Exclusive conversation with makeup artist Katherine Nunez
Exclusive conversation with Katherine Nunez who is a Medical Sonographer, Makeup artist & also Novelist for Daily Mail 24 international bit journalist Saif Rahman Sozib are as follows:
1. What do you do for a living?
I am a Medical Sonographer, Makeup Artist working on my own product line of color skin foundation and a Novel Writer.
2. How would you describe your work?
As far as being a makeup artist, I would describe my work as exciting because I am passionate of my craft and at the same time, I can create different looks on models or clients. It’s an art when you can change someone’s face to the client’s vision. As a novel writer, I am working on a new psycho thriller that hopefully will be published late 2019.
3. What does your work entail?
As a makeup artist, my work entails precision, contouring and color mixing. All faces have unique features, skin color, natural color base tones and imperfections which must match the clients skin color to perfection in natural and photography lights. My work entails to make every face look and feel flawless. When a project is presented, such as a photo shoot, I make sure I create the look the designer, director, or fashion designer envisions for his or her campaign. Hair must also be impeccable to the client’s vision as well. When I am not working as a Makeup Artist, I write my chapters for my upcoming book. Also, I am a medical sonographer during the weekdays when I am not working on major makeup projects.
4. What’s a typical work week like?
Everyone asks me how I juggle so many careers at once. It is all about organization. I am a Medical Sonographer during the day, where I see patients all day, however it is easy for me because after so many years working as a Makeup Artist, I am now only “exclusive” to only major projects, such as film and publications.I amusually contracted in advance and this helps to accommodate my medical career. I also do once in awhile mini projects with photographers who want to create some photography or art, when I have the time of course. Within the scheduling of both careers, I write my Chapters for my novel. I am busy all the time.
5. How did you get started?
As a makeup artist, I am self-taught. I never went to beauty school. Makeup up was a beautiful accident. I was teaching makeup and talking about domestic violence at women shelters to help women overcome abuse and self-esteem as a hobby. Being a survivor myself, my passion to help women has pushed me back in 2006 to create a makeup line. Which later, although unsuccessful, has helped me gain to be notable in the Miami industry. Film directors, casting directors, photographers, models, and fashion designers took notice and started hiring me for big projects. The writing started during this time when I got hired by Latin Connection Magazine to write a beauty column about makeup. My interest and love arose for writing and I started writing poetry. My interest in novel writing then grew. I also have a degree in Medical Sonography and licensed.
6. What do you like about what you do?
Absolutely everything! But if I had a favorite part it would be changing looks. I feel like I am playing with beautiful dolls!
7. What do you dislike most?
The craziness of a fashion show. New York Fashion Week traumatized me when I did makeup on 25 girls in less than 6 hours.
8. How do you make money or how are you compensated?
Depends on how big the project is and what the contract entails as far as the makeup is concerned. My medical career is salary based. The writing: well, that depends how good your book is and if it sells.
9. What skills are needed to do this?
For the makeup: Passion and interest. Anyone can be a makeup artist but to be a great one you need to love it and have passion for it. Never give up, don’t take no for an answer, be confident with your craft and keep networking, this will take you far. For the writing: Your either have it or not. As far as talent and imagination is concerned.
10. What is most challenging about your work?
When you do makeup on actors / actresses. They tend to be very picky sometimes, but doing their faces with love and patience, after I am done, the satisfaction of gratitude is then appreciated. In writing: would be the nerve wrecking moments of figuring your next plot.
11.what is most rewarding?
The most rewarding would be, being recognized as a professional. There is nothing more gratifying than having an impeccable reputation in any industry. Being the best at what you do and being praised for the hard work you do.
11.What advice would you offer someone considering this career?
For anyone interested in being a makeup artist, as I mentioned earlier. If you have a passion for it, just go for it. Get some makeup brushes and makeup and practice with your family and friends. You can go to beauty school but just like writing, you either got it or don’t. Network, research new makeup techniques, work with photographers and built your portfolio. Be humble and most of all strive for being the best in your craft!
12.How much time off do you get?
I have none. I am always working to get where I need to be.
13.what else would you like people to know about your career?
It’s rewarding and exciting.
14.what is a common misconception people have about what you do?
That I have an easy life. But this is not true. I am always working, marketing myself as a brand, always writing for my next chapter, and work alone consumes me. I wish it was easy!
