Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Gleeson.
Hi Lisa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have a different route to makeup artistry than many other makeup artists. I’ve always been creative and loved art classes. During college, I was a makeup artist for a few brands and learned to do makeup on all skin tones and skin types. I loved being a makeup artist, but coming from an academic household, I was expected to graduate college and choose an academic profession. I graduated from Miami University with a degree in Consumer Science. After college, my career started as a buyer for Macy’s, then Pharmaceutical Sales to a National Account Manager for a division of Sony. After having 2 boys close in age, I stayed home for a bit and became a commercial model. During that time, I was working with production hair and makeup artists. I liked being behind the scenes instead of in front of the camera. I started taking classes to be certified and then worked as an assistant HMUA for an agency in Minneapolis. Minneapolis is a huge commercial market, and soon, I was head HMUA for 3M, Best Buy, Target, General Mills, etc. When we transferred to Austin in 2005, I was one of the few HMUAs with production experience. I’ve been able to work with some amazing brands and wonderful crews.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I was fortunate to start in production HMUA over 20 years ago. After so many successful years in Minneapolis, starting my business here in Austin from scratch took a lot of work. I contacted photographers, producers, stylists, agencies, companies, etc. You have to be persistent and have a thick skin. One door closes, another opens.
Great, so let’s get down to business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
During Covid, I began to think about what I loved about my job and what I didn’t. I love having an intimate connection with my clients, getting to know them, and helping them see how beautiful they are inside and out. I didn’t get to do that as much as production became more models/talent on set, less time to connect with them because you have to get them camera-ready so quickly. The hours are killer, too! 5 am call times and shoots could last till 7 p.m. with a quick 10-minute gobble your lunch down. After 20 years, I decided to do only smaller 1/2 day productions and work with individual clients and photographers in studios. This smaller, more intimate environment suits me perfectly, as I like giving my clients time and energy. What sets me apart from others? That’s a great question. There are a lot of great makeup artists here in Austin now. My 20+ years of experience and ability to connect with clients might set me apart. I listen to their needs and wants so I can bring their vision to fruition. I’ve been hired for several jobs because of my beauty makeup looks, including fashion campaigns and social branding, and my natural makeup looks for company headshot days. I use only professional brands in my kit and keep abreast of new products and trends. I’m thrilled that the Austin market is thriving with women-owned businesses. I’m all for that!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I worked under an incredible head makeup artist in Minneapolis until I was seasoned enough to go out alone. I learned about lighting, set etiquette, timing, each crew member’s job, etc. That is invaluable to know as an HMUA. For new Mua’s, the wedding business is huge here ( no weddings for me 😄), and I suggest new makeup artists reach out to bridal makeup artist teams. It’s a great way to learn and to learn quickly. Also, if you plan to do makeup for TV, video, commercials, or print, you should learn how to do hair. Most of the time, producers will book someone who can do both.
Contact Info:
- Website:Â Www.lisagleeson.com
- Instagram:Â Lisagleesonmakeupartist
Image Credits
Caitlin Leys/ Kate Winternitz Jewelry, Pam Hults Photography, VALENTINA MacGregor, Laura Elizabeth Jewelry Shop, Wood and Rose, Dagni Piasecki
