Conversations with Isra Neamati

Today we’d like to introduce you to Isra Neamati

Hi Isra, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was always fascinated and interested in all things beauty from a young age. Growing up watching my older sister and cousins doing their hair and makeup, I would always want to play around with makeup as well or beg them to do mine. I remember spending my summers in Iran growing up and I always looked forward to going to the beauty salons with my cousins. Just seeing the environment as a safe space for women in the community to not only feel beautiful but to form a sort of friendship with the artists was something that always inspired me to want to connect with the people I work with and have a positive impact on them.
By the time I was in high school, my passion grew more and I was consistently seeking to learn more. After I graduated, I studied esthetics to gain more knowledge in not only makeup but other beauty services as well. That’s when I realized I was more drawn to makeup and began to work in the retail beauty industry. In 2022, I decided I wanted to further grow my career in the industry and learn more about makeup for film and print so I moved to LA and enrolled in Make-Up Designory (MUD). I graduated from MUD in 2023 and have been freelancing since.

Alright, 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?
I have definitely encountered some obstacles along the way. I am a first-generation Iranian American and it was a little challenging at first when I tried to explain to my parents that I wanted to pursue a more creative career path instead of following the traditional path of going to college and getting a job. Without a doubt, I have received endless love and support from them but it can be a bit intimidating to defy the expectations of a traditional career.
Another main challenge for me was having to relocate to a new city and start from scratch. A big part of this career is networking and making connections with other industry professionals til you get your foot in the door. Being an artist can be a pretty competitive field and I am not quite in the stage of my career I hope to be but I am constantly growing and working to someday achieve my goals. I hope to one day inspire those who may feel uncertain to follow their dreams and that they can truly have a job in a field they are passionate about.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a freelance makeup artist and I specialize mostly in editorial and boudoir photoshoots and I occasionally do commercial work or events. I would say my dream is to become a well-known artist and work with celebrities and more on set whether it be for film, music videos, or print. As far as my artistry skills, I think I have a decent range in the type of looks I enjoy doing. For the most part, I do more natural and full glam makeup or editorial, but I do enjoy doing sfx-makeup as well. As much as I appreciate doing natural makeup looks, I feel most proud of myself when I accomplish a more creative look that I doubted myself about.

Looking back to when I first started off doing makeup, it was mostly on myself or for my friends and family members and I would get very nervous or intimidated when it came to working on clients. I think overcoming that fear and becoming more confident in myself and my skills is something I can say I am proud of. There are so many talented and amazing makeup artists out there that I look up to and love to learn from but I think what sets me apart is that I am very patient and open-minded. I feel I am constantly seeking knowledge and trying to reflect and learn from any setbacks. The beauty industry is constantly evolving, and I believe having that desire to continue growing and being the best version of yourself is key.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I am always open to collaborating and working with new people! One of my favorite parts about being a makeup artist is all the amazing people I have connected with during this journey. I love seeing the joy on a client’s face after enhancing their beauty and working with others to create art. If anyone is interested in connecting they can reach out through my website or instagram.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.isra-neamati-beauty.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isra_neamati/

Image Credits
The two special fx-makeup looks were taken by Deverill Weekes and the rest of the photos were shot by Edi Roque