Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Pinzon.
Hi Laura, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always loved being creative and growing up. I always went to painting classes. As I grew up and discovered makeup, I loved exploring different products and brands, but I never thought that becoming a makeup artist was even an option for me as a career. Coming from a traditional family, I was expected to go to college for a “safe” major that I could use to make money and have financial security. I wanted to study fashion design, but my father thought it would be safer for me to study fashion marketing and management. I went to marketing school in New York City and got a Masters’s Degree in digital marketing in Spain. Without knowing that it would later become my career, I would do my friend’s makeup and my own showing to have natural talent. After completing my master’s, I moved to San Francisco, CA, to start working. At one of my first jobs, I met a girl that worked part-time as a makeup artist, and she gave me the inspiration and idea that I could do the same. I went back to school to get certified as a makeup artist in the best makeup school in the Bay Area, a program that lasted six months. I was so happy I found my passion, that I was good at it, and that it could be a lucrative career. Even though I had a natural talent for makeup, there was still a lot to learn. As a makeup artist, many techniques and rules must be followed, especially regarding color theory and sanitation practices, which I take very seriously. I also had to work hard to build my kit, which cost thousands of dollars, and a good portfolio to get work. After working for nearly five years in San Francisco, I wanted a new start, and that’s when I decided to move to Austin. I am so glad I did! I’ve had the chance to meet many wonderful clients and enjoy what the city offers.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s hard to start as a professional makeup artist; you need to learn the theory and then put it to practice to become good at it. You must practice, practice and practice. It doesn’t matter if you know all the tricks; you need real-life experience to make clients happy. Every client has a different face shape, skin type, and expectations, so as a makeup artist, you must know how to accentuate their features, manage their skin concerns and understand their needs and wants to make them feel beautiful. People always say that nowadays, you must always be a student in your profession, meaning there is so much to learn, and you should never stop learning. When it comes to makeup, I couldn’t agree more; the latter statement applies incredibly. There are endless techniques and ways of accomplishing tasks, and here is when practice comes in, so as an artist, you can discover what works for you and what doesn’t. For me, one of the hardest techniques to perfect was eyeliner. I was terrified to apply eyeliner because it’s hard to move once it’s applied since it dries fast. I researched many techniques, tools, and brushes to find the right technique. When clients ask for it, I feel confident in doing a good job.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in beauty makeup for special events, editorials, and weddings. My motto is “Making you look like you, but better,” I like accentuating men’s and women’s natural features. I like that when my clients look at themselves in the mirror, they see themselves as more elegant and confident. I’m not too fond of makeup looks where women look like different people. I love adding highlighter on the inner corner of the eyes; that is my thing. I do it on everyone; it opens the eyes and looks lovely. I am most proud of being able to do what I love. I don’t feel like I am working while doing makeup; I feel like I am painting and hanging out with friends; I love getting to know all my clients and their stories. I am proud to have been part of the team for headshots in big companies like Twitter and Rolling Stone Magazine and for an ad for New Balance. What sets me apart from other makeup artists is my professionalism, ethics, sanitation practices, and love for what I do. I am a great listener and know which questions to ask to determine clients’ wants. I have products for everyone, no matter their needs or skin tone. I educate myself to know how to do everyone’s makeup who sits on my chair, regardless of ethnicity.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is making women and men feel beautiful and confident. Often, I am part of one of the most important days of people’s lives; their wedding or a special event where they will be a key speaker or be photographed. So I take my job extremely seriously. I am professional, on time, and always give it my all. I ask questions during the makeup application process to ensure the client is happy with how it’s turning out. As makeup artists, we see the client’s face bare and naked; we see all their imperfections and insecurities, and they trust us to help them feel their best. So what’s most important to me is to be their ally in assisting them to feel their best because we all know what they say: “Sometimes, when you look your best, you feel your best and can take over the world!”
Pricing:
- Makeup Application with Lashes: $150
- Bridal Makeup Application: $150
- Photoshoot Day Rate: Price Available Upon Request
- Hairstyling: $85 plus
- Airbrush Foundation: $40
Contact Info:
- Website: www.makeupbylaurapinzon.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeupbylaurapinzon/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makeupbylaurapinzon
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/makeup-by-laura-pinzon-austin-2
- Other: www.weddingwire.com/biz/makeup-by-laura-pinzon/b06a70beb7f9e6be.html
