.  So my subscribers know what they are getting.  If they want a certain makeup look, they can come to my channel and they'll most likely find a tutorial for what they are looking for, so they keep coming back. 

Nineveh: That makes sense. And, what are some of your “must have” products for your own personal kit and for your professional set kit?

Eman: I love MakeUp ForEver, so I have lots of 'must haves' from them.  I can't live without the Make Up ForEver HD Powder, HD Primer and HD Foundation.  I also love their Aqualip pencils and their Aquablack cream liner.  I love the NARS velvet matte pencils.  I love MAC's Smolder eye pencil, and one of my favorite glosses is their Dazzleglass in Sugarimmed.

Nineveh: A Nineveh Makeup Ministries interview wouldn’t be complete without learning what it is that you do to make the world a beautiful place. So tell us about that aspect of your life.

Eman: I believe giving back to charity is really important.  I like to volunteer my services for charity fashion shows and charity auctions.  I like to help in any way I can help for a cause I believe in.

Another example of Eman's work from her portfolio

Nineveh:  Anything else that the world should know about you?

Eman:I have a wonderful hubby that supports me in everything I do and I wouldn't be where I am now if it wasn't for him :) 

 

Eman is based in Vancouver-Canada and can be reached/followed in the following ways:

Eman's blog, where she shares shots from her photo shoot gigs:

http://emanmakeup.blogspot.com/

Eman's Official Website: http://www.emanmakeup.com/

Eman on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=153722741315999

Eman on Twitter: http://twitter.com/EmanMakeup

Professional MakeUp Artist & YouTube Guru Camille Megan Gives Back!

Pro Makeup Artist Camille Megan with client

When I stumbled upon Camille Megan (aka TalkinMakeup) on YouTube, I immediately felt as if I had hit the makeup fix jackpot. The heading of her video: “How I Became a MAC Artist,” intrigued me. I love her personality, style, and the ease with which she communicates and teaches. I became a subscriber on the spot and have been watching her videos ever since.  Camille is a trained, professional Freelance Makeup Artist who has worked for many of the major cosmetics lines. She’s humble, down to earth, funny, and her adorable Jersey-esque accent will have you mesmerized video after video.

I had the wonderful opportunity to interview Camille about her journey as a makeup artist.

Nineveh: Camille, what caused you to decide to go into makeup artistry?

Camille:  I have always loved makeup since I was very little. My Mom used to hand my sister and I makeup and curling irons to play with on a boring Friday or Saturday night. I remember always wanting my Mom to find out how people on TV did their makeup. The first actress's makeup I tried to replicate was Donna Mills from Knots Landing.  She wore the most beautiful Blue Eyeliner! I was only about 5 years old. My teenage makeup inspirations came from TV shows & Seventeen Magazine. They used to post looks from time to time, and I would cut them out and tape them to my mirror until I nailed the look. I always liked to do everybody's makeup.

I owe all the credit to a woman named Christina (a restaurant owner). She was a girl I used to clean and babysit for. I looked up to her. She was only about 10 years older than me, so I could relate to her. Plus, [in my eyes] she was cool. One morning, she called and asked me to stop by and meet her friend about babysitting. When I got there, they started telling me that I should be behind a makeup counter- that I really seemed to be good at doing makeup.

They were telling me to go to Macy's and apply, and suggested that while working there I should take a makeup class. I didn't know why they did this for the longest time. Then, Christina and I were at the Estee Lauder counter one day, and she told me that she always thought I did a nice job on my makeup. She then revealed that when I was doing someone's makeup in a house while a bunch of people were there, one of them was a Makeup Artist. She knew Christina, and this woman said really nice things about me, prompting Chris to talk to me!

Nineveh: That’s a really neat story. I also like your memory of when you were a little girl, recreating makeup looks. You’ve obviously been a makeup artist at heart since a very early age.  When you got a bit older, where did you obtain formal training?

Camille: I have received trained from Estee Lauder, Clinque, and MAC. I also took advantage of any extra classes these companies offered. I also attended a class at a local vocational school for Makeup Application.

Of all the classes I took and information I studied, nothing trained me like working on the public. I always say that working at Estee Lauder was my Cosmetics University; I majored in Skincare, Foundation Matching, and Applying Makeup. At MAC, it was about expressing your artistic side. I perfected my techniques while there. I was able to do things there I would never get to do in a makeup class!

