Here we are again folks with the second installment in the vendor spotlight theme. It gives me great pleasure to present today Dorothy Creaven of Makeup Ireland. I have known Dorothy for just over 3 years now and we actually met for the first time when she was doing the makeup of a bride whilst I was there to shoot the wedding. Doesn’t times fly when you are having fun!!!
1) Tell us a little about yourself
Well, I’m an electronic engineer turned makeup-artist who specialises in film/television, fashion shoots, editorial and bridal makeup. I love almost everything to do with music – play piano and currently learning the double bass. I also spent a couple of years in South America working, living and learning Spanish. Big animal lover, especially basset hounds… it’s their long ears that do it for me!
2) What made you decide that being a makeup artist (MUA) was for you??
I was always fascinated by makeup ever since I was a child – I was amazed at how you could ‘decorate’ your face and loved watching my mother put on her lipstick. When I got older, it progressed into seeing how makeup can help bring out the features that you want to focus on… and help hide the ones that you don’t! I still find fascinating the subtle differences makeup can make and just love people’s reactions when they look in the mirror after I’m done, smile, and say, “Wow, I love how I look.”
3) Do you use/have a favourite brand?? If so, why??
Bobbi Brown is my current favourite at the moment – they produce such high quality products, last for ages, are reasonably priced, elegant packaging and best of all, are not tested on animals. The perfect brand.
4) What do you find is the most common mistake women make when applying makeup??
I find that a lot of the time, women are using the wrong shade and type of foundation for their skins. It’s not just important to get the colour absolutely right (steering away from the dreaded orange look, of course!) but we need to think about what the skin needs as a whole. A tinted moisturiser will work great on flawless, younger skin, for example, but a more mature skin will need a cream foundation which is much more hydrating.
5) Why is it important for someone to use a MUA instead of doing it themselves or getting a friend to do it for them??
Makeup artists are experts in their field and learn specific techniques that are picked up through time and experience. There are many things to consider so unless you’re a makeup artist, you might not tend to think about them. We take into account specific lighting conditions, weather conditions, camouflage, and simply making the makeup last for as long as you do… such a necessity but can be tricky to achieve unless you know how!
6) What was your most unusual request??
It has to be when I was working on ‘The Tudors’ Season IV – it was for a huge battle scene and each actor had to have a major wound, scar or skin-tear as well as copious amounts of blood just thrown at them and all over them. Not for the faint-hearted but a lot of fun!
7) What is your favourite or perhaps the most exciting aspect of your job??
I just love meeting all different people, each job is totally different from the last… I could be working on a film set one day, another day helping Hollywood actors prepare for a film premiere or creating a specific look for a bride-to-be. I love how varied my days are and to see people’s reaction when I’ve done my job and are happy with my work.
8) What aspires you??
When I see makeup artists like Alex Box who create masterpieces with makeup – an artist in the truest sense of the word. Makeup is so much more about making people look pretty – it’s another medium for artistic expression and I would love to have more opportunities to create more dramatic and abstract art with makeup in the future… so watch this space!
9) What tips or advice would you give to someone wanting to become a makeup artist??
Try and get as much on-the-job training as possible after you do your initial course – offer to work for free and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty! Also, think outside the box a little – don’t forget that one product can be used in many ways so feel free to experiment as much as possible. Study fashion shoots in magazines like Vogue to see how different artists work and also keep an eye on trends… fashion & makeup is a fast moving industry so you have to be ready for it!
10) How can people get in touch with you??
I would invite everyone to check out my website where you can see my online portfolio and a little more about the work that I do. Please feel free to get in touch through the website or give me a call!
Telephone: +353 (0)87-670 5568
Email: MakeupIreland@gmail.com
Web site: http://www.makeupireland.ie
