Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amanda Bogdan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Amanda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I have always had a passion or makeup since I was little girl. I remember buying books that were makeup related. I was so fascinated with makeup and the power of how makeup can make you feel. The statements that it can make. I remember seeing a MAC makeup artist when I was younger and thinking “omg, they’re so cool and I love their style!” I always wanted to be a MAC artist because they were all passionate as a brand. Everybody was celebrated for their creativity, individualism, and they loved making people feel beautiful in their skin. I have always wanted a career as a MAC artist.

Amanda, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Amanda and I am a Jill of all trades! I am a makeup artist, a permanent makeup artist, aspiring model, & enthusiast of individuality. I have been in the makeup industry for about 5 years after becoming a certified MUA at Robert Fiancé. I started my makeup career with NYX Professional Makeup working as a part time makeup artist/associate while working my full time job at Mercedes-Benz. I have always had a strong gravitational pull towards my creative side. This eagerness for artistry and creative freedom lead me to my career with MAC Cosmetics. I have since wanted to create something a little more permanent for myself and my clients. I was certified back in 2019 to be a permanent makeup artist. There was nothing more challenging than to learn to tattoo eyebrows on my clients. It is something I take a lot of pride in.

I mainly specialize in powder brows. Depending on the clients concerns and wants, I will consult and give my professional opinion. I help a lot of clients that have very sparse brows who want just a little bit of shape and fullness to them. As for makeup, I absolutely love doing Smokey eyes! If not Smokey, then a nice soft glam. Honestly, my belief for makeup is that it’s supposed to highlight your natural features, not conceal them. Makeup is so fun, and it can elevate your energy. It’s such a powerful thing!

I have a lot of people that I interact with on a daily basis. I truly have a passion for helping people. I love the look on a clients face after seeing their makeup look or freshly tattooed brows. Everybody’s face shape, eye shape, skin type, are all different. It is a true craft in its own, tattooing faces or doing their makeup. You really build an eye for it after a while. It is something I will always learn more so I can give my clients the best I can. As artists, we are ALWAYS learning.

This industry (both makeup & permanent makeup) is very, very competitive. It can be totally overwhelming trying to find an artist on social media these days. I always encourage clients to really do their research on 1) what they want and 2) who they are looking to hire. We are not a cookie cutter, one size fits all type of thing. We all have different styles and I encourage to seek out the artist for their particular style. Asking questions is imperative! For me as an artist, I want to be sure my client feels they can communicate with me. I am always here to listen to you. No cheesy gimmicks to get you through the door. I will always be honest, and respectful.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Being an artist is totally exhausting and draining. Especially if you struggle with mental health issues. I interact with a lot of people on a daily basis. it is a lot of energy and a lot of multi tasking to get the job done in a timely fashion. If you add anxiety on top of it, forget about it! I have learned to just not be scared, and just do it. That is truly a very proud learned skill. An over thinking brain & being a perfectionist is a tough dance for this line of work. It truly is a learned skill to unlearn all of these traits.. At the end of the day, I am a human being who struggles just as much as anybody else. But it’s essential to really put that aside, focus, and just go with it.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I gotta say, being my own boss is pretty high on tier of rewards. I have worked a lot of jobs in my day. I always felt a strong rebellion against corporate America. Maybe it’s a bit of an authority problem. I have had plenty of jobs in my day that told me how to look, what to wear, what I couldn’t wear. I have worked for quite a few luxury brands which do not allow you express yourself creatively. I have always challenged that with my employers. I don’t take it lightly. I have gotten told my hair was too pink, to take out my jewelry because it wasn’t the “dress code”, cover my tattoos, you name it. Working for MAC Cosmetics has really made me thrive in being true to who I am and expressing that creativity and individually. I feel so strong on this. It’s your life, and your body. Do whatever makes you happy.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Www.instagram.com/_dropdeadglam

Image Credits
I have taken all photos on my own.