Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Klein.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Samantha. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Since being a child, I’ve always been a creative individual and art is an outlet for me. As I got into my teens and started experimenting with makeup, I realized it’s similar to painting and found a true passion in merging it with beauty. Growing up outside of Philadelphia, my dream was to work as a Makeup Artist in Hollywood. There was something so magical about it to me.
After graduating high school, I went to school for Esthiology (Skin Care Therapy) and worked in a salon/spa and at MAC Cosmetics. Quickly, I realized this wasn’t the end goal and I didn’t want to sell makeup, I want to DO makeup. I wanted a deeper knowledge of art and more education. In 2004, I enrolled in FIDM, Los Angeles attaining a degree in Visual Communications and plowed through school with straight A’s, making the Dean’s List. After graduating, I worked at a Lighting Design Firm for two years implementing lighting layouts for commercial and residential properties. Lighting is SO important for makeup application, so this eventually came around full circle with my work in production and photography today.
My heart knew I ultimately wanted to get back to makeup, so I went straight for Hollywood. I had an opportunity to work on the TV shows, Judge Judy and Judge Joe Brown as a Production Assistant and networking came easy. I soaked everything up like a sponge and often checked into the Makeup Department, soon I was invited to intern. About a year later I got the best phone call of my life, that a new tv show was shooting and I was offered a position as a Key Makeup Artist. Today, I am a full-time freelance artist working on TV, Commercials, Music Videos, Red Carpet, Live Events, Fashion Shows and more.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This is an incredibly challenging career with many ups and downs. There is no straight line to success and it’s been devastating at times navigating through the rough spots. Being a freelancer, building my own business and brand in Makeup Artistry is ME, MYSELF and I. There is no help, or fast-tracks except to figure it out and go through the motions to find success. The biggest lesson is not to repeat mistakes, learn from them and continue towards the end-goal. I’ve had to reinvent myself many times, moving across country two times, pulling back to get ahead and establish myself bi-coastal. The rejection and competition is HARD in a world of makeup sharks. I say that with respect because it takes hard work, dedication, perseverance, persistence, common sense and professionalism to earn your spot in this industry. The struggle is real, but it’s made me stronger to keep going at times when I’ve wanted to give up.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I work as a freelance Makeup Artist, which has also led to Hair Styling as well. I specialize in Beauty Makeup, ranging from clean beauty to creative. Most work is in TV, Commercials, and Print. I’m most proud of working on Emmy Nominated TV shows, Grammy Nominated Music Videos and published Global Campaigns. Today, I work with high profile Celebrities, Politicians, Athletes, and Musicians. I find what sets me apart from others is that I have both components of business and creativity, as well as being down to earth and personable.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’m not sure if good luck or bad luck has played as much of a role in business as TIMING has. Being at the right place at the right time has had its perks. For instance, in 2013 I had attended The Artist Summit with The Powder Group (Pro Makeup Organization). After a long day of seminars, I was invited to dinner with a group of other attendees but had no idea who they were within the industry. Little did I know, I’d be sitting next to the Director of Hair and Makeup at CNN. We had a great convo, exchanged business cards, I followed up. This opened the door to being hired as a subcontractor on jobs in Philly. When I had relocated back to Los Angeles, I was invited to audition for a freelance opening in the Hair and Makeup department at CNN’s Los Angeles Bureau and was offered the position. The past year freelancing there has been nothing but amazing. I work with the MOST supportive, talented group of artists and beyond thankful to be a part of the Hair and Makeup Team. I guess you could say I was lucky to sit at that dinner table because years later it led to an incredible opportunity!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.samanthaklein.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @facestylist
Image Credit:
Photo Credits: Daren Cornell, Vikrant Tunious, Renee Faris, Jean-Claude Vorgeack, Emilynn Rose, Roque Cozzette
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