Local artist profile: Ashley Morales

THIS week we chat with multi award winning makeup artist Ashley Morales.

What motivated you to become a makeup artist?

When I was 21 I had an interest in incorporating variation into my minimal makeup routine. I booked a makeover at the Estee Lauder counter in Melbourne Myer. Although I asked the artist to use products that were subtle, she applied purple eyeshadow up to my eyebrows. I was horrified and swore I would never let someone else do my makeup again, so I decided to teach myself.

I practiced on my family and friends at every opportunity. A friend asked me to do her wedding makeup, which I initially declined, but she insisted.

The wedding makeup was a hit! A guest at the wedding booked me for her own wedding, which was the start of word of mouth spreading. I ran with the momentum and became a freelance makeup artist on weekends while working an office job during the week.

What kind of training does it entail?

Initially I attended a course at Swinburne University that was specifically related to fashion and wedding makeup. Since then, I like to attend training on an annual basis, which is usually in the form of workshops hosted by artists that are currently working in the industry. I also practice on as many faces as possible, making sure I’m seeking out people of different ages and skin colour.

I think it’s important to constantly challenge your thinking and expand product and technique knowledge.

What would a typical working day look like for you?

It definitely isn’t glamorous, but it’s fun!

There is almost no routine so it’s important to be flexible and embrace last minute changes. Special event bookings are made a year in advance while some shoots can have less than 24 hours’ notice.

My days vary between working from my home studio, working in small hotel rooms or amazing wedding venues, to photography studios or outdoor shoot locations.

It can be exhausting, but the people I work with make me love going to work.

What are some highlights you have from your career?

I’ve had many wonderful moments in my career that formally acknowledge my work. Some of these include winning Be.Bendigo Young & Professional Person of the Year 2021, Bridal Industry Awards Best Makeup Artist in the Bendigo/Ballarat area in 2019 and 2022, published work in magazines and podcast interviews… but my true highlights are moments I have shared with clients.

When they tell me they’ve never felt so beautiful, when they cry after looking in the mirror or when they say they feel confident about being in a photo for the first time in their life. It’s a privilege to be able to help someone feel their absolute best.

What advice would you give to young regional people who are considering making a go of it in the industry?

Complete formal education! YouTube and TikTok will not give you everything you need to be an excellent makeup artist. When looking for education, I highly recommend doing a makeup specific course rather than a general beauty course.

Practice, practice, practice! On young people, mature people and people of all skin tones.

Get a website, not just a social media account.

Listen to your clients and show them kindness. Having makeup applied is a personal and sometimes scary experience for some people.