June 28, 2016

Meet Hollywood Makeup Artist: Lady Donica

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lady Donica. Donica is an established Hollywood makeup artist but coming this far has never been easy. She is a multitalented artist so when she’s not busy in makeup jobs, she can be found behind the camera or on fashion blogs expressing her love for the industry. Below you’ll find excerpts of our interview with Donica.

Donica, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?

I’m born and raised in Chicago, always had visions of living and working in Hollywood in the Entertainment Business. I have many creative outlets and I really enjoy helping people and making woman and men look their Best. A few years ago I had the opportunity to do make up for a fashion show for a reality TV series and at that moment I realized I had a gift to do Makeup the rest is History. I continue to strive to meet and connect with people in LA and around the World to express my artistry and I look forward to meeting anyone that loves to empower themselves through this industry.

Has it been a smooth road?

Never a smooth road, Hollywood has a million people trying to do what you’re doing and there are many obstacles along the way in order for people to take you serious. But If your good at something and you believe in yourself then you should never give up on your dreams and goals.

What are your plans for the future?
I am a Freelance makeup artist in LA I work with photographers, models and actors on short films, web series and commercials. A few years ago I was introduced to the Fashion Industry so I work each season in LA and New York for Fashion Week.

Another part of the Makeup Industry is being in the Local 706, which is the Makeup & Hair Styling Union. The Union gives you an opportunity to work in feature films, television series and national commercials. To become union in Los Angeles or in any State for that matter, it takes focus and dedication also knowing people in the film & television business helps a lot! It takes about 3 years to complete the guidelines to become a union makeup artist. One of my goals is to brush up on my special f/x skills and to find more of this work in order to be considered to be in the union. Being Local 706 simply provides you with a steady flow of work and consistent wages. I have begun this journey but plan to do much more if given the opportunity.

Let’s dig a little deeper into your story. What was the hardest time you’ve had?
Being a freelance makeup artist has its perks too and can be just as profitable. Freelance means you’re on your own you are your own boss and if you don’t wake up with the lets go and get it attitude this is not for you! The best part of being freelance is not having a limit, you can express yourself artistically in more ways then one can imagine. More importantly getting to know this part of the makeup industry is engulfing yourself 24/7. While I’m not doing makeup I get behind the camera and put my photography skills to work. I have shot rock bands and musicians also headshots for men, women and children to try and help them secure talent agents. My other passion is attending red carpet events as a makeup and fashion blogger. Even thou I am not actively putting makeup on someone’s face, doesn’t mean that I am not networking or promoting myself as a makeup artist. My next adventure that I’m looking forward to is traveling to Paris and Milan, to work with talented photographers and models in the fashion industry, hoping to secure editorial work and other artistic people.

Do you ever just stop and think WOW – I’ve made it?
The best part of what I do is when I get a call from someone who knew someone that received my services and wants to hire me. Having someone say that my work is spectacular and that I am positive, uplifting and a joy to work with means a lot. That is my goal every time. To become a visionary and instill confidence in that woman or man so when they step in front of that camera or on that stage, they have a bit more self-awareness and assurance. There is nothing more gratifying then doing makeup artistry and showing all of my creative talents and sharing it with the world! My Motto is exposing inner beauty from the outside! Making people look good and feel good about themselves is my gift to the makeup world.

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