We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amy Elizabeth a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Amy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I’ve been fortunate to independently support myself as a makeup artist in the film/TV industry for the last 15 years. It took me some time to get here, but I stayed diligent and focused on my goals, and it has proven to be worth all of the work that has been put in.

For those just starting out, there are numerous schools out there. Do your research before picking one but LA has some fantastic schools! I, however, did not get into the business that way. I began my career on the brand side as a makeup artist for Bobbi Brown cosmetics in NY. What was intended to initially be a side job quickly turned into something more! Within a year of joining Bobbi, I was invited to be on her personal appearance team, working with Bobbi herself. Being on that team not only taught me a wealth of makeup techniques but also about working with women from numerous ethnicities and cultural backgrounds, which has been invaluable in my career.

As much as I loved my days with Bobbi, after a couple of years I got the bug to work in TV/film and began pursuing an independent freelance career. Since that time it has been an exciting and rewarding ride! I still could pinch myself with some of the opportunities I’ve had.

At the end of the day, however, I am running a business and have always treated it as such. There are days filled with marketing, website updating, accounting, product restocking, and networking, networking, networking. There were days in the beginning of my career where I sat at my computer for 14 hours, working to market my business and make the right contacts. These days I spend more time on set than at my computer but there still is all of those same elements of maintaining my business.

Currently, I work primarily on TV shows & commercials, with an occasional film. Some of my favorite experiences have been Department Heading a show for Bravo called Spy Games, and being the key makeup artist & wardrobe stylist to the host of State Plate TV’s, Taylor Hicks, which ran 2.5 years. Through the later experience, I was fortunate to travel to all 50 states, as well as do press tours in LA & NY. I’ve also had the incredible opportunity to day-play on an episode of Ozark and several episodes of The Walking Dead.

I am always looking to grow in my skills and experiences and truly believe that is what creates success. Well, that and showing up with positivity and professionalism to work, and believing in yourself! I always knew I was going to work in this industry. I felt it in my bones and I was determined not to give up!

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

Makeup is part of a story we are telling whether it’s for branded advertising or for a scripted character in a show. Creatively, I love discussing with the producer/client/etc what this person’s look should be and then executing that look to help complete the story. Sometimes it’s coming up with a way to create something you’ve never done before but that’s what keeps things interesting and fun!

As far as the products I use, it’s all over the board! I have things from so many brands so that I can accommodate all different skin types. I also recently incorporated a range of vegan, cruelty-free products due to a request from an actor. As a result, I learned about a whole new range of makeup & skincare that I had not used before. I am now using some of those products on myself and am loving them!

No day is ever the same in this business. I love that about my career. And above all, I love my craft. I am where I am supposed to be! :)

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I love inspirational and entrepreneurial books!

My favorite book is The Universe Has Your Back, by Gabby Bernstein. I’ve read it a couple of times! It inspires the reader to believe that if you listen, the universe is always guiding you in the right direction. It is inspiring and teaches you to look at life from another perspective that you might not be in tune with.

I’m currently listening (audiobook) to The Success Principles, by Jack Canfield. Loving this one too! Good for self-guidance, direction, and personal growth. We all have the ability to accomplish great things if we believe in ourselves and do the work.

For just all-around money skills, I will Teach You To Be Rich, by Ramit Sethi was a good one. Some smart money-saving tips and how to maximize the money you have.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Gosh, I’d say I’m always driven to work with creatives I haven’t collaborated with before. I also have the goal of continuing to grow my resume to include more features and scripted content. I find it exciting to be part of the storytelling process of scripted projects.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.makeup-designs.com
• Instagram: @amyelizabethmakeup

Image Credits
Personal headshot: Nick Burchell