We recently connected with Emma Johnson and have shared our conversation below.
Emma, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
I often wonder how different my life would be if I worked say, a 9 to 5, office job. While I think having a routine, a guaranteed income, benefits, weekends off, etc. would be nice; it is rare that I wish I had any of these things over the career that I have now. Working in the makeup industry is so fulfilling. I get use my creativity and talents to meet and work with new people everyday. I think my generation especially, values career options that bring joy over working jobs simply for the income.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a makeup artist living and working in Minneapolis, Minnesota. My background is in studio art. I have a bachelors degree in fine art and art history, and I am also a licensed Esthetician. Breaking into the makeup industry in Minneapolis, for me, was sheer luck. At the time, I was posting a lot of the makeup content on Instagram. A photographer reached out and asked if did makeup professionally, and if I could provide makeup services for an upcoming photoshoot. I lied of course! “Yes, I definitely do makeup professionally!” This first photoshoot taught me so much about set etiquette, pricing, models, agencies, lighting, and so much more. I am forever grateful to that photographer who reached out because I have been doing makeup ever since! I offer any makeup service that people are looking for. Bridal, editorial, SFX, commercial – if it’s makeup, I’m interested! I think my background in art gives me an upper hand in this industry. I’m not afraid to try new techniques, or use unconventional products. I am constantly pulling from my knowledge of color theory, historical art movements, studio techniques, and applying it to my makeup practice. I love when clients ask for makeup that pushes me to learn about a product or technique that I haven’t tried before. The beauty industry is changing so rapidly that there is truly never a dull moment.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Spend money. We are not interested in “networking opportunities” or “exposure.” This is our full time job. Pay well, and recommend us to others.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
When I first decided to pursue makeup, I dove headfirst into any online resource I could find. Classes on how to make it in the industry, sanitation, billing clients, contract writing, taxes, building a clientele, were pretty much all that I consumed. I felt so lucky to be starting my career in a time when so many people were creating content online that shared their knowledge and experiences in the industry. I wanted so desperately to do everything “by the book.” But, what I quickly learned, is that there is no book or blueprint to follow in any creative industry. While I could learn from others’ experiences, my journey in the beauty industry would be unique to me. Working hard, staying true to myself, having gratitude and respect for every client, and picking and choosing the work that I find fulfilling and saying no to everything else, has helped me to pave my own career path.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.emmajohnsonmua.com/
- Instagram: @emmaj.mua
Image Credits
Vickie Olson Alexander Butterfield Amy Diep Aaron Rice