September 12, 2016

Meet Studio City Make Up Artist: Hanny Tjan

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hanny Tjan.

Hanny, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I was a kid, being a filmmaker was always my dream. Though I didn’t know which department I wanted to do, I just thought it’s really cool to be apart of it. Years went by, didn’t pursue the dream since film industry wasn’t a big deal in where I grew up at that moment. Instead, I went to Cosmoprof Professional Make Up School and started as bridal makeup and hair artist, runway makeup artist, print, as well as theater makeup and hair artist. For about a year, I enjoyed what I was working on, had to do make over to different faces all the times.

Until the year of 2004/2005, I was inspired by The Passion of Christ special makeup effects and I became certain that film/tv makeup is what I want to do.

I started learning SFX more and worked as a freelancer on television.

In 2010, I moved to LA without knowing anyone here. I just thought that I have to be in LA if I wanted to be film/tv makeup artist, LA is the place for that. I had to start all over again, getting to know people, building a new networking. It was not easy but I did it.

I’m here now, get to do what I love and I dreamt when I was a kid…it’s pretty amazing.

Has it been a smooth road?
Nope. As a freelancer, especially from another country, it doesn’t matter if you had many experiences in the previous places, you still have to start over in the new city. It was frustrating when I had to go back to the beginner level and when people treated you as you’re fresh graduated.

Also, freelance works aren’t always there. There’s a season that I got tons of works. Then other seasons, it’s just dead. Then I heard this from some close friends, “keep doing what you doing, be patient, you came this far don’t give up”. I always put it in my mind every time I thought about quitting and giving up.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
To me, keep up my quality of work and always be creative in the entertainment industry (film and TV) are always be my goals. I don’t really have any big changes here for my career. I’m not one of those who chase Oscar or other awards. I’m happy enough to be able to contribute my skills in the film industry to be appreciated and recognized by the audience.

Let’s dig a little deeper into your story. What was the hardest time you’ve had?
The hardest time in my career was when I was collecting my days to get into my union (IATSE Local 706). They don’t just let you in. I had to submit 60-60-60, which means 60 days working on a non-union show for a year in 3 years period. And those films have to be released in commercial theaters. Sounds easy, right? But It was very challenging for me and it was the hardest time I had to deal with. I didn’t have to just deal with them, I had to keep in contacts with all production I worked with to keep track on the projects then updated the local.

I was discouraged and giving up when I was on my 4th year. At that time I thought, if it wasn’t for me, then it wasn’t for me, I have to move forward, not to be attached to it. I think I hit the level that I had no patience anymore. Then I got the letter from them and said I’m in. That day was the best day in my life. I thought it wasn’t real, I thought it was a dream. But it’s not! I made it.

Do you ever feel like “Wow, I’ve arrived” or “I’ve made it” or do you feel like the bulk of the story is still unwritten?
Yes…when I got a chance to work with some artists who created or be involved on my favorite shows when I was a kid (eg. Star Trek next generation). And they appreciated my work. When I thought about it, I was like ,’ wow, these guys…I’m so lucky I got to meet and work with them, I’m a fan of their work, they are my makeup heroes. And they said I’m good!!?? Seriously?!!!’ It’s hard to believe it sometimes.

But it’s real, it’s not a dream.

Or when I was on some projects which starred my fave actors when I was a kid and I gotta do his make up. I was fine when I did the makeup. Though after I’m done, I was just sitting down and had my own moment, thought ‘wow, I just did his make up! My childhood star struck!’ It’s pretty amazing.

Contact Info: