We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Frankie Byrd a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Frankie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

Ever since I was little, I’ve always been creative. Growing up, I was surrounded by music, and it’s had a huge impact on where I am today. My parents work in the music industry and have very successful careers doing what they love. My mom is the founder of a boutique Public Relations firm, Kayos Productions, Inc. and has worked with and managed many notable Rock and Roll artists, such as The Rolling Stones, The Who, and KISS. My dad spent over a decade as a member of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts as a guitarist and vocalist. He’s currently an independent singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Having such an unconventional upbringing gave me a new perspective on life and solidified that no dream is too big.

My parents always encouraged me to do what I love and to feed my creativity. Towards the end of high school when deciding what college to attend, they didn’t try to sway me to go to one school over another or follow a certain career path that didn’t align with my interests. Unfortunately, I witnessed this with my close friends, and I couldn’t help but feel sad for them for not having a voice in their future. I’m eternally grateful for my parents who gave me their time, patience, and support to figure out who I am and what I wanted to be. I don’t know where I would be today if it weren’t for them.

Frankie, 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?

My name is Frankie Byrd, and I’m a makeup artist based in New York City. I have 3+ years of experience specializing in editorial and fashion, but I’ve also worked in runway, bridal, TV/film, and e-commerce. I recently graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in 2023 and received an Associate of Applied Science in Advertising and Marketing Communications, a Bachelor of Science in Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing, and double minored in Italian Language and Creative Entrepreneurship. They sure as hell make you work for your degree just trying to say it.

I’m a self-taught makeup artist who started doing crazy looks in my bedroom during the 2020 pandemic. Once I returned to in-person school, I started my career working on FIT’s student-run magazine, Blush Magazine. This is where it all began. I was the Beauty Director for two semesters, overseeing all things makeup, hair, and nails for each issue, executing makeup looks, spearheading the beauty team, working closely with the executive team, and attending each photoshoot. Prior to this, I had never done makeup on anyone besides me, so this was my chance to rise to the occasion and prove myself. I was scared, but I was ready for the challenge and came out on top.

Since graduating FIT, I’ve been freelancing and working on brand campaigns, music videos, short films, fashion and beauty photoshoots, weddings, and so much more. The work that I’m most proud of are the projects that challenge me and push me past my limits. Even after 3 years of working in the industry, I still have my doubts from time to time, but I don’t ever let that stop me. I’ve had moments where I thought, “I have no idea what I’m doing or how I’m going to pull this off, but I’m going to do it anyway,” and I’ve never regretted it. And you know why? No matter what the outcome was, it was a learning experience, and I think that’s important to remember working in a fast-paced industry that stops for no one. Being able to learn from your mistakes and what you could’ve improved will help you grow and succeed as an artist. This has shaped the artist I am today.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I love being a makeup artist, especially in the fashion industry, but there is SO much gatekeeping. There’s very little free information readily available to help you jumpstart your career. I’ve had to learn everything on my own through networking, trial and error, and sometimes being in the right place at the right time.

One resource that helped me tremendously, which was recommended by a fellow MUA, is “The Makeup Monster” created by celebrity makeup artist, Mona Leanne. It’s a membership platform that offers hours of industry secrets, tips and tricks, tutorials, and how to set yourself up for success. What interested me the most were her videos on assisting, working fashion week, and working with agencies. I 100% recommend checking out her platform if you’re an artist just starting your career, if you’re looking to take the next step, or if you want to improve your professionalism and artistry.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

As a non-creative looking from the outside, I think they have a very distorted view of our career and truly don’t understand the reality of our day-to-day lives. Some people think that being a makeup artist isn’t a “real job” and is simply a hobby, while others think our life is easy-peasy glamorous and we get to have fun all the time. The truth is that there’s so much work behind the scenes, and sometimes it’s hard to do it alone.

While I’m a firm believer in “If you do something you love, you’ll never work a day in your life,” there are many times when I struggle with my career and question if I’m on the right path. Something non-creatives struggle to understand is that when you’re starting out, you will have to work for free to make a name for yourself. Whether that’s bridal, editorial, film, there’s going to be a point where you’re actively losing money rather than gaining. It’s unfortunate, but it’s our reality.

Something else that I think non-creatives don’t realize is that our careers can be very isolating. As a makeup artist, I’m usually the only MUA in the room. While I enjoy connecting with the rest of the crew on set, sometimes I yearn to have someone else to share my niche interests with and discuss my thoughts on the newest Danessa Myricks Lightwork palette with (it’s amazing btw). This is why it’s so important to network and make a conscious effort to put yourself out there. Finding your community will open so many doors, give you endless tips and tricks, and you may even make some friends along the way who can relate to you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.byrdartistry.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byrdartistry/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-byrd/

