We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kelsey Gizelle. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kelsey below.

Kelsey, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?

It’s easy to view people who work in the film and beauty industry as easy money makers. Movies make billions of dollars a year, and beauty products fly off the shelves every second. Behind the scenes it’s a completely different story. Speaking as a makeup artist, we work long hours and actually perform tasks people would not think a makeup artist would have to do. Such as accounting our finances or coordinating with productions. It’s a physically demanding job. We sometimes carry kit loads up to 60 pounds, and we travel constantly to various locations daily or sometimes weeks at a time. For people outside the industry they don’t get to see that, but for those that are we are a small and sometimes belittled department.

A big challenge to be a profitable makeup artist is getting a fair wage. Productions see our department as important, but not as important. Individual clients will try to negotiate on prices, or try to convince you for your services in exchange for exposure. This is an expensive job. A lot of our kit comes from our own money, sometimes never even compensated. Beauty products can costs hundreds based on quality. Which is another challenge. Corporate beauty brands have marked up prices significantly due to public intrigue and demand.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve been a makeup artist for almost 10 years. I started as self-taught and was part time working as a makeup artist during college for proms, debuts and similar events. I’m a native Angelino so I’ve always been around the film industry. I have a passion for film and television and in 2017 I decided to enroll in Cinema Makeup School. There, I learned not only makeup techniques but set etiquette, the business and being exposed to inspirational artists. Shortly after graduating the program, I started assisting different artists. One of my first jobs was for a boudoir shoot. I remember running to CVS for extra body oil, and wiping feet. I eventually got jobs in music videos, digital media, e-commerce commercials, and a lot of student films. I began working many short films, which lead to feature films. My favorite thing about this job is making friends and traveling. I’ve made so many good friends who are so creative. A few favorite places I’ve worked at are Hawaii, Utah, Joshua Tree, Malibu, Big Bear, and even Dumont Dunnes. Each with its own unique experience. I’m in disbelief sometimes that I’m in these beautiful locations thanks to makeup.

I want people to know that I advocate for inclusivity and being a minority myself I understand the difficulties and struggles of the film industry. It makes me proud that I’ve worked on so many BIPOC, AAPI, and LGBTQIA+ productions. I also advocate for mental health awareness. I myself struggle with being bipolar and I want others to see that it doesn’t stop life. I learn so much each day and take my experiences to heart. It’s how I see people’s individual beauty. As a makeup artist I strive not only to change a person into the character but just to make them feel their best. A big part of the job is personal connection, establishing trust and confidence. I will always listen to my talents/client and I will always do my best for them.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Being a freelance makeup artist is an unsteady career. There are weeks of uncertainty, tough competitiveness and additionally low or unfair pay. It’s a challenge to stay focused and to trust the journey. COVID was a big hit to everyone and brought out so much doubt. I wasn’t sure how or when we would continue. But keeping the faith in other creatives, we all found a way to stay resilient and passionate to getting back to projects. It’s another challenge to push through on tough days. Putting in 12-14 hour days can take a toll mentally, emotionally and physically. But there is something so rewarding doing my craft. There’s an unexplainable feeling of satisfaction. I smile deep inside, and a joy comes over me when I get to do what I do. The support I receive from all of my friends, family and my boyfriend have tremendously been my guidance. Other makeup artist and creatives have been my inspiration to keep going and to trust the process of this difficult career.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I like to think I’m very reliable as a person and as a professional. I always want my production to know that I will find ways to make things work. I believe being understanding and sensitive to peoples insecurities, being a good listener, and being a confidant is so important. It’s a significant part of being a makeup artist. I put myself into my work, not just in makeup but building positive experiences.

Contact Info:

• Website: kelseygizelle.com
• Instagram: @kelseygizelle.makeup
• Linkedin: Kelsey Gizelle

Image Credits
Katy Pritchett