Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittney Nelson.
Brittney , we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
In my industry I started my business sooooo ‘old’- I was 33. But, I am FABULOUS, so I don’t stress that so many people were concerned that I started so late! HAHA
I’ve had my heart in the beauty world since I was a tiny human with a Mary Kay loving mom I’ve never suffered a sunburn or gone to bed without washing my face.
I worked for prestige brands for years. Christian Dior and Victorias Secret Beauty in college and later Special Events for Clinique for over a decade.
As much as I loved it with my small kids, I was hungry to grow artistically. I kept being asked to work with brides, photographers, and designers as I had a great reputation for being ‘pretty good’ even though I wasn’t a true professional. My husband is a nuclear engineer, and I went to school for business and women’s studies, so I held back far too long thinking this was just for fun. I decided to take the jump one night after watching a Jeffree Starr video and thought the world doesn’t need another HIM (as terrific as his work might be) the world needs ME to start taking this seriously! There are excellent makeup artists everywhere.
But my magic is in that I LOVE taking a woman and bringing out her inner joy, light, and passion. I am a girly girl! Perfecting imperfect skin and making her glow is one of my strengths. A woman can sit in my chair, and I can take her on this journey from a natural look to avant-garde and anywhere in-between! We are amazing magical unicorns, and we can show it however we want to!
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I can’t draw a stick figure, but I can create a masterpiece with YOU. Glamour makeup is what I’m usually booked for, but I love a challenge, like the South African shoot with the Zulu tribal art. I creative directed that shoot will love those images forever! Ironically my time with a client actually sitting in my chair (we call it my ‘magical chair of wonders’) is sometimes the shortest portion of a job!! From meeting with you and conceptualizing your vision, to doing the actual makeup all the way through popping a thank you note in the mail afterwards (gotta use these southern manners). The time spent involved with me is calm and happy.
I created my business to be all-inclusive, meaning when you book me in town or across the country I take care of everything from my own flights and hotel to make the entire experience stress free for you! One rate, one invoice and it’s done. (unless you wanna change things up again then it’s easy on my end) That’s WHY you hire me- to make you perfect, so you go about living your life! Enjoy the set or catwalk or wedding isle without having to think twice about what you look like! LIVE YOUR LIFE! Loads of makeup artists walk in, do your makeup their way and then leave, I create a mood. I fill the room with music and laughter. I make you comfortable, and I get to work. Everything about being a makeup artist is FUN. From prepping with a quick facial to bring circulation into your skin, to working on your eyes and even giving you a hand massage as your lashes set! I am an expert at custom blending pigments for the perfect glow- it’s a wonderful, delightful process. I mean, I am a grown-up who gets to color on other grownups!! What is better than that??
What do you think it takes to be successful as an artist?
It’s pretty simple for me- Honor your profession and have integrity. As an independent artist, there are so many avenues that need to come together to be successful. Having a reputation for being amazing to work with, while making people gloriously happy walking around wearing my work is the ultimate rush! Then there’s the struggle most creatives have with the running of their business. I have kids to help through college, and I am a DV victim advocate and would love to create more opportunities for prevention. Those things cost money, so I need to run my business well!
Success is when BOTH my ART and INCOME are working in HARMONY because I’m respecting my time and talent in all aspects. Have a working business plan. Network and find people I love to work with. Community over the competition is huge for me!! I don’t want to look back and have regret. I have a code of ethics, and I stick to it. I use cruelty-free products. I don’t book Sundays, and that can be really tough when a someone I’ve been dying to work with can only shoot that day. But you know what? Most people are respectful when you stick to your beliefs about something. Overall it’s never professionally hurt me. I don’t work for free unless it is a contracted Passion Project which is imperative to sharpen our skills and keep the creativity flowing. I create real-life magic with other human beings, and I will never forget that is why I started in the first place.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I just created a new look book of some of my favorite works with a few stories sprinkled in to tell how they came to fruition! To request one simply fill out the contact me section on my website and note the BN LOOK-BOOK!
Online is best www.britnelson.com
Email britnelsonmua@gmail.com
Instagram @britnelsonmua
Facebook Brit Nelson Makeup Artist
Phone #360-852-4789
People can support my work by telling their friends they heard of this awesome makeup artist named Brit Nelson!
Know a designer is launching a collection? A production company that is looking to fill the art department? A big wedding? I even speak at seminars for church or ladies groups on taking care of ourselves and teach one-on-one workshops. I am your beauty go-to!
Contact Info:
- Address: Homebase Augusta GA- makeup on location worldwide
- Website: http://britnelson.com
- Phone: 360-852-4789
- Email: britnelsonmua@gmail.com
- Instagram: @britnelsonmua
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/britnelsonmua/
- Twitter: @britELMA
Image Credit:
MVK Photography
Jeannine Rae Photography
Savannah Evan Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