I am very fortunate to have had the experience to work at these counters. I am from the Philadelphia Metropolitan area. It is a multi-cultural area, so I have done makeup on women of every race. I also specialize in makeup for the elderly from my experiences at the Estee Lauder Counter.

Doing random makeup all day and matching foundation over and over has made me the Artist I am today. I had so much fun working at the counters that I never felt like I was at working. There are downsides to working at these counters, and I have seen them first hand, but the benefits outweigh the bad stuff!

Nineveh: I like that: Cosmetics University. And, great major choices, by the way!  So, how is it that you are able to balance working as a makeup artist with being a wonderful Mom?

TalkinMakeup on YouTube

Camille:  In addition to being a professional Freelance Makeup Artist (for about the past three years) and a Mom, and I have also been doing YouTube (under the handle “TalkinMakeup”) for about 2 years now.  I try to make appointments when my husband is home, and if I have a Saturday morning bride client, I can take my daughter with me sometimes. Working for myself has been a joy. It was extremely difficult to juggle working at MAC and being a Mom. I had full support at home. I chose to step down from my job at MAC to pursue freelance work, and to be able to be with my daughter.

Nineveh: You will probably inspire a lot of mothers who aspire to be makeup artists. Speaking of inspiration, who have been some of your best and inspirational teachers?

Camille:  My BEST teacher was a woman named Cathy, who I worked with at Estee Lauder. She had been there since she was 16 years and had 20 years of experience in makeup. She was kind enough to share it all with me. She helped me, in the moment, guiding me through various situations. Cathy was like a sister to me.

The most inspirational teacher I have ever had was my trainer, Joy, at MAC. She was amazing! She was a much respected artist and teacher. She was kind but gave few compliments. While I was in Basic, (training) at MAC, she would always tell me I was doing a good job or that I went above and beyond. She would call out my work for being good.

TalkinMakeup's Blog

It gave me so much inspiration to take chances. Having her approval meant the world to me. At the end of Basic, Joy grabbed my hand and told me that “When you speak, the most beautiful things come out of your mouth. You are really special." I was speechless for once in my life.  I just hugged her, because I was filling up with tears!

Nineveh: Given all of your experience, what is your personal philosophy about women wearing makeup?

Camille: Makeup gives women a feeling. I don't know what to call this feeling, but it’s a combination of Beauty, Confidence, and Inspiration all rolled into one. Makeup is a common ground for women, whether someone wears a little or a lot. I have seen makeup pull people out of depression; even if just for a moment, they feel better! We all smile and get excited!

Nineveh: What are some of your favorite makeup products for your personal use and for your kit?

Camille: My favorite makeup for personal use comes from everywhere.

I love:

MAC's Fluidline eyeliner in Blacktrack ,MAC Studiofix Powder, MAC Lash Primer, Graftobian Glamour Creme HD Foundation.

I have to have a few things with me when I am working:

MAC Wipes
Ardell Lashes
Duo Lash Adhesive
MAC Paintpots
Graftobian Glamour Creme HD Foundation

Nineveh: What is your advice for those considering getting in to the makeup business?

Camille: Learn as much as you can never stop learning. Read and study makeup applications, and learn through doing. Don't ever let anybody make you feel like you don't belong somewhere!

Nineveh: What other career paths did you consider?

Camille: I had a million jobs but I was going to go back to school and become a teacher. I Love kids!

Nineveh: Tell us about your volunteer work.

Camille:  I will readily do makeup for any Cancer Survivor, Chemotherapy Patient, someone living with HIV, or any tragedy/illness survivor for free! I had the chance to work with so many people with cancer, HIV, and tragedy survivors. They are truly the most inspiring people you will ever meet. They are raw and honest. They may only feel good in that moment while they are getting their makeup done, and that feeling should be FREE!

Nineveh:  You are an amazing person and makeup artist, Camille! How else do you give back to make the world a beautiful place?

Camille:  I give back by giving away. I always think of some of the people I have mentioned in these questions -- the things they gave me -- not just makeup. When I had nothing, they gave me advice and taught me things that helped me became an artist, and they were kind to me! I try to give that back to everybody.

Nineveh: What else should the world know about you?

Camille: The girls I worked with at MAC used to say I was the Oprah of the MAC counter, I believe that everybody has a story tell. I Love making true connections with people!

I like that – the Oprah of the MAC Counter. Watch this video, and you’ll see what her co-workers meant.