Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Brown.
Jen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started as a young artist at Columbia College in Chicago, dabbling in painting, pottery, and jewelry making. After a short stint there, I decided to try makeup artistry. I was young and knew nothing of the makeup world! This was pre-YouTube and Instagram, so I didn’t even realize this was a career path. I think what attracted me to makeup was that it was both creative and fulfilling as I could be a part of a team –either production team creating an image, or with a private client, getting them the look they wanted. I enjoy making people feel good.
16 years later, I am still a freelance artist! As with any career it has morphed and changed as I’ve grown with the industry. I started out doing student films and test shoots where I could flex my creative muscles with rhinestones or avant-garde looks. From there I got into production, primarily commercials for clients like Mcdonalds’, Walgreens, and Spalding.
Currently, I am settling into a new phase that is still taking shape! I added some professional certifications to my resume a few years ago, including a Health Coach and a Certified Nutritional Aesthetics Practitioner (CNAP). They may feel a little out of place, but for me, I know that beauty is an inside job. These certifications helped me to understand more deeply how the skin works, how our bodies work, and how to support your skin from the inside out.
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?
Oh my, of course not! There are always obstacles and learning curves! I’ve been fired, I’ve been put in situations where I’m asked to do something that I’m definitely not qualified to do (i.e., cutting bangs on set!), and I’ve had to learn how to stand up for myself — which may have been the hardest thing.
I watch younger artists (and even very seasoned artists!), struggle with the “business” side of things. They have a hard time knowing their worth in this industry and settling for rates below the industry standard. I will never forget when a photographer friend of mine informed me that I could negotiate my own rate. My mind was blown! I remember thinking that whatever the client proposed or had budgeted was THE RATE. But it’s not. That sticks out to me– that and the fact that I can say no to jobs that don’t serve me, don’t have a proper wage for my time, or that I just have no business doing because I’m not the right fit for the job! Gaining self-awareness and knowing your limits is key to being successful– but you have to go through making all the mistakes to get there.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a makeup artist who specializes in holistic skincare and overall skin health. I offer a more luxury makeup experience using products that have easy-to-read ingredient lists that serve the skin. I avoid major brands of makeup and skincare that may have triggering ingredients for a lot of people, such as synthetic fragrance. I think my attention to these details sets me apart from other artists and creates a different aesthetic. The fact that I have a deep knowledge of the skin and our health also sets me apart. I am not one to jump at the first Instagram ad I see! So, if you are into that scene, please know, that’s not me 🙂
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I absolutely LOVE LA! I go back and forth for work opportunities and every time I’m there I think, “Why don’t I live here?!” The food, the weather, and of course the access to beautiful earthly treasures like the mountains, ocean, and hiking paths are incredible.
The thing I like the least is this need to feel belonging. I think it can be hard to stay authentic and can be very easy to lose sight of yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jenbrownmakeup.com
- Instagram: @jenbrownmakeup
- Facebook: @jenbrownmakeup
- Twitter: @jenbrownmakeup
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/jenbrownmakeup
Image Credits
Stephanie bassos photography
Jorge Gera
John Boehm
Rick Diamond
Bryan Whitely
Kyle Lamere
