Artist Feature Fridays: Shayna Madison

It's Friday,  and you know what that means <3 It's Artist Feature Friday with What It Takes. Our artist this week has such tenacity, courage, and persistence and it never ceases to amaze me. She has participated in many of our Makeup Challenges and continues to challenge herself on every job she takes. It's so impressive! 

Shayna Madison is an aspiring makeup artist who not only went to one school, she attended TWO schools! Talk about some serious dedication. Her interview was one of the most honest interviews I have come by, which I appreciate on such a deep level. Her interview will SURELY inspire you to keep pushing forward, and never stop learning!!!

Without further ado: Shayna Madison

1. Tell us about yourself!
My name is Shayna, I am a 21, and I grew up and currently still live in Palmdale, CA.  Makeup has always been a passion of mine ever since I was little. I was close to graduating high school and was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. My mom was watching the show Face Off and she said "you could do that!" and that was when I realized that was what I wanted to do. I graduated high school early then a month later I started at E.I. School of Professional Makeup, after I graduated I went to Makeup Designory after that. I have worked on a variety of different things and love all aspects of makeup, but film makeup is my favorite. 

2. It's so impressive that you have gone to not one, but TWO schools! What was your experience like with both?
Thank you! I really wanted to get as much knowledge as I could and I continue to learn every day and have plans go back to school in the future. They were both great schools and I learned so much from both. There are obviously some pros and cons about each school just like with anything. E.I. was my first school right out of high school which really gave me a base to grow off of as an artist and helped me figure out where I want to take my career. Although I learned a lot, I have some problems with their administration, I graduated summer 2015 and am currently still having a hard time getting my diploma. The Makeup Designory's Master Program was amazing! They really helped me grow in my artistry and gave me all the tools so that I can be the best freelance makeup artist I could be. The MUD job board has helped me get jobs and their guest speakers gave me many opportunities to learn and network.  


3. You seem to always stay busy, how do you continue working consistently?
I am constantly looking for work and networking. As a freelance artist, there are definite times when it's slow. During those times, I am actively looking for opportunities. I also never turn down a job because you never know where it is going to lead. I also volunteer time at a local theatre.


4. What do you do to keep yourself motivated?
I have to sometimes take a step back and look at all that I have accomplished and see that I am steps closer to being where I want to be in my career. Also, a good spark of inspiration is always a great motivator because something so small can lead to something so amazing. 


5. How do you handle the stress of sometimes not getting booked?
Honestly, I don't always handle the stress that well and I think that is ok to admit because as a freelance makeup artist when work is slow it is hard to not be overwhelmed with stress. I am lucky enough to have an amazing family and boyfriend who support and are with me every step of the way. Sometimes I need to just take a step back, breathe, and do something I enjoy like painting, designing a character, or just listening to music. The biggest thing that helps me is not giving up, because even though I am not getting booked now, does not mean I will never have another job again. 


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6. What has been your favorite gig so far that you've worked on?
My favorite gig so far was at the very end of last year I was the Makeup and Hair Department Head on a feature film titled "One Hour Outcall". This gig will always be close to my heart because it was my first big job and it gave me a taste of where I want to end up. It proved that my dream could be a reality. I designed and applied the looks for all my actors, oversaw other makeup artists. I was in charge of my department and got to work with awesome cast and crew! 


7. If you could work for anyone in this industry, who would it be?
Easy question! Ve Neill! She is someone I have looked up to for a very long time. Not only is she a fantastic makeup artist, the few times I got to meet her, she was extremely nice and amazing.


8. You've entered many of our makeup challenges, it's amazing! What do you like most about our challenges?
I love how you challenge me as an artist but are always so supportive about it. 


9. We love challenging artists to push themselves beyond their comfort zones, Which you do very well! What advice would you give for artists to push themselves past their comfort zones?
It's hard to push yourself when you are worried about what people think, one of my favorite sayings is "People are always going to stare, so you might as well give them something to stare at". It's true, you push yourself for YOU, not anyone else. You do it to grow, to better yourself and if you never push the limits, how will you know what you are capable of?


10. Describe in your own words "What It Takes" to be a successful makeup artist! 
​To be a successful makeup artist it takes passion. Passion gives you the strength to be a successful makeup artist. It gives you the strength for an early call time, night shoot, or even just a long day. It gives you the strength to keep pushing along when work is slow. You have to be willing to put in the work and know it is not always easy. You have to continue to love what you do every day. Success is not always measured by money, but by waking up and excited to go to work to do what you love.

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What an inspiring interview, right?! You can follow Shayna's work and her  journey at @makeupbyshaynamadison

Xo,
​Amber