Today we’d like to introduce you to Katelyn Barton.
Hi Katelyn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always known I wanted to work in the film industry, but I wasn’t sure what area I wanted to work in. I went to film school and learned every position. I was really interested in editing and I thought I would become an editor. However, my first project was working as a PA in the makeup department, and that’s when I fell in love with makeup.
I was working on a period movie in Roanoke, VA and I was able to help out in background adding dirt, tattoos, and war makeup. It was so much fun. The Makeup Department Head and Key were so nice and they were willing to teach me. After the film wrapped, the Key Makeup artist asked me if I would be interested in assisting her on other projects. I told her yes and I started working under her. I worked a lot on indie films and commercials trying to learn as much as I could. Eventually, I was able to make my days in order to join the union. In 2014 I joined IATSE Local 798 and decided to move to Atlanta, GA.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Working in this industry isn’t always easy. You have to put in a lot of work in order to be successful. I remember thinking once I got in the union, things would be easier, but it wasn’t at first. I had just moved to Atlanta, GA where I didn’t know anyone. My apartment had no furniture and I slept on an air mattress because I couldn’t afford a bed. I had a second a job in order to bring in money because I wasn’t working a lot of makeup jobs. I really had to network, meet people and put myself out there in order to try to get work. It was slow at first but eventually, I was able to quit my second job and do makeup full time. I know if I hadn’t stuck with it and had the support of my family, I wouldn’t be where I am at today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I love being a makeup artist in film and television. Each project is different and you can pull out different skill sets. Makeups I specialize in are period makeup, beauty, out-of-the kit sfx, character makeup and men’s grooming. WEREWOLF BY NIGHT has been one of my most favorite projects. I had the opportunity to create a special, unique look for one of my actors. She had a “high fashion look” that meet with the 1930s horror genre. Another project that I loved working on was FIRST MAN, the story about the life of Neil Armstrong. Being able to do period makeup and going back in time and learning about NASA and the legendary space mission that led him to becoming the first man to walk on the moon was such a great experience.
My goal with every actor I get in my chair is to help make them look their very best. I’ve been told I have a calming presence and a gentle touch to my technique that I feel sets me apart from others.
What are your plans for the future?
I used to travel a lot when I first started working in the Industry and I miss that part at times. I would love to work on locations more in the future. I would also love to start Department Heading. But for now, I want to keep working on creative projects that will push me to continue to be better.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: katelynbarton87
