PROFESSIONAL MAKE-UP artist Leah Whitehead did not get involved in this career because of the glitz and glamour, but rather because of her passion for being artistic.
Whitehead is young and new to the art, but she has high hopes and aspirations on her plate. This optimistic 21-year-old holds the mindset that “like any other career, it will take time to get my name out there, but I will make it . . . . I’m doing well so far!”
After she graduated from Queens College in 2007 with CAPE results in languages and art, and with the blessing of her family and friends, the St George resident left Barbados for Orlando, Florida. There, she successfully gained a certificate in professional make-up registry through a three-month course at the renowned Joe Blasco Make-up Centre.
During an interview with EASY, Whitehead admitted that her three years’ experience as a make-up artist has shown her its advantages and disadvantages. But, there is no place for regrets in her heart, because she is “fully enjoying it.”
“I went to a very good make-up school where we focused on everything; from beauty to special effects; monsters, prosthetics, and character make-up. I didn’t want to be a make-up artist, but since I was ten I always wanted to do something with art.Â
“While I was into art, I didn’t want to be stuck at a desk . . . . I wanted to be hands-on because I like meeting people. I started to do a little bit of modelling and then I realised I liked the make-up side of it.
“I like the beauty aspect of make-up but then special effects is different. It is fun and it’s not an everyday thing. I love creating a third degree burn on someone’s skin . . . it’s not that hard, it just takes a little while to get done”, she elaborated.
“One April Fools Day I was home practicing to create a burn on my foot and a friend came over. I told him that I spilt boiling water on my foot and he actually thought it was real until I slapped it,” she said with a laugh.
She pointed out that after she has finished making up a client it is fulfilling to see them look into a mirror and smile – signifying their approval. Whitehead asserted her clients contentment has stemmed from her creativity, love of fashion and punctuality – all characteristics of a good make-up artist.
“I love making my clients happy. Before I even start working on someone’s face, I keep contacting them to find out exactly what they want. I take it as my duty to learn about my clients personalities. I do it especially on weddings, maternity shoots and so on.
“And I don’t think anything sets me apart from other make-up artists on the island. To me, it’s a matter of preference for the customer because some people may not like my style but they may like someone else’s. But, art is my real passion. I could have gone and done other stuff but I chose to follow my passion . . . and that doesn’t mean that I don’t have brains.”
To achieve her goals and objectives, she has worked with professional photographers and advertising agencies whom she is grateful to. She pointed out that although she was encouraged by the said parties: “People find out about me by word of mouth too, because I put my all into what I do I think my career can go far . . . . I have been to Grenada in my first year doing make-up for Grenada’s tourism board . . . . My work was accepted very well,” she said
