We were lucky to catch up with Brittany Muse recently and have shared our conversation below.

Brittany, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you 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?

Earning a full time living as a creative has been a very difficult yet rewarding task. It has challenged me in so many ways to grow and stretch myself outside of my comfort zone. I truly don’t believe that I would be the person I am today without taking this leap of faith. I have grown literally on every possible level. I always say that being a creative has saved my life. Tangibly and intangibly.

Brittany, 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?

I first got in the industry just by doing transformations on people and showing the before and after photos. I would do lots of different creative photoshoots or make up for photoshoots. I began coming up with creative photoshoots and I did not realize that was part of creative art directing.

I specialize in makeup artistry and art direction for creative photoshoots. I come up with the concepts for shoots, I get the props and I do the set design, as well as, the makeup. I help people express & explore themselves through the mediums of makeup and photoshoots. I give people a creative outlet to help them to release things they may have trouble verbalizing. I also feel this sets me apart from my competitors.

I’m most proud of how I’ve grown as an artist and how I’m able to sustain, while growing my brand reputation, in my community.

I want my community to know that I create a safe space for all of the people, who feel they are underrepresented, to be seen for the unique beings that they are.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I have exhibited resilience throughout my entire career, simply by going through the ebbs and flows of life as a single mother of 2 growing children, while balancing being a full time creative and brick and mortar owner. At the beginning of my career, I was pregnant with my now 10 year old, and during my pregnancy I worked tirelessly, sometimes 18 hour days. After her birth, I jumped right back in by allowing clients to come to my home to get their makeup done, while I was supposed to be on maternity leave. Afterwards, I worked at several salons, while seeking out my own space, and going through a divorce. I eventually landed the space I am in now, after some tumultuous experiences with other landlords.

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

My mission is to help my clients experience complete confidence and freedom in their own identities.

Contact Info:

• Website: Artofficialmakeup.com
• Instagram: @muse_theartist
• Other: @artofficialmakeupandphoto (studio IG)

Image Credits
Photo 1 – Elijah Rodney (Simbalic) : photographer | Models: The Brown Twins | Makeup: Muse The Artist Photo 2- Elijah Rodney (Simbalic) : photographer | Model: Charlie | Makeup: Muse The Artist Photo 3- Elijah Rodney (Simbalic) : photographer | Model: Dev | Makeup: Muse The Artist Photo 4 – Elijah Rodney (Simbalic) : photographer | Model: Yasmin | Makeup: Muse The Artist Photo 5 – (They/Them) – Bexx Chin : photographer | Model: Bliss Cortez | Makeup: Muse The Artist Photo 6 – Elijah Rodney (Simbalic) : photographer | Model: Cordova Bleu | Makeup: Jatesa Mayberry Photo 7 – Elijah Rodney (Simbalic) : photographer | Model: Antoine Christian | Makeup: Muse The Artist Photo 8 – Elijah Rodney (Simbalic) : photographer | Model: Kiana | Makeup: Muse The Artist Photo 9- Elijah Rodney (Simbalic) : photographer | Model: Sage | Makeup: Muse The Artist All Photos: Muse The Artist : Creative Art Director