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

Sherrie , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?
The biggest trends that I see in Hair & Makeup is clients want to look chic and polished yet not over done. We meet with many clients for photo shoots, or events and they all have a common goal. They are choosing looks that showcase gorgeous skin and loose hair. Clients don’t want a lot of hair spray or foundation.

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 Hair & Makeup Artist. I work with clients on photo shoots, personal events, etc. I began my career as a professional dancer and during college had an offer to apprentice with a celebrity hair stylist in London. After my apprenticeship I moved to Los Angeles and studied makeup for the camera. Ive now been in the hair & makeup industry since 1993 and I own a Hair & Makeup Agency called Artists by Sherrie Long. We represent 9 artists for events and photo shoots across the US. I believe what sets us apart from other agencies is because I am also a hair & makeup artist, I understand from our artists perspective some of the things they need from an agent. I was represented by some really great agents in my career but also had some really awful agents. I learned from all my experiences and I believe that with that hands on experience I can help grow a budding artists career.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A lesson I had to unlearn: When I was starting out one of the first clients I got out of makeup school was a photographer who did photo shoots for models. He was the type to not spend much time on a subject…. He basically pressed the button on the camera and delivered mediocre images. He always asked me to hurry along the hair and makeup. After working with this client for a couple years. I realized if my work was to be any good, I needed to spend more time with my subjects, learn who they are, their likes and dislikes and take my time on a hair and makeup to allow the best version of themselves shine through. I also learned from this experience any photographer or client that I work with must have high standards. I decided to work with people who are passionate about their craft. I hope anyone reading this will remind themselves to always take pride in themselves and their work and let the passion shine through.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I believe if you are a creative in the arts you have a natural resilience. Issues, criticism, spring off you like water of a ducks back. As a young artist starting off in Los Angeles I was trained in makeup effects. I was the ONLY woman graduating in an all male class . When I set out to knock on doors & try to find work, I was rejected over and over again. My male classmates found work much easier. Rejection did not stop me. I knew I could work in makeup so I kept interviewing, picking up a shoot here or there. It was nothing substantial, but I kept polishing my craft and leaning from anything/anyone, or any shoot that would take me. I didn’t realize it then but I was starting to build my Rolodex of clients that has now formed my agency.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.artistsbysherrielong.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/artistsbysherrielong
• Other: www.sherrielong.com

Image Credits
photo credits Abigail Hullier, Stan Musilk, Eric Alma, Pete Jones, Kingmond young