Meet DTLA Freelance Make-Up Artist: Kendall Horn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendall Horn.

Kendall, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve had a passion for art for as long as I can remember, and anything I can put a creative spin on instantly catches my attention. I attended Cosmetology school in Texas, where I grew up, and became a licensed cosmetologist. Going into school I had my mind set on becoming a hairstylist but after finishing I knew my true passion was with make-up. The face was my new canvas. After finishing school I immediately began working for Benefit Cosmetics and loved it.

However, I knew there was so much more I could accomplish instead of just standing behind a counter. So, I made the decision to move to Los Angeles and chase my dreams. I became a student at Make-Up Designory in LA and learned so much about the industry. It was only a week after graduating MUD that I became a part of my first film and a feature film at that. I met so many amazing people involved in the industry on set and my career as a freelance make-up artist really just flourished after that. It was shortly after that film that I was getting booked left and right and was able to quit my side job. I haven’t looked back since then, now I’m constantly working with very well known talent and am constantly having to turn down work because I am already so booked.

Has it been a smooth road?
It definitely has not always been a smooth road. I packed up and moved to Los Angeles from Texas with my best friend and we came only with what fit in my car. I did not have the advantage of coming from a wealthy family so all the expenses that came with moving to LA I had to take care of myself, along with the expenses of Makeup school. It was extremely stressful starting out because I knew absolutely no one in the industry to ask for advice or help get my name out and not only that I was juggling school everyday 8-4 and I had to get a job working 5-2am at a Yogurtland down the street, so spare time to go out and do TFP shoots for my portfolio was not in my favor. I continuously was having to take off work to go to gigs I wasn’t being paid for just so I could build my portfolio. There were some weeks starting out I didn’t know if I was going to be able to even afford food, ramen became my best friend. However, after finishing up school, time was finally in my favor and I spent every spare moment connecting with other people in the industry and being a part of as many photoshoots and events as I could, paid or unpaid. My only concern at that point was getting my name out there. People can be sneaky in this industry and steal jobs from you, and lie to you, which definitely made the road bumpier, but I think staying true to myself throughout the entire process of getting to where I am has helped me out a lot. I haven’t burned any bridges in the process and have stayed loyal to everyone since the beginning. All the hard work and sleepless nights definitely paid off!

Tell us about your childhood, what were you like growing up?
Growing up I was very social, I spent every spare moment going out with friends. I frequently got the nickname giggles because I always had a smile on my face and was laughing about something. I had an interest in art for as long as I can remember, my elementary school had art shows every year and every single year my artwork would be featured in it and I would almost always leave with a 1st place ribbon. Anything creative caught my interest. I was definitely the kid coloring on the walls and I always came home from school covered in markers because I would color all over myself.

Is there a specific memory from when you were younger that you really miss?
One of my favorite memories from my childhood would be Halloween. I would always choose a super girly costume so that I could get my mom to do my hair and makeup. I remember getting home from school and instantly putting on my costume and going straight to my parents bathroom looking through all my mom’s makeup and hair supplies. All she put on me was sparkly lipgloss, mascara, blush, and sometimes sparkly eyeshadow and I was always more excited about that than going to get candy.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I really just take everything day by day. My main focus in my life at the moment is just growing as an artist and really just challenging myself to be the best that I can possibly be. A long term goal for myself is really just to inspire everyone to follow their dreams if I was able to accomplish everything that I have then so can they. I want to experience life and experience as many cultures as I possibly can, I plan on traveling to as many countries as I possibly can. Next summer I’m actually planning on going to Thailand for a month with my best friends so that will be a life changing experience, I’m extremely excited. Eventually, I want to have my own family as well, but that will be far down the road.

Pricing:

• Film/TV : $200-$300/day (varies depending on what is needed)
• Commercials/Music Videos: $300+/day
• Photoshoots: $150/half day, $200/full day
• Special Event: $100
• Bridal: $150 for bride, $100 for bridesmaids, $75 for mom
• All prices do vary depending on the number of people needing my service and if its natural, glam, or spfx.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.makeupbykdoll.net
• Phone: (213) 309- 7965
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @_makeupbykdoll_