Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Gaines.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My love for makeup began when I was a freshman in high school. As most people in high school, I was still trying to figure out my identity and the things I was really interested in. I always felt like I was different, and I associated myself with the alternative crowd and was more into hardcore and metal music and always very much-admired Tim Burton films. Eventually, I started to take influence from those musicians and characters and apply it to my own style. I remember watching old YouTube tutorials on how to achieve the most dramatic winged liner and how to apply false lashes and I would just sit in my room and watch makeup and hair tutorials for hours on end without getting bored of it. I started to try out these different makeup looks on myself and it all just came so naturally. Although I still had some practicing to do, it felt like I already understood makeup and the tools used for it.
My original plan after I finished high school was to attend Make-Up Designory in Burbank, but shortly after I graduated, I found myself working part-time at a retail store and I was really enjoying it. I started to get promoted quite fast and eventually worked my way up to an Assistant Manager position. I liked it for a bit but then when the Covid-19 pandemic hit and my store was shut down, I realized it was time for me to find something new. In 2021, I quit my job and decided to attend Make-Up Designory in the fall.
As of April 2022, I am a graduate of Make-Up Designory’s Master Program where I was able to learn all about makeup in the entertainment industry. I was trained in beauty makeup, but also learned SFX makeup and how to create prosthetics from scratch. It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I’m now currently working as a freelance artist in the LA/IE/OC areas.
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?
It has not been a smooth road for me. I lived an hour away from my school and with the traffic, I dealt with, I was commuting about 4 hours Monday-Friday, and it took a lot of energy out of me. I also dealt with the loss of my brother while in school and wasn’t able to take enough time to grieve. Even though I loved school, getting myself to go became extremely hard as I approached the end.
I also tend to be my own worst critic and was experiencing a lot of self-doubts. I was so worried that my artistry wasn’t good enough and that I would fail in this business. Makeup has become so huge, and I’ve watched the makeup community grow right before me. It’s hard to feel like there’s a place for you in this industry, especially with the way social media is right now and all the beauty influencers out there. It can get a bit discouraging. Going to school helped me build up my self-worth because I kept surprising myself. I would doubt my skills before starting a look and then end up completely loving it! It really helped boost my self-esteem, and I needed that.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a certified makeup artist for Beauty and SFX. I can also work in a lab setting where I sculpt and create prosthetics. I am primarily focused on beauty makeup, but my end goal is to work with musicians or in film/television. Overall, I am proud of myself for taking the risks I did and pursuing my artistry. I am a person of comfortability, and it takes a lot for me to step out of my comfort zone.
I very much pride myself on my versatility. One thing I told myself when I realized I wanted to become a makeup artist was that I would not be a one-trick pony. I wanted to learn it all and I wanted to be able to make sure if someone offers me work, I can take it because I am trained in all aspects. I also have some experience with music videos and photoshoots, so I have an understanding of how things work on a set.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
To be honest, I’m not really a believer in luck. I believe that people who work hard, have a true passion and the talent to go with it will be given the opportunities they deserve.
Contact Info:
- Website: spooklingartistry.com
- Instagram: @spookling.artistry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spooklingartistry
Image Credits
Photographers Instagram: @joyceonealphotography @deverill_weekes @scottsebring @specularphotography Models Instagrams: @kellikickham @bbysoysauce @ninacolleen @kvlt_bvrrito @eosphorus_artistry
