Today we’d like to introduce you to Alana Palau.
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?
I discovered my passion for makeup while growing up in the Detroit theater scene and playing in my mother’s vanity drawer. I later honed my skills while assisting some of the industry’s top makeup artists in New York City. Now I’m an LA-based freelance makeup artist with a client list that includes New York Times bestselling author Elaine Welteroth, Frank Ocean, Nicole Richie, Burberry and Nike. I’ve had the pleasure of working and collaborating with some of the industry’s most talented photographers like Micaiah Carter, Collier, Conner Cunningham and Joshua Kissi.
Whether for an avant-garde editorial piece or a fun commercial shoot, my whimsical and fresh approach to beauty consistently shines through in all of my work. Perfecting skin and creating supple-looking complexions for all different tones is one of my favorite areas of expertise. I believe that I have an innate creativity to enhance others’ natural beauty and convey images of beauty that transcend the standard.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I love living and working in LA. Although being a freelance artist comes with the stress of uncertainty at times, the transition to being an Angeleno has been effortless. I’m still somewhat a newbie to the LA area so I’m currently in the process of building an authentic community of new friends in beauty which helps the feel like home to me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a freelance makeup artist that specializes in perfecting skin. I’m known for creating effortlessly flawless complexions with makeup whether it’s an editorial or commercial shoot. I’m most proud of being nominated as an Ulta Beauty Muse 100 Makeup Magician in 2021. It helped heighten my profile and was an acknowledgment of my expertise within the beauty industry. It meant so much me and helped motivate to keep pushing forward on my professional path.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice to makeup artists that at the beginning or earlier stage in their careers is to assist as many people as possible – but be your best at it. Learn as much as you can from the artists you assist while being the help that they need on set. Also, take the time to test with different photographers, hairstylists and wardrobe stylists to create your own artist community. The more you hone your skills together the more likely you will progress professionally together. That can lead to you all getting laid for your work together! My other piece of advice is to practice on a wide range of skin tones and skin types so you can eventually call yourself an expert and mean it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thecanvasagency.com/portfolio/alana-wright
- Instagram: @alanapalaumakeup
Image Credits
My photo was taken by Robin Black (@beautyisboring)
