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

Alright, Madeline thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you signed with an agent or manager? Why or why not?

I am signed with Rouge Artists an agency representing artists in the film industry.

A few years ago, I reached out to a very seasoned makeup artist that I respect and asked her how to set myself apart in my market. She suggested that I work to get an agent to represent me. I was also working with a fairly prestigious agency under a non exclusive contract, but they weren’t focused on film and television and my market is largely geared towards that type of work. I am very passionate about film making and my role in supporting actors in creating characters.

I started to reach out to various agencies and when Rouge was receptive, I was really excited to meet with them. After our first meeting, I learned that they had been interested in finding a makeup artist in my market and from there a great relationship was formed.

I think it was a bit of a gamble for them initially, as I was just starting to department head films, but I think it has become mutually beneficial and I am grateful for their support and guidance in my career.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a highly creative, empathetic artist. I believe creativity is the basis of the human experience and that all people are creative in their own right.

I started my business out of a love of being of service to others and creating art. When I work with a private client such as a bride, I have the opportunity to support her and make her feel like ths most confident, beautiful version of herself. When I work in production, I bridge the gap between the director and the actors to help create characters that have the potential to polarize and move others into the matrix of the human experience. It’s a real privilege to be trusted in these ways.

That is why it is so important to be sensitive to the needs of those around me and set my own ego aside and one of the reasons I am good at my job. I feel so blessed to be able to do what I love.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I think in our culture, we are taught to be competitive and compare ourselves to others without any real consideration for the damage that does. It doesn’t help me to be jealous of another’s success. Nor does it serve me to tear someone else down to serve my interests.

I work really hard to be mindful in doing the opposite. I take every opportunity I can to support and cheer my “competition” on. When new artists come to me for advice and support, I take the time to help them in any way I can. Sometimes it can be scary to be generous in an industry where it feels like there are limited opportunities, but I find that if you stay true to your core, you will find success.

Same goes for people that work for me. I am excited when they produce work that challenges me and when I can learn from them. It makes me look good to be surrounded by an excellent team, so I don’t allow myself to be intimated.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to live a life and have a career that exemplifies the strength it takes to do the right thing even when it’s hard. I purposely choose the right thing over the easy thing. When I feel jealous, I mindfully turn that jealousy into happiness for others. When I see people being mistreated, I speak up. We live in a world where success is quantified indvidually, but in reality no one got to where they are alone.

We gain so much more when we support and lean on community. I feel very grateful to be in a position to lead this way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Madelinemccuemakeup.com
• Instagram: @madelinemccuemakeup