Today we’d like to introduce you to Maureen Burke.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time. While working in Chicago as a receptionist at the very prestigious Vidal Sassoon Salon, a Celebrity MUA from LA, Marie Augustine, started a makeup line for the company. She needed MUAs in all of the salon locations for a Nationwide launch. Fortunately, I spoke up from behind the desk and asked to be a part of the plan on the other side of the desk. She whisked me off to NY, as that was the first location slated to launch the line. I apprenticed her as she prepared her NY artists and department. I then gathered everything I had learned from her and went back to Chicago to hire and train other MUAs. Under the wing of Salon Manager, Maxine Kroll, who has been extremely influential as a professional role model and mentor, I learned managerial skills. Later I became Regional Director for Vidal Sassoon Cosmetics managing some 15-20 Artists across the Country. From Salon to Agency, I built my portfolio testing whenever possible. The leap to freelance Artist was not without some sacrifices. Top Ramen was on the menu regularly. My career path took me from Chicago to New York and eventually landing me in LA. The point being, both skill sets, the Artistry and Management have been instrumental in carving out my career. Understanding the business side of our industry is equally as important as maintaining the integrity of your Artistic skill set.
Please tell us about your art.
There have been several facets to my career as a MUA, and I truly enjoy them all. One is collaborating with Clients/ArtDirectors/Photographers in Commercial, Fashion, and Editorial realms to bring their creative visions to life. It is so important to not only bring your individuality as an Artist but to blend as part of a team. It’s so very rewarding to see your work come to life in print or film delivering the intended message or brand successfully.
Speaking of branding, I have also had the wonderful involvements of consulting for and developing several Cosmetic lines, including my own.
Another area that I find equally fulfilling is teaching. I love to share my expertise with individuals wanting/needing personal Makeup advice. Therefore, I teach private lessons. This, too, can be a gratifying scenario. When someone reaches out to make personal changes at a pivotal point in their lives, it’s most likely that they, perhaps, have a milestone Birthday, Wedding, Recovery, Healing or are simply ready for a change. To be asked to be a part of an individual’s intimate journey is truly an honor. I believe in encouraging one’s beauty to flourish from the inside out.
Through teaching, I can also share techniques and experiences with other aspiring MUAs in either a one-on-one or classroom setting. There’s nothing like nurturing and mentoring other Artists. Being in alliance with one another is healthier than being in opposition. I’ve found through sharing my knowledge; each Artist will interpret the information uniquely and make it their own:) Therefore, I’ve found no need to be guarded, only to be an open book. There’s room enough for us all.
What do you think about the conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
When it comes to “Artists,” it’s still a bit of a wild frontier out there. Artists in the Fashion/Beauty industry, in particular, can have agents and managers, but there is still a need for some sort of alliance outside of the Union. There are many freelancers left to fend for themselves when it comes to HR, Rates, and Insurances. I’d love for all of us to come together a bit more on these sort of things.
As far as life being easier or harder for artists, I feel things have become different for MUAs in particular. With the new generation of budding Instagram and YouTube Influencers/Artists, some blurred lines have occurred. While it is a wonderful thing to have so many avenues to express one’s creativity and individuality, this can be a bit confusing versus Artists that have paid their dues through experience and education. There is something to be said for understanding set etiquette and protocol that one only acquires through professional encounters. I would encourage new Artists to assist/apprentice when they can to acquire “hands-on” experience if they are truly interested in pursuing this as a career.
I am thankful every day that I get to wake up and do what I love, work with like-minded visionaries, travel the world doing it and occasionally being a positive influence in someone’s life. Therefore, I’m a huge advocate for Artists of all types to pursue their dreams and visions. Only by trial and error can we evolve. It is as important to find out what you don’t want, as it is to find what you do want. There are no failures. Only through life’s lessons can we continue to grow and prosper. Here’s to much success, happiness, and camaraderie for all!
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My work can be seen on my website: https://maureen-burke.com/ or on Instagram: maureenburkemakeup.
Please reach out if you are interested in a creative collaboration or private lessons.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://maureen-burke.com/
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maureenburkemakeup/
Image Credit:
Lisa Loftus for Bridal Guide, TJ Manou for LaPalme, Benedict Evans for OUT, Ryan Goodrich for B&W Beauty, Jeff Licata for Blonde Beauty, Amyn Nassar @amynnassar for Prestige Intl Cover of Bria Murphy-Teal Entertainment
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition, please let us know here.
