We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lorrie Hobler. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lorrie below.

Lorrie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today 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?

Makeup Artistry has always been a passion of mine since the early age of 13. I received working papers and worked along side my mother (who is also a makeup artist) in her Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio in upstate NY. At 16 I was mixing makeup shades to match customers skin, as back in the 80’s, foundation seemed to have a limit of shades. I went to Los Angeles for makeup training and was hooked. For over 40 plus years of networking and getting my name out, I was able to get repeat work without an agency. You have to be reliable, professional, know your craft, and be able to get along with many different personalities. I was asked to work full time for Fox Sports on a NASCAR national tv show. It was a challenge to keep my other clients as you never want to put all your eggs in one basket. However, I managed and have been with FOX for over 15 years now as well as freelancing. I also work on commercials, tv, print ads, a few features, etc. You have to keep current as makeup always changes and it keeps the repeat calls!

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.

The opportunities are endless. Jobs just pop up and you have to be ready and flexible. I have had many calls throughout my career with VIP’s, CEO’s, and celebrities. I always do my homework prior to the day to see them. Years ago, we didn’t have social media to check people out. Now it’s easy to see their appearance so that you can do the best to have them camera ready!

During a gig, I’m always sure my client leaves my chair with great energy and feeling like the best version of themselves. It’s very important to be in a good mood and give them a positive experience so that they can preform their best. Whether it is for TV, video or modeling you want them to go on camera feeling confident and good about how they look.
I like to discuss what my vision will be as I always want them to feel comfortable. I want the foundation to look as natural as possible and sometimes spot conceal on extra areas that need more coverage. I prefer a more natural look with skin and makeup looking fresh and clean. I believe that all of my clients are a canvas and the makeup is just there to enhance their features and make them shine rather than to change their appearance completely.
Eyes are my specialty!
Throughout my career, the eye makeup is the most complimented aspect I have received in my work. I love to bring out the color and make them pop, it’s so rewarding to see the end result before the talent goes live.
It’s a new world now, and the makeup industry is becoming very popular. My daughter Nicole (Who is now a third generation make up artist) told me “I had Cool job before it was cool !” It’s important to keep current with products, trends and style. It’s a challenge to keep up with all the new brands and I never get sick of shopping for new makeup!
Social media has taken this industry by storm, and as a veteran of over 40 years I find the evolution of makeup so interesting. How makeup trends and techniques are so different now to adapt to the front facing camera on our phones for social media influencers.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When we went to High Definition, there was a huge need to alter makeup. From shades suddenly being off…to makeup looking too heavy. We now also have table top sized TV’s which with HD showed every imperfection more. Female TV hosts were in a panic and there was a need to find a solution. I called a few of my contacts in LA and they were on the same dilemma. Like other MUA’s at that time, I looked into airbrush makeup and started training right way. I thank chatting with Sheila McKenna, owner of Kett Cosmetics to walk me through this technique. Some of the news stations in Charlotte learned that I had specialized in it and asked me to train their anchors to do it themselves. Word traveled and Raycom corp booked me to fly around the country to train other stations! It was a great challenge to me and I enjoyed the travel.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I love the independence of being creative, and seeing how no one makeup job is the same. Every application is unique to the client, and it is almost like a puzzle to see what colors fit best.
The biggest reward is to see the reaction of the client when they first look into the mirror once I’m done. When I get the “Wow, I love it” comment and truly see the awe in their expression, I know I’ve done my job! It’s very satisfying to know that they are about to go in front of the camera and shine with the confidence they deserve.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Lorriehoblermua
• Facebook: Lorrie Milin Hobler
• Linkedin: Lorrie Hobler

Image Credits

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