Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Thompson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My journey to where I am today has been very interesting! I always thought I would be working in the stock market or something in the finance sector, but as it turns out my childhood passion and love of all things beauty lead me to a career in makeup artistry.
From a young age, I was exposed to the world of beauty because my mother was a cosmetologist. I would sit in from time to time on appointments. I witnessed how even the smallest change would impact someone’s life. I enjoyed seeing all the beautiful transformations. I also loved to draw and paint and was known as the little artist of the family. My mother was amazed by the color combinations I used or how my drawings looked just like the ones in the photos. She always encouraged me to keep up with the arts.
During my teenage/college years I lived for magazines. From the fun makeup to the fashion to the faraway destinations, this Colorado girl couldn’t get enough of those glossy pages! I always wanted to try the latest makeup or hair trends. My mom still tells the story of me with hot pink lipstick and hair so high it defied gravity, ha.
And even though I was getting a degree in Economics, a degree that I had hoped would one day pay my bills and allow me to do anything artistic on the side; I still had such a passion for all things beauty. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but I knew one day I would eventually, somehow be a part of the images I saw in the magazines. My college roommate once gifted me a Kevyn Aucoin book, and I never forgot how that made me feel. It’s funny how other people noticed my passion for makeup before I did. Over the years, I noticed my job choices were moving more and more towards the creative side of things.
Instead of working in finance, I ended up working in web production for many years and landed a producer job with a retail beauty website. I think that’s when my passion for makeup artistry really started to take off. Working with gorgeous beauty images day in and day out, talking makeup and skincare 24/7, it really hit home. But still I felt the need to use my hands, to draw and paint, so in 2012 I decided to take a makeup workshop taught by the amazingly talented Alphonse Wiebelt of MuseBeautyPro.
It was the first time I picked up a brush and applied makeup to a person’s face. And that’s when it all clicked, it was the missing piece. Makeup artistry was what I was looking for all along! Now I’m getting to do what I love! Working on photo shoots, helping bring ideas to life and creating beautiful images (film and video too). Painting, drawing, playing with various colors and textures and collaborating with so many amazing, talented people. Experiencing things that some only dream of which is cool.
I also love that I get to share a lot of the makeup and skincare knowledge that I’ve learned along the way. For me, I like being a beauty resource for people, someone they can feel comfortable asking anything. And it’s so cool to see their eyes light up when they’ve learned a new technique or now have an answer to something that was a total mystery. It’s all so satisfying to me. I’m very happy and fortunate to be able to call makeup artistry my career because it’s very fulfilling! It’s definitely true what they say, chose a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not entirely, I’ve had some ups and downs for sure! Being a makeup artist comes with its own set of challenges, just like any other profession. For instance, I didn’t realize how physical this job can be. Sometimes we are on our feet, with no sitting for hours on end. Our days can be very long, climbing up hills/stairs, carrying makeup kits/set bags, sometimes out in the elements all day.
Our bodies need to be in great shape to keep up with the demands of the job – it’s a must! And then there are things like industry etiquette, setting boundaries and goal setting that at first, I thought would be easy but when you’re starting in a new career, where you don’t know anything, it’s a challenge! Thankfully, I have some great educators and an amazing makeup artist community (The Powder Group) that share great tips and resources.
I’m constantly researching to stay on top of things – it’s just another part of the job. Oh yes, and let’s not forget the marketing part! I’ve never thought of myself as a brand before, but it’s something we must do work in this industry. Social media carries so much weight these days, so that has become such a huge part of my job now too. It’s ever-changing, that can be a challenge within itself!
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I provide personalized, professional makeup services for photo shoots, commercials/videos, special events, and various projects. I’m known for natural – glowing skin – makeup and makeup that has a pop of color. My work has been described as having a rawness to it, a little undone but in the right way.
I seem to gravitate towards fashion because I’m inspired by all the designs, textures and pretty colors, so you will see me do a lot of editorial and eCommerce types of things. I also love the realness of portraits, seeing people in their element, and really enjoy being a part of those. And I can never seem to give up the corporate side of me, so being in the office, helping companies do their company commercials/videos/portraits are always fun too.
I’m proud to have been working this long in the industry. I’m thankful for all the projects that have come my way and the connections I’ve made with people. Also, super thankful for my agent Nikki Kern at Kern Represents, it’s awesome to have someone that gets my art, loves the work I do and pairs me up with like-minded creatives/projects.
I think what sets me apart is that I have a corporate background but I’m an artist too, so I understand both worlds. I came into this industry wanting to be a great makeup artist, the kind that empowers people with makeup and skincare knowledge while sprinkling a little piece of my art along the way.
Some things I like to strive for these days are to … have a super clean kit, be resourceful, think outside the box, be a great information sharer, always keep learning (staying on top of those trends!), be a good human and just add value, do good within the industry!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Ohhhh that is a tough one! There are so many that are important for success, but for me personally, I would have to say being resourceful is the main one. It’s helped me in so many ways, and I wouldn’t be where I am today if I wasn’t resourceful.
Things can change in an instant within this world, so you have to be able to assess what you have and don’t have, find a solution and make things work! You definitely become a great problem-solver in this industry!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tarathompsonartistry.com/
- Phone: 415-689-4163
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taraartistry/
Image Credit:
Katie Ambrose, Emily Dulla, Mati Shaw, Kristyna Archer – Archer Studios, Margo Smith, Dara Donovan, Mikey Kravitz, Serra Geris, Joyce Charat, feturitalaga, Andre Hammonds, la botanica magazine, Joyce Charat, Camryn Clark, Aidel Lopez, Marie, Vince – Creative Director Caroline Belhumeur for the Neiman Marcus, Sergio Garcia, Lauren Paterni, Esther Ku, Jessica Margolis, Craig Thomas, Keitaro Cloward, Olesya, Eliana G Mullins, Ramona Collazo, Cha Cha
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