We were lucky to catch up with Aya Iwakami recently and have shared our conversation below.

Aya, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Since childhood, I was deeply fascinated by art and loved drawing and painting. I always dreamed of having a creative career. However, my family placed a strong emphasis on academics, which made it very difficult to convince them to let me pursue my artistic ambitions. Although I longed to attend an art college, my family’s opposition led me to a liberal arts university instead. As graduation approached, my only option was to take an office job, so I started working as a clerk at a law firm. Unsurprisingly, I struggled to find real interest or passion in that job, and I felt completely trapped in a life I hadn’t chosen for myself.
Still, I refused to give up in this dead-end situation. Although I knew transitioning from an office job to a creative career would be challenging, I was always searching for opportunities to start something creative as a second career. That’s when I discovered the makeup industry and immediately enrolled in a weekend makeup course. Even though I had once given up on my dream of becoming an artist, makeup offered me a second chance to pursue my creative passion.
After graduating from makeup school, financial realities required me to continue working at the office while doing hair and makeup as a side job. I trained in the field after work and on weekends, often with barely any days off. Those days were physically demanding, but I loved being involved in something creative and felt more convinced than ever that I was finally heading in the right direction. Once I gained confidence, I left my office job and committed to makeup full-time. Being able to change my own path gave me tremendous confidence, and all the hard work juggling two jobs truly paid off.

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 am a makeup artist specializing in beauty and fashion brands as well as editorial work. My creative journey began in junior high school, when I became fascinated by the world of rock and heavy metal music. I was especially inspired by the Japanese rock band, who use their music and appearance to express themes like despair, sadness, and the fleeting nature of beauty. Their dramatic, gothic makeup created a striking, otherworldly presence that deeply influenced me.
Another major inspiration in my career has been the legendary makeup artist Serge Lutens. His work taught me that makeup is not just about enhancing beauty—it’s about creating and expressing entire worlds and stories. This perspective profoundly changed my approach and motivated me to blend artistry, storytelling, and conceptual design into my own creative process.
In my work, I strive to incorporate these influences, bringing a unique and bold perspective to every project. Whether I’m working for a beauty brand, on a fashion editorial, or with individual clients, I focus on expressing emotion and narrative through makeup design. What sets me apart is my commitment to creativity and my ability to infuse each look with a sense of story, depth, and artistry. I am most proud of my ability to transform and empower my clients, helping them express their individuality through creative makeup.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

One thing that non-creatives may struggle to understand about the journey of a makeup artist is the sheer complexity behind even the simplest looks. Depending on the assignment, makeup artists might be asked to create a glamorous look, enhance someone’s natural beauty, or apply makeup so subtle it appears invisible. Yet, every choice involves intricate design decisions, the use of various techniques, a refined sense of color, and a deep understanding of the unique canvas that is each person’s face. Bringing artistic vision to life in these ways is never easy, but it is precisely this challenge that makes being an artist so fulfilling and rewarding.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a full-time artist for me is that I get to truly be myself and do what I love every day. When I was working in a job that didn’t suit me, I often felt disconnected from my own life and struggled with negative feelings about myself. Becoming an artist allowed me to regain a sense of self-affirmation, and what makes this journey even more meaningful is that my family, who once opposed my dream, now fully support me as a makeup artist. I am now living the life I was meant to live, and I feel confident in my ability to carve my own path. Having overcome adversity to reach this point, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to fulfill my passion as a professional artist.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @ayaiwakami