Today we’d like to introduce you to Caroline Monge.
Caroline, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I never realized until I was a full-grown adult, just how ingrained in me, my love for art was. As a child, I would paint faces on paper and color it in. I would also stay up late and paint different patterns and scenes on my bedroom walls. Lots of my inspiration came from tv and film and the fascination with how characters were created.
As an adult, I faced the reality of going to college and pursuing something that was more the norm. In the interim, I got a job at MAC in 2009 to fulfill that need to paint faces and get experience doing makeup on others. Around this time, I was also designing Hair and makeup looks for performance teams throughout South Florida and the country.
I went to Florida International University and graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications. For two years, I struggled to feel like I was doing what I really wanted. In the Fall of 2012, when I was laid off from my Ad agency job, I knew it was a blessing in disguise. A week prior to my layoff, I had my first ever photoshoot as a hair and makeup artist and I just knew this is what I wanted to do. I also met my mentor, June Ellis, who continues to be a guiding light in my journey. Two months after that photoshoot, I enrolled in Beauty school.
Fast Forward to the end of 2013 and I was in the running to become a Full-time Hair and Makeup Artist at a new local TV station in Miami. After a few auditions, I got the job. I graduated Beauty School early and promptly began working full time at Fusion tv studios in Miami as one of the full-time hair and Makeup Artists. I was there for about two years and learned so much. This experience expanded my horizons and really drove me to pursue more. While there, I decided to attend night classes at a local Makeup school, Cosmix, to really learn Special FX makeup. It was during this time that I really knew the next steps in my career were to work in TV and Film.
The movie industry was always something that I dreamed of being a part of but never quite knew how. My favorite genre of film is Horror and the idea of being a part of something that creates that magic is what really drew me to the Film industry. In 2015, I knew one of the steps I needed to take to work in tv in film was to become a member of the I.A.T.S.E Local 798 Makeup Artists and Hairstylists union. After many calls, and practice, and photoshoots, I applied and at the end of 2015, I received that welcome letter that made me breathe a sigh of relief and cry with joy.
After joining the Local 798, I kept in touch with members who were gracious enough to lead me to my first union gig which was on the HBO series “Ballers” shooting in Miami. It has been a snowball effect since. In 2018, with the lack of incentives in Florida, I knew my next journey to further my career would be to move to Atlanta. The move here has proved to be the best thing for my career and happiness. The opportunities that I have been presented with here in Atlanta has been something I could have never imagined. The projects I’ve had the honor to be a part of and the friendships I’ve made here has truly made such an impact on my drive to continue my path in the TV and film industry.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Some struggles I faced were moving to Atlanta in 2018 and coming here with very little knowledge of the city and only knowing a few people here. It was a few months before I was really able to dig my heels into the industry here when I arrived. I was very persistent and open to all opportunities while I was here. I am very fortunate enough that I have a great support system which was a huge help when I was not working for many months.
It was not easy making the decision to change what my career path would be at 23 years old. I spent lots of money and time to study at a university and pursue my degree in Communications. Making the drastic career change was risky, but I knew deep in my heart that if I’m gonna do it, I’m gonna put my all into it. Looking back on my 23 year old self now, I’m so glad I made that decision. It really helps reaching out to people who are in careers that you aspire to be a part of, and getting a dose of what their everyday life is to gain proper perspective.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with your work – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am a professional Makeup Artist and Hairstylist. I am a part of the I.A.T.S.E. Local 798 Makeup Artist & Hairstylists Union. I also have my Cosmetology license. I specialize in Makeup for Tv and Film. I am most proud of the tv and film work I have had the opportunity to be a part of.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I look forward to continuing my path doing makeup in the Tv and Film world, as that is where my heart is. I just absolutely love the process of film making and being a part of the magic. As far as big changes, considering the time of Corona that we are in, I think that changes are already happening but I am focused on keeping my creative juicing flowing during this time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.carolinemongeartistry.com
- Email: info@carolinemongeartistry.com
- Instagram: @carolinemongeartistry
Image Credit:
Main Horizontal image (Personal Photo): Jorge Sanchez
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
