Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Michael.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have been an artist since I was very little. When I was five years old, I began in theatre and my parents took me for film and commercial auditions. I continued in theatre, where I did my own makeup. Other actors liked how I applied my makeup and began asking me to do theirs as well. I would practice on my friends at home and as I got older (High School and College), I would set up photoshoots and test out different makeup looks, etc. I began doing makeup for small photo shoots for friends. Then in 2008, I began working for NC’s most premier haunted attraction where I met someone who would teach me everything they knew about SPFX (He had been an FX artist for ten years at this time). Shortly after working for the haunted attraction, I got into working on Feature Films, Music Videos, commercials, corporate videos, etc. I also began bodypainting in 2012, started Bodypainting Competitions in 2014 I moved to Atlanta in late 2016. I briefly worked for Sephora 2017-2018, where I became a “Certified Makeup Artist”, and educator. I now am fully freelance, but do work for several Atlanta agencies as well.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Absolutely not. Anything worth doing is not going to be easy and anyone who says so simply doesn’t know what they’re talking about. Haha. I have been all but homeless for following my dreams. I essentially lived from my car and out of hotel rooms working on the road for different productions during my year-long transition from NC to Atlanta. Still, being a creative is feast and famine. I have had times where I was staying in a penthouse suite drinking champagne and eating lobster one week, to the very next week counting my change to get gas. I am in a much more stable place in my life, currently. Which I am truly thankful for, but if you follow your dreams, don’t expect it to be a bed of roses. Or… maybe do, even roses have thorns.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Amber Michael Makeup Artistry – what should we know?
I am a professional Makeup Artist of over ten years. I primarily work in Film and TV. I specialize in Special Effects Makeup, HD Makeup, and BodyArt. I have won several awards for my Artwork, Bodypainting, and Photography. I am a published Makeup Artist and Photographer and I often shoot my own work. My creativity, ability, and willingness to learn quickly set me apart from others in this industry. I have learned that being able to understand that you’ll never stop learning is a huge asset and will help you to go far.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Oh man! This list is so long. I have been very lucky and have actively placed myself around amazing artists who have been so gracious with their knowledge and have helped me along the way. Amazing legendary Makeup Artists, Photographers, Agents, Friends, Family… I truly would not be here if I was an island. My mother has ALWAYS supported me and given me the strength to follow my dreams. She is BY FAR my biggest cheerleader to this day. I certainly, would NOT be alive if it wasn’t for her… much less this far on my creative path.
One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was from a dear friend, who is a five-time WORLD bodypainting champion, Scott Fray. He told me to always be the worst artist in the room. And I have truly taken that to heart. I try to always surround myself with amazing and inspiring people who are uplifting and supportive. Life is too short to hang around with people who drag you down or don’t support your dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.AmberMichaelArt.com
- Phone: 336-588-7321
- Email: Contact@AmberMichaelArt.com
- Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/AmberMichaelArt
- Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/AmberMichaelArt
Image Credit:
Water: Photographer: Amber Michael; Models: Maggie Story + Victoria Singleton; Butterflies: Photographer: Bernita Nana; Model: Chloe Cooper; Feathers: Photographer: Amber Michael; Model: Chloe Cooper; Black and Gold: Photographer: Amber Michael; Model: Billy Kelly; Atlas: Photographer: Tim Kincaid; Model: CJ Sain; Facial Scars: Photographer: Justin Reich; Model: Adam Fergeson; Zombie: Photographer: Ren Allen; Model: Brandon Jones; Mother Nature: Photographer: David Leo; Model: Maggie Story
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