We recently connected with Kira Stansberry and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kira thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I acquired knowledge through a combination of formal training, self-study, and hands-on experience. I took professional makeup courses to understand the fundamentals—skin types, color theory, hygiene, and technique. However, a huge part of my growth came from constant practice, working with different faces, and staying up to date with new techniques. I also learned a lot by assisting more experienced artists and asking questions every chance I got.

Looking back, I would’ve networked more early on and sought out mentorship sooner. Surrounding myself with other artists and learning directly from them would have helped me develop faster. I also would have focused less on buying every product and more on mastering techniques with a smaller, quality kit. Investing more time in portfolio building earlier would have helped, too.

Creativity and an eye for detail are key, but so are communication and adaptability. Every job is different, and being able to listen to the director’s vision and adjust accordingly. Time management, cleanliness, and product knowledge are also crucial, especially in high-pressure environments like film and TV.

Access to resources was a challenge in the beginning—whether it was affording courses, quality products, or networking opportunities. There was also a lot of misinformation online, so it took time to learn what actually worked versus what was just a trend. Another big obstacle was self-doubt—comparing myself to others on social media made it hard to trust my own process. Over time, I’ve learned to stay focused on growth and keep learning no matter what stage I’m in.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Kira Stansberry, and I am a graduate from Cinema Makeup School, trained by industry professionals. I have worked at effect shops and have been a freelance makeup artist since June 2024. I fell in love with the craft at a young age. One day, as a kid, I stumbled upon special effects makeup and body painting—and it was like a switch flipped. There was this magnetic pull, like this is what I’m meant to do. Since then, makeup has been more than a job for me—it’s been a full-on obsession with transformation, storytelling, and creation.

I provide a wide range of makeup services, from beauty and camera-ready looks to custom monster prosthetics, realistic wounds, and full-body character creations. Whether it’s a film set, photo shoot, haunted house, or bridal party—I bring visions to life through makeup.

What sets me apart is my preparation and mindset. If I’m working on a film, I’m breaking down a 120-page script line by line, digging for every detail where makeup plays a role. On set, I come in with fresh ideas and the flexibility to pivot on the spot—because things always change, and I thrive in that chaos.

I’m proud of the range I’ve built—from delicate beauty work to full-blown creature effects. I want potential clients and collaborators to know that with me, they’re getting someone who is not only passionate but fully invested in making their vision happen, no matter how simple or out-of-this-world it may be. My goal is to elevate the project, support the team, and always leave people saying, “How did you do that?”

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

I want to make a consistent living doing what I love—but more than that, I want my work to be a reflection of who I am. I don’t just want to work to live—I want the work I do to be something I live for. Makeup, for me, isn’t just a skillset or a job; it’s part of my identity. It’s how I express creativity, connect with people, and tell stories that stick with you.

Life is too short to spend it doing things you don’t have love for. My mission is to keep creating in ways that excite me, challenge me, and make others feel something—whether that’s bringing a character to life on screen or helping someone see themselves in a new way through makeup. I want to build a career that’s not just sustainable, but meaningful—rooted in passion, purpose, and a whole lot of imagination.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

To someone outside the creative world, the career I’ve chosen might seem like a hobby or an impractical path. It can be hard for non-creatives to understand why anyone would choose a field that doesn’t come with guarantees, a clear ladder to climb, or a predictable paycheck. And yes—there are times when even I feel that weight. But what they might not see is the passion, the discipline, and the grit it takes to turn something artistic into a real career.

This isn’t just “playing with makeup” for fun—it’s research, planning, time management, investing in my kit, working 14-hour days, and constantly evolving to keep up with trends, technology, and technique. It’s dealing with rejection, chasing opportunities, and creating something from nothing again and again.

Being a creative means betting on yourself—daily. It’s not easy, but it’s meaningful. And for those of us who live and breathe this work, it’s the only path that makes sense. My hope is that more people can understand that creative careers are not only valid—they’re essential. We shape culture, tell stories, and bring imagination into reality.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.makeupbykirastansberry.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kira_stans/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MystiqueandIllusions

Image Credits

Models:
Angelica Morgan
Kendyl Blau
Olivia Neuhaus
Steffon Palmer

MUA Assistant
Angie Shell