Today we’d like to introduce you to Omayma Ramzy.
Omayma, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I became interested in makeup as an art form while I was at Art School in London. I had taken a few years off from school when I was 16 and did some travel. I came back to London and in a flurry of not really knowing what I wanted to do or which direction I wanted to go, I took after my parents (a modern divorced to the re-married bunch: musician, dancer, writer, actress) and went to art school.
I spent a couple of years spending my days at various art schools, studying painting, drawing, figure and form, and looking back I was beyond lucky. I treasure that time where I was able to explore so many art forms without any confinements, I was even lucky enough to do life drawing in the late Princess Diana’s apartment in Kensington Palace, something no longer open to the public. But what a setting!
It was in this time that whilst studying fine art, at one point I thought to myself, “Well I’m here with the sitter (model), my canvas and paint…what if I just take away the paper and explore painting the person.” I was instantly inspired, and it’s that inspiration that has carried over till today.
I went on to study makeup for film and TV at the University of the Arts London, as well as under many makeup greats like David Horne, who has played a key role in the British makeup industry. After completing my university degree I became more and more involved in Film & TV. So naturally, I decided to move to the magical land called Hollywood. I’ve been here for about 3 years now and I love it! I’ve been lucky to work with so many amazing teams in fashion and film, and I’m constantly inspired by the people I meet and those around me.
Has it been a smooth road?
I think one of the biggest struggles I’ve had has been finding my own voice. Even when I started painting one of my biggest fears what BUT WHAT DO I PAINT?! It terrified me! I think not knowing what to say, or how to say it with your art can make it seem lonely.
The best thing I’ve found is to surround myself with other amazing creatives and let ourselves be inspired by one another at the moment. It’s like that with all of my creative makeup work. I try not to overthink it until I’m in the moment. It always works the best that way for me.
Another struggle was having great mentors. So many times when I’ve felt like I was banging against a brick wall, I’ve turned to my mentors (some are other makeup artists, photographers, stylists and even my mum) and just been lucky enough to have them listen and encourage me. It can be terrifying as a freelancer, and especially in LA where we have SO many other amazing artists. But I find it important to remember that my art is my journey and it’s personal to me, so it’s best not to compare myself to others, but only to be inspired by them.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with NA – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’m a British makeup artist and beauty editor based out of Los Angeles. I work predominantly in beauty and fashion, as well as for film and TV. I’ve been lucky enough to work with amazing people and brands, like LA brand Staud, H&M India, Serena by Serena Williams, Sofia Vergara’s underwear line: Empowered by You, The Mighty Company and many more. I’ve been lucky enough to have had my work published in amazing magazines like Vogue India, Vogue Italia, i-D, Flaunt, Nylon and more.
The thing I most enjoy about doing makeup is finding the already existing beauty in whoever I’m doing makeup on and telling a story with it, playing with color with it, and finding a way to make that say something.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
The thing I love most about LA is how many young creatives there are all in one place. I feel really strongly that you get out of LA as much as you put into it, which can also be tiring at times! There are so many interesting people. I find that LA is a really interesting place, we hear so often that so few are really “from” LA, and there are so many people who come here with hopes of “making it”.
My view is that living in LA is a great place to collect your thoughts, to figure things out. Or at least that’s what I’ve been doing!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.omaymaramzy.com
- Email: [email protected]
Image credits:
Lauren Naylor, Paris Duff, Heidi Tappis, Eji Eustaquio
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