Image Credits

‘Sportique’ Offtown Magazine Cover Story Credits:
ART DIRECTION: HUNTER PETERSEN (@HUNTERPETERSEN_) GABBY HANNLEY (@GABBYHANNLEY)
PHOTOGRAPHY, LIGHT, SET DESIGN: HUNTER PETERSEN (@HUNTERPETERSEN_)
TALENT: HANNAH KRUM (@HANNAHKRUMHOLTZ)
AGENCY: Q MODELS (@QMODELS)
VIDEOGRAPHER: MAGGIE DAVIS (@ILOVEMAGGGIE)
STYLIST: GABBY HANNLEY ( @GABBYHANNLEY )
MAKEUP ARTIST: FRANKIE BYRD (@BYRDARTISTRY)
HAIR STYLIST: ALIIA AKHMADULLINA (@ALIYA.PROBEAUTY)
NAIL ARTIST: ANELLA MOORE (@ANELLANAILSTUDIO.OFFICAL)
FASHION/NAIL ASSISTANTS: TESS GHAZNAVI (@TESSGHAZNAVI) ORIE RANDALL (@ORIE.RANDALL)
PRODUCTION/PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANTS: NICK CONTI (@NICKC0NTI) ANDRES LOZANO (@ANDRESLZANO)
FASHION: ALO (@ALO) RICHARDS RADCLIFFE (@RICHARDSRADCLIFFE) KAT MACONIE (@KATMACONIE) BEN AMUN (@BEN_AMUN) ERICKSON BEAMON (@ERICKSONBEAMON) LOVE MOSCHINO (@LOVEMOSCHINOSHOP) MARINE HENRION (@MARINEHENRIONPARIS) OPEN ERA (@OPEN.DE_ERA) JEFFREY CAMPBELL (@JEFFREYCAMPBELL) MISSONI (@MISSONI) NORMA KAMALI (@NORMAKAMALI) FRANCESCA BELLAVITA (@FRANCESCABELLAVITA)

Van Strahl Test Credits (Red lips) Credits:
Model: Isa Nilwik @isanilwik
Photographer: Van Strahl @vanstrahl6
Makeup: Frankie Byrd @byrdartistry
Styling: @skum101
Production: Ryan Druck @ryan.druck
Art Direction: Jacob Marley @jacobmxrley
Photo Assistant/Tech: Clay Dealey@claydealy

Photobook Magazine with Riley Voelkel (two photos spread) Credits:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon @718blonde
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz @mikeruiz.one
Photographer: Shan Shi @shanshi13321
Talent: Riley Voelkel @lifeofrileyv
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon @718blonde
Hair: Li Murillo @lilovesyou
Makeup: Frankie Byrd @byrdartistry
Fashion Stylist Intern: Hanna Flores @hannagflores
Tearsheets by Daniel López @by_danalarcon
Interview by Ethan Engh @eaengh

Primadonna Magazine Cover Credits:
Photographer: Ben Hoiland @bens.camera
Model: Brianna Jones @brianna.who
Stylist: Angie Hines @angiehiness
Assistant Stylists: Brianna Tirado @briannatirado Gabby Hannley @gabbyhannley Jessica Anderson @havefaith.studios
Makeup Artist: Frankie Byrd @byrdartistry
Glam Assistant: Gillian Tokar @makeupbygilliant
Wig stylist/hair stylist: Joey DeVirgilio @joeydmakeup
Nail Artist: Rose Schierlitz @mean_queen_nailsandtattoos
Videographer: Luna Abreia @lunaabreia
Graphic Designer: @sumaadeshpande
Writer: Madison Collins @madisonlcollins

Haven Madison Credits:
Makeup, Hair, and Photography by me: Frankie Byrd @byrdartistry

‘In-Vitro Hysteria’ Pap Magazine Credits:
CREATIVE DIRECTION: Monica Gomez @monb0n Hunter Petersen @hunterpetersen_
PHOTOGRAPHY + LIGHT: Hunter Petersen @hunterpetersen_ 

PHOTO ASSITANT: Philip @phlipisme
VIDEOGRAPHER: Maggie Davis @ilovemagggie
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: Astrid @simplyxash_
SYTLIST: Monica Gomez @monb0n 

STYLIST ASSISTANT: Rose Schierlitz @_mean_queen_nailsandtattoos_
MAKEUP ARTIST: Frankie Byrd @byrdartistry 

HAIR STYLIST: Liberty Ackerman @libertyackerman 

NAIL ARTIST: Rose Schierlitz @_mean_queen_nailsandtattoos_ 

TALENT: Jhade @jhadevx Vel @velcrovoltage
FASHION: @sweetest.d @nausicaa_nyc @shop.crackcouture @ffluenzaa @basicallyrotten @synph17

Sergio Hudson Backstage Credits:
Photography: Joshua Rivera @jqrvisions
Makeup Artist Assistant: Frankie Byrd @byrdartistry
Lead Makeup Artist: Marc Reagan @makeup.marc for Bobbi Brown @bobbibrown
Designer: @sergiohudson

Haloscope Magazine Cover Story Credits:
Photographer: Aqua Rose @aquarosephoto
Stylist: Victoria Panzella @victoria.panzella
Styling Assistant: Alana Powell @alana__powell
Makeup Artist: Frankie Byrd @byrdartistry #byrdartistry
Hair Stylist: Jennifer Eliza @kissed_by_godd
Nail Artist: Gail Marienne @prettychromednails
Model: Samantha Robson @samanthalynn1177
Garments Courtesy of Lin Du @duandberry and Hsu Sheng Ai @88emily831
Creative Directors/Producers: @victoria.panzella @pilar.bradley