Life & Work with Tati Hayton of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tati Hayton.

Hi Tati, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When I was little I used to watch horror movies with my grandpa. The makeups intrigued me and of course scared the hell out of me. They seemed so real—I didn’t even question it as a kid. In middle school, I started to take notice of the artistry behind these makeups and was addicted to watching horror movies not only for the scares but to see all of the fun sfx makeups and gags. In turn, I started researching who these maestros were behind them! Dick Smith is of course the godfather of sfx makeup and his work is so inspiring! I made sure to watch his work closely and learned about other greats as well such as Rick baker, Howard Berger, Bill Corso, and Arjen Tuiten to name a few. And I know that there’s so many incredible sfx artists out there that I did’t mention, so please don’t come after me! In high school I decided that I wanted to become a sfx makeup artist and move to California! However, after graduation, I shifted into a totally different career path. Becoming a makeup artist seemed incredibly unstable to me, so I chose something that caught my intrigue and more consistent. In my twenties, I finished my certification to become an esthetician to do laser treatments in medical spas. I loved what I did for awhile with body treatments (laser wasn’t in the cards at the time), but got totally burnt out after working in a toxic environment for two years. I landed an office job as an admin asst in the oil and gas industry for 9 years. During that time, I was getting the itch again to do makeup. I started doing haunt makeups where I had creative freedom and got into theatre makeup and film. I never saw myself doing beauty makeup at all until I had to do one for a play. I ended up falling in love with it and quickly decided to hone my skills at ruby makeup academy in Burbank. It was a weeklong course and it not only put a fire under me, but had me rethinking my move to LA. I was dead set in joining the union and working really hard in the indie world. My mentor at the time had told me to either go for Canada or Atlanta. Naturally, I wanted to pick Canada, but quickly learned that that was going to be a pretty difficult market to break into. After visiting Atlanta, I knew that thats where I wanted to be! Long story short I’ve lived in Atlanta for almost 7 years living out my dream as a full time makeup artist in the film and tv industry. I broke into the industry here doing indies—which I absolutely enjoy doing (when you have the right like-minded people involved). Ive been very blessed to have had amazing and fulfilling experiences on them! But man they are not easy. During my journey I’ve had wonderful opportunities to work in commercial, music videos, the opera and ballet. I worked really hard to get where I’m at and I continue to push myself even harder every year. I also didn’t get to where I’m at all by myself—I’ve met so many kind artists here who truly believed in me and gave me a shot! I’ve made such awesome friends here I genuinely feel so rich! I’m so glad I’m here and I can’t believe its been almost 7 years! I’m looking forward to seeing whats next.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I first moved here, it was in December of 2019–yeah. Covid was awful. The seclusion made it really hard to adjust here from Oklahoma and make friends. I did a few film jobs back home and didn’t start getting more work in Atlanta until 2021. It was a rough patch because you’re not only dealing with a pandemic, but the civil unrest that was happening at the same time as well. It was so heavy! There were many times where I broke down and cried and felt like a failure. I had thought about moving to LA again for shop work, but i’m glad I stayed! The other challenge that was new was being a day player and depending on getting a text for work. After I’d ride a pretty good wave of jobs, there were times where I had nothing, and that led to depression naps and heavy anxiousness. Whenever the strikes were happening I knew I needed to find something to keep me active, so I did yoga and spin! My faith is huge, so during those rough times (and even now) I really had to be honest with myself and strip my identity away from my career and align it back with God. That was the game changer! He really showed me what my idols were and continues to do so. However now, I have so much peace with what goes on in this industry—I don’t let it tear me up inside anymore. I always like to tell anyone wanting to break into this business that the low points will really test if you really want this or not. I’ve heard many stories where someone had one bad experience and left the industry for good! And that’s okay! its not for everyone, and if you can get clarity that early on instead of putting yourself through misery and finally leaving 10 years later, good on you! Don’t’ feel bad if it isn’t what you thought it would be. And if you decide to stay, that only makes you a stronger artist—it really helped me have thicker skin. Balancing that and keeping your kindness is huge. Trials sharpen you, and what you decide to do after that is your choice, and you shouldn’t feel bad or entitled because of it. I have many stories of makeups that I’ve done that just didn’t work, and yet here I stand. I got to the other side and you will too. You’re going to make it out okay I promise!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a makeup artist! I enjoy working in film, tv, music videos, commercial, and theatre! And I am grateful to be able to dip my toes in all of those spaces. My favorite thing to do are tattoo covers! I of course love horror so any creepy makeups I can do, I’ll take it! I recently wrapped on an indie horror movie called The Heretiks written by Luke Piotrowski and directed by Gregg Bishop. I had the absolute best time of my life! It was so special! It was one of the most challenging jobs that I’ve had, and yet the most rewarding and most fun! I am really proud of the work I did and the friends that I’ve made out of it. It truly was a unicorn of a set. I normally don’t like to see my work (i’m my own worst critic aka a creative), but I am super excited to see this one! The writing and the acting is so great—we were just all in sync with each other. I’m really humbled to be a part of it. Indies have my heart and thats the magic that I love to feel as a creative! Another thing i’m proud of is being the makeup designer for Rite of Spring for the Atlanta ballet! Huge moment for me. So grateful. I guess what sets me apart from others is my laugh. It’s super loud, I laugh at everything but I super mean it when I do! My glasses are pretty unique so thats a fun thing that helps me stand out. On a more serious note, I do like to make sure I’m calm no matter what happens. Because what we do isn’t that serious—its fun and super cool but nobody’s nervous system should be shot over a makeup. I do have to remind myself of this.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Being in this industry is a huge risk on your financial and social life. You have to really take care of yourself. If you’re a person of faith that is huge! It really keeps me grounded. Another thing is to save as much as you can because you never know when work is going to stop (for example, you get hurt, sick, etc.). I had a friend early on in my career when I moved here that encouraged me to just take the vacation! I was afraid to stop. I was a workaholic before even realizing it. So I really appreciated her advice and still think about it to this day! I never saw myself as a huge risk taker when I was younger. I chose a different career path because of that. But I’m glad that I listened to my gut and took the risk of moving here without even knowing anyone or having any connections. Even if I failed miserably, and had to move back home, at least I would know that I tried! I dont ever want to have a goal and just think about the “what ifs” for the rest of my life. Taking a chance is brave! Failing doesn’t define who you are. What you decide to do after that is whats important. “Fall forward” as Denzel would say.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.makeupbytati.com
• Instagram: Tati_hayton_makeup