We were lucky to catch up with Brady Allio recently and have shared our conversation below.

Brady, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Several times, I worked on a couple of films on the same day, back-to-back, from beginning to wrap. I would spread myself out too thin and would have to find a last-minute assistant to cover for me, for several hours on one film project, while I worked on another film. I discussed with both directors for both film projects and figured out my strategies and plans. Then I would speak with my assistant. I would inform them what to do, along with giving them makeup continuity pictures that I had done for the past days on the set, from the beginning of the project along with notes in the folder as well. I knew it was a huge risk, and could possibly impact my career, but I managed to prove to myself and others that I could do a couple of projects back to back. I would sometimes work 20-26 hours when I do a couple of projects at the same time, I would always schedule a little downtime here and there to eat and rest for a few minutes on set, or drive from one set to another set.

I learned to always say yes to any offers I could get my hands on, even if it is a low-budget type of project, or voluntary type of gig. The reason I always say yes to any project is to help get my name out there and be acknowledged by other artists, directors, and writers, (etc.). That is part of the reason why I worked on a couple of projects back to back. Back in May, I was working on a two-and-a-half-week thesis film project for California State University of Northridge. We were a couple of days into filming the scenes when I got the offer to work with the American Film Institute for the first time, I thought about declining the offer but they really wanted me to be part of their project, and offered me more than my kit rate was. I decided that I couldn’t refuse this offer and I eventually accepted the offer since I was very interested in their 80’s era storyline. They wanted me to come in to do a makeup test on one of the characters, I informed them before I accepted the offer that I was currently working on another project but was willing to work around my own schedule to be able to work on both projects at the same time. I immediately contacted a few of my trustworthy makeup artist friends, asking if they would be interested in assisting/covering me on one project, while I worked on another film at a different location.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I fell in love with arts/crafts at an early age when I was a kid. I would always draw everywhere, including on things in my parent’s house during my childhood. When I entered middle school I started to experiment with makeup more often, I combined it with my drawing/painting skills, in my bedroom with the cheapest products I could buy, from Fred Meyers’s store in my hometown of Juneau, Alaska. Once I started my sophomore year in high school, I decided to pick up graphic design since it seemed so much fun and I was very passionate about learning all different types of artistic skills, I still am learning something new here and there. In my junior year I also slowly combined my graphic design skills with makeup, I would attempt doing graphic lines using eyeliners. I also started wearing makeup out more often, while performing with my high school dance team during the basketball halftime shows. I would get compliments on how gorgeous my makeup was, which gave me an inner boost to pursue a career as a freelance makeup artist.

When I graduated from high school in the spring of 2018, I decided to move to Rochester, New York to study graphic design at the Rochester Institute of Technology. I wanted to experience the New York lifestyle and learn some more depth about graphic design. I eventually withdrew from Rochester Institute of Technology after the first semester, because I wasn’t happy there, and I wanted to have a more hands-on type of career. I moved back to my hometown, Juneau, Alaska, and while I was there, I started researching makeup artist schools in California. I found a school in Burbank, California which I was VERY interested in attending since they teach the beginning basics of beauty, to depth of beauty, as well as special effects/labs (sculpt, and molding prosthetic pieces). I got accepted in early spring of 2019, I was so excited to start learning more about makeup and becoming an actual makeup artist. I attended Make-up Designory in the fall of 2019 until COVID-19 impacted everything in March and caused the school to shut down for a while. I ended up completing my Master’s program on July 1st, 2020.

I started working as a freelance makeup artist for my first time, when I was in my special effect course (SFX201) at Make-up Designory. I volunteered to do makeup for the Nutcracker ballet, at Alex Theatre, in Glendale, California. I was so nervous, but I followed the instructions that included pictures of the makeup looks that were given to me by the director. I felt so great about my work, and I got to watch them perform from the sideline of the stage. After I graduated from Make-up Designory, I started to look for more gigs that I could try get my hand on. I did assist one of my good friends, on my very second gig as makeup artist for a music video, it was so fun, and learning what expectations would be when working on the actual set in studio.

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

Whenever I’m on a set for any project, I make it a point to share my business cards and connect with others. I believe in the power of networking, so I take time to chat with everyone on the crew. The most fulfilling moments for me come when people unexpectedly reach out with job offers or valuable project connections. I also ensure to get credits on IMDb, which plays a crucial role in boosting my visibility as a freelance makeup artist. Plus, I always say yes to any gigs that come my way!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

As a freelance makeup artist, my creative journey is fueled by a passion for exploring diverse and versatile makeup styles. The thrill of working on sets for fashion shows, theater productions, music videos, film and TV, and special events enables me to showcase my skills across different makeup genres. I thrive on pushing my artistic boundaries, whether it’s perfecting beauty looks or experimenting with special effects. My goal is to demonstrate the full range of my abilities—anything from glamorous beauty makeup to innovative special effects and prosthetic molds.

Among all the techniques I employ, special effects ignite my passion the most. Crafting gory or fantastical creature looks allows me to delve into characters beyond the ordinary. This unique perspective is fueled by my personal experiences, as my different approach to art stems from, being Deaf and my own auditory challenges, and my fluency in both American Sign Language and English.

Being on set exhilarates me! I take pride in ensuring that my makeup translates beautifully on screen and responding quickly for touch-ups, whether that’s applying powder, refreshing lipstick, or addressing any other makeup needs. I also cherish the opportunity to meet new people and build my network—each connection can lead to exciting new projects. One of my proudest moments was working with a renowned entertainment family in Hollywood to celebrate a special birthday. It reinforced my mission to be visible, foster relationships, and continue my journey in the world of makeup artistry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bradyalliomua.com
• Instagram: @bugg.mua

Image Credits

Evan Sickora
Mario E. Carranza
Andre
Gregg Heckler
Albert Vazquez