Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessi Pagel.
Jessi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was raised in a creative and artistic environment—painting, drawing, and sewing clothes for my Barbies as a child. At 10, I sketched my first clothing collection, already dreaming of becoming a fashion designer. Throughout high school, I pursued art and graphic design classes, which deepened my passion for visual expression.
In 1997, I started experimenting with bold, colorful makeup looks—intuitively blending shades and creating dramatic effects. Friends began asking for help with their makeup and shopping for products that suited their tones, which soon led to doing makeup for weddings. In 1999, I began working at a makeup counter, where I gained hands-on experience working with diverse skin tones, ages, and facial structures.
By 2003, I was assisting and interning with professional makeup artists in Las Vegas, where I started working in production. Over the years, I built my career across film, fashion shows, celebrity junkets, live events, reality TV, brand campaigns, magazine editorials and commercials. I worked as the lead artist on poker television shows and contributed to a wide variety of productions in both Southern California and Las Vegas. Back in 2007, I produced a modern pinup calendar and created additional artwork for that brand. It was a deeply personal project where I handled the makeup, hair, styling, and art direction—digging deep creatively and emotionally. The only parts I didn’t take on were the photography, editing, and graphics, which were handled by some incredibly talented collaborators. It was such an inspiring and creative time, and I’m still insanely proud of what we created together.
In 2010, I relocated to Austin, Texas, where I’ve spent the past 15 years continuing my work across film, television, commercial shoots, live concerts, advertising campaigns and the occasional wedding or private client.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This career is definitely not for the faint of heart. I’ve worked through major industry shifts—from the recession in 2008 to navigating work during COVID—and I’ve watched the landscape change drastically. I feel incredibly fortunate to have started my career alongside photographers who were still shooting on film and editing in darkrooms. The experience I gained from them, and from working with some of the top hairstylists and makeup artists in Las Vegas, was an education you simply can’t buy.
Life as a professional makeup artist can move at a snail’s pace or faster than the blink of an eye. Over the years, I’ve learned that maintaining a healthy life balance is key—it impacts everything, from creativity to longevity in this field.
There are constant challenges: social media reshaping the beauty world, influencers and bloggers changing client expectations, and an always-evolving definition of “success.” But through it all, I’m proud to still be here, still creating, and still making a name for myself.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I really miss the energy of fashion shows and modeling events back in Las Vegas. If my lead said, “Make her look like a snake” or “like a gazelle,” you had to make it happen—no time for references, just pure instinct and creativity. That kind of on-the-spot artistry has shifted to mood boards and prep documents, which are helpful, but I’m proud of my ability to create on the fly. Not everyone can do that.
I’m also proud of my fashion campaign work in Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Lucky Magazine, and I’m especially excited about projects such as a collaboration between Beetlejuice/Warner Bros campaign and more of my work with a notable brand. Not to mention all the music events and concerts I got to lead makeup/hair for at Austin City Limits. These milestones remind me of how far I’ve come and inspire me to keep pushing myself.
In addition, I’m a strong self-editor and always pay attention to the smallest details—something I believe is key to success in this industry. A recent example: I did makeup for a friend’s wedding, and when her dress ended up being too big, I was able to seamlessly pin her into the gown’s bodice and corset so she could walk down the aisle with confidence. Speaking of confidence, I had to cover a black eye on a model minutes before a runway show, it was stressful but gratifying to help. Moments like that really remind me why I love what I do—I’m here to help people feel their best.
I specialize in creating personalized makeup looks that not only make my clients feel beautiful but also align with the vision of the photographer, brand, or team I’m working with.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I got into this industry because I loved seeing the joy on my friends’ faces when I helped them try a new lipstick shade or showed them a different way to wear eyeliner. Sometimes it even brought them to tears—and that feeling, that connection, is why I do what I do. Today, that happiness comes from something as simple as enhancing someone’s natural features, or as creative as crafting an otherworldly look or evoking a specific emotion through makeup. I just truly love what I do, and I feel very lucky to be part of this industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.JessiPagel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessipagel
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessipagelmuah
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2003344/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
Image Credits
Romy Suskin Photography
Sanjay Patel Photography
Ami Lee Photography
Chris Clark Photography
Larry Beard Photography
Magnolia Pearl Clothing
