Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Jackson.
Hi Olivia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m from the metro Atlanta area and I’ve always had a loved for art and it’s creative processes. I realized that my love for art could be translated through the medium of makeup. I began to watch multiple makeup tutorials online ranging from beauty to special effects and quickly discovered my passion for makeup artistry. I attended multiple summer workshops at Cinema Makeup School in Los Angeles before I made the decision to move to California to pursue makeup as a career. In August of 2019, I began the Master Makeup Program at Cinema Makeup School in Los Angeles where I received instruction from the industry’s premiere makeup artists. I graduated in August 2020 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and finding work was sometimes challenging, but I knew that this was the career for me so I was determined to achieve my goals. I began to build my portfolio by working in short films, feature films, student thesis projects, commercials and education videos, etc. The more I worked and developed a name for myself, the more jobs and work opportunities I received and continue to receive. I’m grateful to everyone who has given me the opportunity to showcase my skills and have helped me get to where I am so far.
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?
The biggest struggle I have had was finding jobs at the beginning of the pandemic because so many projects were canceled because of the virus. However, I worked on many projects for free or for very little pay because I was so passionate about what I was doing and wanting to build my career despite the challenges in the industry at that time.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a makeup artist, I work in both beauty and special effects. My work ranges from films to commercials to photoshoots and everything in between. I am most proud of the relationships I have cultivated with clients, producers, directors, and other fellow makeup artists who have helped me along the way. I love when I get referrals from previous clients as well as repeated opportunities from existing clients because it shows how happy they are with my work and that they realize I take pride in my job and am willing to go the extra mile to get the job done. What sets me apart from others is my drive and my work ethic which helped me to find work opportunities despite the downturn in the industry caused by the pandemic and my continued desire to keep working and become an established artist no matter what obstacles I may face in the future.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
For my fellow makeup artist who are just starting out is to be yourself. Find what you love and work for opportunities in that niche but also don’t be afraid to expand into different genres as the opportunities present themselves
Contact Info:
- Website: https://makeupbyoliviajackson.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeupbyoliviajackson/
Image Credits
Profile- Michael Spatola/ Lifestyle Boudoir Homeless man- Gavin Gaitan & Tyler Carlin Monster hand- Olivia Jackson (I took the photo) Butterfly Woman- Michael Spatola/ Cinema Makeup School Working Pictures bts- Alexander Roman
