Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Craig.
Jessica, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Hey everyone I’m Jessica! I have drawn and painted since I was a young adult, but I knew I wanted to become a makeup artist after my theater teacher, Mr. Smith, encouraged me to help with makeup for our Cirque du Soleil One act at Rabun Gap Nacoochee Scool in North Georgia. I owe a major shout out to Larry Smith and my amazing art teachers, Gail Loder and Terri Manoogian for their support!
After graduating high school, I received my esthetician’s license in South Carolina and moved to the big Apple the next year. I studied all aspects of makeup for film and television at Makeup Designory in SoHo, becoming certified in 2009. I then realized my heart was in film. I thought about moving to Los Angeles several times and figured Atlanta would be a great place to learn and get my feet wet. I worked on independent projects until I finally became a member of the Local 798 IATSE Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Union in 2016. I’m so grateful to be in an industry that allows me to be creative and part of so many different worlds daily.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been the smoothest road. I haven’t reached all my goals yet… not even close. But I am so happy I persisted even when I felt like I’d never make it. You have to put in years of work to be able to work in the film industry. I’d say continuing education is extremely important. Never stop learning and make sure to have fun along the way.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I’d say what defines my makeup is the no-makeup look. I love skin and want it to look like skin. I want you to notice the person and not the makeup. I am more interested in character development and special effect makeup than just making someone look pretty.
I’d say I’m most proud of my ability to adapt and learn quickly in high-stress environments. You have to be able to problem-solve and be a good people person to work in a makeup department. Trust and communication are so important within your department and the actors you’re close with every day.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The entertainment industry will never stop, but I am interested to see where it will go with all of this ever-changing streaming technology. CGI is always evolving, so I hope it won’t remove practical effects completely.
Contact Info:
- Email: jkathryncraig@gmail.com
- Instagram: @jessicacraigmakeup
- Facebook: Jessica Craig
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