September 13, 2016

Meet Pasadena Makeup Artist: Christina Couch

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to the creative Christina Couch.

Christina, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Art has always been my passion in life, and as a teenager when I realized makeup was an art, my passion for makeup began. I started out practicing on myself, doing photoshoots with friends doing both the makeup and photography, and I was very dedicated in my high school drama club working backstage doing makeup. My inspiration came from all over, from musicians I love, to characters from my favorite films and tv series. I looked to past decades as I am a huge history buff, I especially have a love for the 1980s, 1920s and 18th century. Different movements and cultures from these times have been a huge influence on me both personally and in my artistry. At age 16 I realized I could make my love for makeup a serious career and started to focus on what my special skills were and what trade school would be a good fit for advancing my makeup skills. I knew I wanted to specialize in film, theatre, and editorial (magazine/ high fashion).

After high school, I had enough research on all the great makeup schools here in Los Angeles and made my rounds to see which one would be best for me. I had been accepted into one of the very first makeup schools here in LA, Joe Blasco and by the talented man himself. Unfortunately by the time I was able to go they no longer had a loan option but it was all meant to be as I had enough money saved up to attend the prestige Napoleon Perdis Makeup Academy, right in the heart of Hollywood! There, I was certified and picked up some skills I didn’t even know I had! It was one of the best investments I have made and am so thankful I did as I was part of the last alumni of the Hollywood location. I was certified in June 2015. Since then I have been working on a diverse portfolio. I started freelancing and worked on runway shows, projects for submission with photographers, and building my own clientele. Finally, in January 2016 I got my big break and broke into film. I’d like to thank my dear friend and fellow makeup artist Gaby Di Zitti for getting me my first film gig and for all her support. Since then I have gone on to do a student film, a few short indie films, and I had a milestone opportunity as key makeup artist for a feature mockumentary. I also have broke into music videos, makeup for online shops, and I have more freelance submission projects coming into the works this fall. I had taken the summer off from my artistry but it did me good as I feel more motivated and inspired to get back into the game and get serious about joining a union or agency which I highly recommend to other artists who want a serious career in the industry. I’m so thankful and happy for everything I have done so far and have in my portfolio. I love being diverse in my artistry but now that I have direction and have got to experience a variety of work, I feel what I want to specialize most in and be known for as a makeup artist is definitely period makeup, high fashion/avant-garde, and film and theatre. I’m excited to see what God has in store for me as I continue to work towards my passion in life and knowing I can help others feel good is the best feeling, it’s what motivates me to never give up!

Has it been a smooth road?
It’s been a roller coaster. I have had my ups and downs. One obstacle I had was not being able to afford trade school and having to put it off for a few years. I had actually worked hard to graduate high school early to start a trade school right away but in this day in age it’s impossible to have a huge amount of money upfront as most trade schools, unfortunately, don’t do loans. I knew it would benefit my career and skills so much to attend a good makeup academy, so I didn’t let this obstacle get in the way! I worked retail full time to save up and fortunately saved enough money for Napoleon Perdis Makeup Academy. Another obstacle came when I had finished school. Since my school and their resources had closed, I was on my own to find work and start my passion. But to be honest it was good to look for my own gigs and work because we have to work hard for the things we want and can’t expect people to give us handouts all the time you know! The only other obstacle I am currently facing is finding steady, paid work. Unfortunately, there are too many people out there that think they can get work for free or don’t think to set a budget aside for makeup and hair artists. That is why I am striving towards the union or an agency. I know other artists who are going through the same struggle, so it helps knowing I’m not alone. I look up to so many successful artists who have made a full-time career of makeup artistry, and they did so by getting creative and looking at all their options. They inspire me not to give up and remind me that in the end everything I have done is worth it, and to stand firm and not be taken advantage of.

Have you ever wanted to stop doing what you do and just start over?
I’ve never entirely felt like quitting as this is what I love to do, and what I’m meant to do. My artistry is what keeps me going in life. But there have been tough times. What I take from the struggles is motivation and determination. I know the tough times will make me stronger as a person and make my success story even better. I’ve made it thru tough times such as unemployment, scams, lack of support, but at the end of the day I made it thru and am thankful for the experiences even if they were tough as they’ve made me stronger as a person and as an artist. I know where I’m going and I’m not letting anyone or anything get in the way of my passion ever.

What advice do you wish to give to those thinking about pursuing a path similar to yours?
One of the main things I advise is to definitely be open minded and versatile when you’re starting out. Try a little bit of everything, even if you know you just want to work in a certain area as an artist whether it’s film or fashion, etc. Sometimes we can fall in love with something we’ve never considered before that can benefit us later on in our career. Build up a versatile portfolio at first, many people will like this and feel you are capable in many aspects of the industry. I also encourage artists to be themselves, to think outside the box or better yet have something outside the box in your portfolio! After being versatile, you will discover what you are strongest at and what path you want to go down as a makeup artist. Embrace that, and work towards being known for what you want to specialize in! Don’t be trendy or feel you need to be influenced my makeup guru’s on social media, after all you are the one working in the industry, you’re the one on set, you’re the one behind the curtain, you’re the one at the wedding, not someone behind a camera at home reviewing products! You know what’s going on in the industry! And if you have a skill you do differently, or you choose not to do a technique that’s hot or trendy in this social media world, who cares! At the end of the day, you are your own person, artist, you need to do what’s best for you and what you feel most comfortable doing!

What are you looking forward to?
I’m always excited about the future! I’d have to say what I’m most looking forward to is being blessed enough to work as a full-time artist. To be recognized and known as a makeup artist specializing in period, film and theatre makeup. To inspire other artists, to help and encourage other artists. I also have a dream to create my own makeup line someday, it’s something I feel almost as passionate in as my artistry, and I would love to make that dream a reality. The idea I have for it I feel could really go somewhere and if it’s meant to be I am really excited for that as well! I also would love to have my own little production company of artists to create our own freelance submissions and projects. Personally, I am also very excited to have my best friend, my love by my side to inspire me everyday in everything I do and to do the same for him. I love being there for others and I feel this passion in me to be there for others is as strong as my passion for art so being able to spend the rest of my life with my partner and supporting them I look forward to everyday of my life. I am very excited to have my own family someday and thinking I could be blessed enough not only to support my partner but my own children, to raise and encourage individuals to not give up and to embrace their dreams, this fulfills me and motivates me more than anything!

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