Today we’d like to introduce you to Alixandra Kos.
Hi Alixandra, 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 started my creative career straight out of high school. I moved to LA from a small town in Canada at 19 to study fashion design at FIDM. After graduating, I interned for multiple celebrity stylists in LA & New York. My experience working on set as a wardrobe stylist is what opened me up to the world of film & makeup. I was working on a project at Universal Studios & I found myself so excited to be around all the movie sets. It lit me up in a way I had never experienced before. I started to do a bit more self-exploration after that. I knew a creative career would be a long journey & I wanted to make sure I was headed in the right direction. I have always had a passion for horror films and I knew special effects makeup was a huge aspect of what made many of them so provoking.
I moved back to Canada shortly after deciding to shift my career into makeup. Starting over at 23 on a different path and going back to school wasn’t the easiest decision, but I knew I would never be successful unless I was truly excited about my career. I studied Makeup design at Vancouver Film School for one year. I learned so much in the program, but the most growth I’ve had as an artist was after I graduated. I started working on student films, most of the time only getting paid a kit fee. Then I eventually made more connections in the industry to the point of working on bigger budget projects. The last five years, I’ve built my career up to the point of having a portfolio and resume that I can be proud of, but my journey is just beginning. I’ve got many dreams and goals yet to fulfill.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been very rocky. There is never a clear path for an artist to follow and it takes a lot of trial and error and mental grit to keep going. I started out for the first couple of years struggling to find work and when I did find work, often the pay and working conditions were less than ideal. I’ve gotten my hopes up for jobs that I ended up not getting. I’ve worked 20-hour days with very little pay. Artists get taken advantage of a lot and it has taken me a while to learn to stand my ground and know my worth. The one thing that has helped when I’ve been struggling is my true love of storytelling. Whenever I’ve been out of work or I’ve lost out on opportunities, I’ve done creative projects to remind me of my “why”. I truly believe that the cream always rises to the top and if you’re relentless in your pursuit your time will come.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a professional makeup artist for film, photography & special events. I do high fashion makeup, body art, special effects, beauty, glam & prosthetic creation. I try to do it all. I would say I am known for blending beauty & horror together. I love to do a stunning glam makeup but add a little edge to it. Or do a prosthetic makeup with beauty elements.
I’m proud of many of the film projects I have had the opportunity to work on, but I think I’m most proud of my portfolio. I constantly try to challenge myself as an artist and have created some truly unique and elaborate concepts with many photographers I admire. The looks I produce each year for my Halloween series are some of my favorites.
I think what sets me apart from others in my field is my willingness to learn new styles and techniques. I was told a long time ago that “you need to find your niche as an artist” but I have definitely gone against the grain and have embraced makeup in all its forms. I’m far from predictable and I like to think no one really knows what makeup I will create next. I don’t set any rules on the looks that I create, my brain is full of too many ideas.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding a mentor in this industry can be difficult. Especially finding someone that you truly admire that wants to work with you. Going to film networking events when you are first starting out helps get your foot in the door. After that, I would recommend assisting as much as possible and reaching out to other creatives in the industry. Joining creative Facebook groups to connect and network with others is something I still continue to do. Social media has come a long way and is so helpful when it comes to making connections. Having an updated social media page & website of your work is always important. Overall the easiest way to make connections in this industry is while you are actively working. Every time you meet someone new it opens you up to a whole new network of people and you never know who might meet.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alixandramakeupfx.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alixandrakos_makeupartist/?hl=en
Image Credits
Shimon Photo Dalure Maya Holt Valencia- Vfreevisuals Anastasia Walker Lisa Marie-McGinn
