Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Denkler.
Amanda, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I always had a love for makeup ever since I was 13 and my mom took me to a makeup counter for the first time to learn to wear makeup gracefully. In high school, I was always the girl who would do other girl’s makeup—after swim practice before we would rush off to school, for prom, for dates. I just loved the artistry behind makeup. I could take a person’s features and tell a story with colors and styles and shapes.
Originally, I did not think I would become a makeup artist. I thought I would get a degree in chemical engineering and go into the development of cosmetics, but life had other plans. During the summer between my high school graduation and my first year of college, I started body painting for the first time. I was looking at some pictures of body paint online and I had a sudden thought: “I could do that.” One palette and some cheap brushes later and I found a new hobby that would catapult me into my career.
Fast forward to my first few makeup jobs in college. They all started the same way. I saw a project or a person that I wanted to work with and I asked to be a part of those films. I firmly believe that I have had an abundance of wonderful opportunities in my life to be grateful for; my greatest asset was recognizing those opportunities for what they were and seizing them. I have always been the person to fight relentlessly for what I want for myself, whether that was to be treated with respect from a coach, to get good grades, or to make friends. My career was no different. I see a very clear vision of who I want to be and what I want out of my career, and I work every day to equip myself with the skills and the mindset to achieve those goals.
I have since graduated college and moved up to Atlanta in October of 2018. The journey to where I now have certainly not been easy, but I am starting to see the goals I set for myself as an 18-year-old dreamer coming to life. I have had so much help along the way from my family, my colleagues-turned-friends, and my mentors. The film industry is one that thrives off of teamwork and the same is true with life. I am so grateful for everything and everyone that my career path has brought me an I am eager to see what lies ahead.
Has it been a smooth road?
I think any artist can attest that the road is never smooth. Even as recently as a few months ago, I had my doubts about whether or not I was doing the right thing for myself. When the bad days pile up, it can be so easy to lose yourself in doubt. That is certainly what happened to me. I was ready to step away from makeup and give up my idea of what I thought I knew was right for my life, and only then was I able to truly make great strides in my career. I needed that experience to fuel me. I had to let go of my need to control what I thought my destiny was. Only then did God or life say, “fine, now you can have what you want.” It was a hard lesson to learn to give up that control, but I think I am far healthier because of it. Most goals are not linear and I had to learn to be flexible to achieve mine.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
From an artistic standpoint, I would have to say my body painting sets me apart the most. It is what started me along this path and it is what I love to do more than anything. I don’t think I would have become a professional makeup artist if I didn’t decide to body paint on a whim one night in 2015. However, from a personal standpoint, I am most proud of my gumption. I would never have made it where I am today if I didn’t go up to people and ask for opportunity. And furthermore, once I had those opportunities, I was going to make sure that regardless of my skill level or experience that I was an invaluable member of the team. On my first larger film set, one of my jobs in addition to doing makeup on background was to bring coffee to the actors in the makeup chair or the other makeup artist. I prided myself on making the perfect cup of coffee every time. It’s a small thing but it made me memorable and it made me useful. To this day, I still remember the joy I felt whenever I handed someone a perfect cup.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Atlanta has been such a blessing for me as a blooming young artist. There is such a variety of film work available that I never felt out of my depths when I moved here with only a few years of experience under my belt, but I also do not feel held back by the quality of work here.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amandadenkler.com/
- Email: amanda.denkler@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandadenklerartistry/
Image Credit:
Talent-Leah Thompkins, Photography- Kelly Lewis
Talent- Brad Urba, Photography- Masaya Urba
Model- Cassandra Tuten, Photography- Donald Huston
Model- Amanda Denkler, Photography- Amanda Denkler
Model- Brittanie Cruz, Photography- O’Neal Peterson, Costumes-Ginger Holley and Miguel Moreta, Wig- Crystal Broedel, Body Paint- Amanda Denkler and Genie Bolet
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
