Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristine Lisman.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kristine. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve always loved art. Since I was a child I always found myself drawing and always creating something from pottery, painting anything artsy. After high school, I started working in retail management and transferred to Los Angeles from Portland Oregon. I moved in with 3 roommates in the middle of Hollywood. My roommates were all makeup artists going to Joe Blasco makeup school. They would come home and practice beauty makeup, bold caps, special effects etc.. I was always excited when I got to be their model!
In 2003 I started managing The Body shop in Santa Monica. This is were my skincare and makeup journey began. I had learned so much already though my roommates that makeup came easily to me. I was recruited 4 years later to a jewelry company but still did makeup on the side for friends headshots and photoshoots. When my husband and I started a family I was fortunate enough to be a stay at home mom and be home with my kids. Eventually, I wanted to start working part-time and started working as a beauty consultant at Bloomingdale’s. I was lucky to work for a few of their luxury brands, eventually landing at Dior.
After a few years of working as a beauty consultant with Dior, I became their resident artist at Bloomingdales Century City. This is where I felt for the first time I could have a successful career in makeup. I loved doing makeup and that’s all I wanted to do. I started doing more and more makeup on the side and some fun photoshoots. I started doing headshots, and corporate shoots weekly. I loved it. I started getting referred to all sorts of projects from commercials, short films, advertising, etc.. I was busy enough that I decided to leave Dior and pursue my freelance career full time. I now do freelance work for luxury brands like Chanel and Loreal in addition to other projects that come along.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My biggest struggle was making the decision to freelance full time. it’s a very competitive field and there are a lot of great artists out there. It was scary to leave a steady paycheck for uncertainty. In the beginning, I only had a few consistent clients and not enough paid gigs. A lot of jobs come in the form of referrals, collaboration with other artists and photographers. One of my big breaks came when I had the opportunity to work with an established photographer.
I started getting consistent work from him, doing headshots and corporate shots on a weekly basis and this opened the doors for other opportunities before I knew it I was getting more referrals, working on set doing commercials and working alongside other talented artists! Today I’m still part of Chris Jon photography team. Chris Jon is one of the top Head shot photographers in LA and can’t thank him enough for being a big part of my success as a makeup artist.
Please tell us about Kristine”s beauty.
I’m a freelance makeup artist based in West Hollywood known for creating natural flawless looks. I’m currently doing studio photography. Head shoots, corporate shoots, Editorial, commercials and beauty freelance. This year I’m also expanding my business and offering my beauty services for photo shoots, weddings and special events in Palm Springs.
My favorite part of freelancing with brands like Chanel and Loreal is that it allows me to work with every kind of face, skin conditions, skin tone etc.. it taught me how to stock my kit so when I show up on set, photo shoot or event I’m fully prepared. It also gives me the opportunity to attend their training and workshops to stay current with new trends and products.
Doing makeup is fun for me, I love doing it! it never feels like work. Getting your makeup done can be nervewracking, maybe is their first set of headshots, maybe is their first editorial, their wedding day or maybe they’re just going out on a date. Whoever is in my chair I want to make sure they have the most comfortable and fun experience while feeling and looking their best!
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
All things considered, I wouldn’t change anything. The struggles, the up and downs, all the people I’ve met along the way has contributed in making me a better artist today.
Pricing:
- For Women headshots Hairstyling/ makeup ranges from $125.00 -$200.00
- For Men headshots Grooming ranges from $75.00 – $125.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kristinesbeauty.com
- Phone: 310 248-0142
- Email: kristinelisman@gmail.com
- Instagram: makup_by_kristine_
- Facebook: @kristinelisman
- Yelp: makeup by kristine
Image Credit:
Chris Jon Photography and James Bianchi
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