Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Deborah Altizio. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Deborah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?

I’ve been a makeup artist for over a decade…and came up with the ‘pay-it-forward’ generation. So I’m lucky to have been surround by the kindness and empathy that comes with being struggling artists to hugely successful designers, photographers, models and makeup artists alike.

It’s hard to pinpoint the ‘kindest’ moment, because I think there is no measure with kindness… nor should there be; but what comes to mind is a special client that I’ve worked with for 15 years . Due to NDA I can’t mention names; but during the pandemic she continued sending me paychecks despite the strict social distance protocols that also prevented me from working. In those moments, not only did I realize how much she value’s me; but also how compassionate she is. It was a reminder that good people do exist. I’m lucky to have met her during my career and formed a wonderful bond.

Deborah, 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?

As a child I grew up excelling in the arts. Painting and drawing came easy to me. I would win contests in grammar school and I have published work as a child in the town newspaper. I was born an artist.

Unfortunately being the child of parents who immigrated from Argentina there was difficulty maneuvering through the system.
Therefore I had to work my way from the bottom up on my own. There was no social media during that time so unless you personally knew someone it was nearly impossible to get to where you wanted to go. Relationships, reliability and good work ethics in addition to the quality of your craftmanship was everything in those days; but it also came with some sacrifices and having the humility to be ok with starting at the roots.

I stepped into the industry by working for free with models to create my portfolio. I called modeling agencies and photographers and offered my makeup services. I also assisted any other makeup artists to perfect and learn my skill.

Eventually I would find my own representation and that’s when doors started opening and amazing jobs started coming in.

I have always specialized in Beauty, fashion, and celebrity makeup.
Making people look and feel beautiful is my specialty.

My clients feel like they are a work of art. They always tell me they feel like a canvass. I approach each face differently. Some artists do the same thing on every face. Not me, my work is more individualized for the clients specific features.

One of my most recent accomplishments was going to the White House for the First Lady’ Jill Biden’s makeup. Entering her private quarters was an experience not many people will ever have. I am very grateful!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

There were many times at the beginning of my career I would be so discouraged about not getting a particular job I really wanted. I would be crushed when I didn’t get confirmed and another makeup artist was put on the job. I had a hard time coping with the rejection as a sensitive artist. Alike most artists, I put my heart and soul into this career, it’s not something I could do as successfully without putting my passion or emotion into it.
I felt the only way to hang in there was to pivot into a hobby of mine which is competitive ballroom
dancing. I found that it was the only way to deflect the rejection and continue doing makeup. It prevented me from being jaded and was a great outlet. I was able to bounce back easier this way.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish a list of art directors and magazine editors with contact information was available to me earlier in my career. Artists have it so easy these days!

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.DeborahAltizio.com
• Instagram: Debora Altizio Makeup
• Linkedin: Deborah Altizio Make Up

Image Credits
Lara Jade photography Hunter Arthurm Carla Guler