THIS week we chat with multi award winning makeup artist Ashley Morales.<\/p>\n
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What motivated you to become a makeup artist? <\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What kind of training does it entail? <\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u2019m seeking out people of different ages and skin colour.<\/p>\n I think it\u2019s important to constantly challenge your thinking and expand product and technique knowledge.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What would a typical working day look like for you?<\/strong><\/p>\n It definitely isn\u2019t glamorous, but it\u2019s fun!<\/p>\n There is almost no routine so it\u2019s 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\u2019 notice.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n It can be exhausting, but the people I work with make me love going to work.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What are some highlights you have from your career?<\/strong><\/p>\n I\u2019ve 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\u2026 but my true highlights are moments I have shared with clients.<\/p>\n When they tell me they\u2019ve 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\u2019s a privilege to be able to help someone feel their absolute best.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n