Today we’d like to introduce you to Chikako Tanaka.
Hi Chikako, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m a makeup artist in Los Angeles, I moved from Japan past three years ago with try new things in the US. I was born and raised in Osaka, Japan. Ever since being a young girl, I loved playing with makeup and buying a cosmetics. It all started when I did makeup for my friends at the age of 13. I didn’t know how to do it but I did it just with my feeling, they loved it and complimented to me. Looking back, that was the turning point into makeup in my life. After a while, I went to a beauty vocational college in Japan. During that time, I got involved as a Makeup artist in the Kansai collection which is very popular fashion show and beauty event in Japan. I did makeup and taught how to do it for some customers who came up this event, This was the first time that I’ve done before. I still remember that feeling. That was stunning! Then after graduated, I worked as a beauty seller at SHU UEMURA, then I changed my career as a Makeup artist at FLORE Agency Kobe and SHISEIDO, Burberry beauty box. I got many amazing experiences and made my skills from.
After I was offering another work from SHISEIDO company, but I didn’t accept it. Because I already decided to go to the US. After that, my friend who is director offered me at Popup new cosmetic store as a Professional Makeup artist. I’ve done for it until go to the US. That’s my career in Japan. Then I moved to the US. I already have my skills in my country, But I didn’t have any connection, friends and any skills in LA. So first of all, I realized that I need more experience and some connection. So I did collaboration with a lot of creative artists and made my skills. I tried many things, even I’ve never tried and done before. Then a year passed, finally I had a big opportunity to have makeup for Oscar actress in 2020. After took it, I gradually get work by Artists, Models, Actors. Even some Agency, companies and personal costumers as well. This is my general story how to become I am today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
To be honest, that was not smooth road. No at all actually! I wrote my story down in a nutshell, but there were so many struggles along the way. For now, I’m getting used to have work by myself but when I moved to LA for the first time, it was really a tough situation. Even though everything new to me and I didn’t know how to survive, I didn’t have any afford to live. Moreover, A makeup artist who working for Magazines, commercials, Fashion shows, MV, Movies etc. It’s very competitive to get that position. Because only a handful of people can make it big in this industry, very popular and also need long experience for that. So I had to show them who I am and what can I do for them. Somehow I got big work with brand advertising for the first time, but it made me realized that work required a little bit different in the US compared to Japan. So I felt like I’m back to square one and I had to figure out. Also, I tried a lot of other things at the same time until get that position.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a freelance makeup artist. An individual which isn’t associated with any particular organization. I work independently for various client. In particular clients who have a special upcoming event, artist who work in Music Video, actors who work in theater or film, models preparing for fashion shows or photoshoots. Work with Magazines, Fashion shootings, Music Videos, Brand advertising, Head shoot, Movies, Bridal, etc. and sometimes I accept personal makeup as well. I always following new trends and give to them my images. Before that prepare for everything that they need even more. AND I always enjoy my work actually. Of course, I will achieve success that my part, but also I keep in mind to make healing space for them and make them to happy feeling, and to get confidence with my makeup at the same time.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Actually, I am a curious person that I like to try new things while having fun, So I’ve had a lot of experiences. I would say mental to try new things and place myself in a challenging environment even more herder before I was, is growing up my personality-wise. Most important to growing up is to keep on trying new things! Always don’t be afraid to do something before never done. Of course sometimes bad happen that you never imagined, heart broke off, and want to quit many times in the middle of it, but keep doing that one day someone will find you.
Contact Info:
- Email: chikako0808@gmail.com
- Website: chikamua.net/
- Instagram: chikamua__
