Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela M. Silva.
Hi Angela, 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?
I was born into a family of creatives spanning from music to art. My journey in the beauty industry started years before I actually decided to make a career out of it. Back in 2004, I would experiment with eye makeup, bright colors, muted colors, lipsticks, pigments, etc.
My professional journey started In 2008 when I attended MUD-LA (Make-Up Designory Academy Los Angeles) where I was trained in advanced makeup artistry for TV & film, special effects, theater, fashion and editorial.
After graduating, I moved back home to The Bay, where I became a freelance artist for MAC Cosmetics and decided to start my own freelance company.
This opened up opportunities for everything from fashion & editorial shoots to music videos, weddings, short films and even popular haunted houses such as Gyro’s 4D Fright Fest and the Halloween favorite, Pirates of Emerson.
In 2014 I moved on to educate aspiring Makeup Artists with expertise in color theory and the fundamentals of Makeup Design at BLUSH School of Makeup in San Francisco.
Shortly after, I relocated to Austin and then broke into the industry of permanent cosmetics via microblading as my way to adapt my skills and progress in spite of Covid. Eventually, it was time for me to update my techniques with ombré powder brows and re-brand my company.
I worked with my brother (kreativekine.com), who lives for branding — we worked relentlessly on what was going to represent me best after almost 15 years in the industry.
After many hours of brainstorming, iLLCHEMiST ARTiSTRY was born. ILLCHEMIST stems from my long-time nickname, iLLY (which I received for my deep love of old-school hip hop), and then merged with ALCHEMIST, which by definition is a person who transforms or creates something through a seemingly magical process.
I believe that what I do is both transformative and magical. Not only for the clients I work with but for me as well.
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?
Any freelance artist will agree that it never runs as smoothly as we all wish it could. Running your own ship takes a real investment, both time and financially. Self-promotion is extremely time-consuming and I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to give up.
When I first moved to Austin in 2019, I was ready to conquer it all and make a name for myself in a new home. Then the dreaded pandemic hit and the world just stopped. I had no source of income at that point and was forced to get a full-time job to support myself. Once things started to calm down with the pandemic, I had to slowly start re-investing in my business and building clientele. I have been slowly gaining my reputation as an established artist in the Austin Area.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work in makeup includes weddings/special events, TV & Film, Theater, Runway, Fashion & Editorial. As well as education. My work in the permanent makeup industry includes a tattoo technique called ombré powder brows, which is a very soft filled-in makeup look with a gradient effect.
I am mostly proud of my perseverance as a freelance artist. As I mentioned before, it’s definitely difficult and requires a lot of time, attention and money. I am also proud of the constant progress I make every day, and what sets me apart from others, especially in the age of online influencers, is that I’m true to my craft, not just the money that could be made from it. Artistry is not a one size fits all. Every person I have the pleasure of working on is an individual, with their own styles and quirks. It’s my job to just enhance those things and bring out the best version of them.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Just a thank you to the beautiful people of Austin for embracing me. I can’t wait to continue to rise to success and create memories in this beautiful city!
Pricing:
- Special event makeup – $150 + (includes travel to you)
- Makeup Lessons – $185 for 90 minutes (also have group rates by request)
- Virgin Ombré Brows – $275
- Corrections/Cover up Brows – $375 (may require multiple sessions)
- Ombré Brow touch-ups – $125
Contact Info:
- Website: http://illchemistartistry.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illchemistartistry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iLLchemistArtistry/
Image Credits
Photographers: Brooke Auchincloss, Albert Wong Models: Sharon, Kurtis Dam-Mikkelsen, Luisa A., Pamela Marie, Marcy D., Selena
