With a range of depth in expertise, and over a decade of industry experience, Allison specializes in flawless transformation. Allison brings out each of her subject’s unique features through a variety of clean, sophisticated, glamorous, sexy and classic looks.
Allison believes in and honors the beauty of all her clients which include former NBA player Steve Nash, former Bachelor contestant Marcus Grodd, professional dancer Louis van Amstel, pop singer Lights, and actresses Serinda Swan (Ballers, Inhumans, Graceland) and Emily Bett Rickards (Arrow). Allison’s personality is one that immediately puts her clientele and colleagues at ease while remaining efficient, focused and light in her heart, and even though she is more in demand than ever, she’s adaptable and versatile in any environment.
We had the amazing opportunity to chat with Allison! Check out the interview below.
Hello, Allison! It’s great to speak with you! I always admired the skills of a make-up artist. Many people don’t realize the true artistry of the application. It’s more than applying the right foundation and adding glitter to your eyelids. Could you share with our readers exactly what makeup artistry is?
To me, applying makeup and makeup artistry are two different things. I think simply applying makeup is a sort of regimented, step by step process, where artistry is something that comes together in the artists own unique way with more room to be creative. I like to try and incorporate all of the tricks and techniques that’s I’ve picked up over the years, things I’ve learned and figured out along the way when I’m creating a look. I like to take into consideration and implement texture, shape, symmetry, balance, dimension, and vibe. Sometimes I feel like the look channels through me from a feeling. I’m usually guided by my intuition.
What inspired you to become a makeup artist?
I’ve been fascinated with the art of makeup for as long as I can remember. Growing up in such an iconic era that was focused on the glamour of the early 1990’s had so much to do with how I was influenced. I would spend an hour every day doing my own makeup and I’d practice on everyone I could. I was completely enthralled by the transformation. To me everyone I put makeup on looked like a celebrity; they’d be glowing! I realized I was good at it and I could eventually make a career out of it. I thought it would be the greatest job in the world and I still do. If I can help a woman feel confident, happy and powerful, I have no complaints. I feel blessed to be doing this and I consider it a gift.
How long did it take you to perfect your trade and become a celebrity makeup artist?
I would say after finishing school it took about ten years to get to the point where I would be approached to work with high-profile clients. However, in those ten years, I constantly challenge myself to grow both personally and professionally. Keep in mind that period was unlike today where people are able to see your work instantaneously and a wider audience can be reached through valuable apps such as Instagram. It may take less time to reach this same point today. Everyone’s path is different and opportunities will usually present themselves to you when you are ready for them.
When you work with a client, is it a collaborative project?
It’s usually collaborative to some degree, with some clients more-so than others. Clients will usually select an artist who they feel might be best suited for that particular job. Usually, the rule of thumb is, if you are hired, the client will give some type of creative direction, and it’s up to us as artists to bring that vision to fruition. I think that when you’re hired, you are (hopefully) chosen based upon your artistic style and ideally, they’ll trust you as an expert to execute the look(s) they have initially envisioned, combined and enhanced by your interpretation of the vision. That being said, I think it’s wise to work with a client once or twice before you start offering alternative suggestions to build their trust.
What do you love most about your profession?
I love so many things about this career. I’m always excited to go to work. There’s so much variety, I’m always meeting new people, traveling to new interesting locations and I have my regular clients as well who I always look forward to working with. I love the autonomy of being my own boss and I work very hard but it’s so rewarding and enjoyable that it never feels like work in a sense. It doesn’t ever feel like a chore to me. I love to be able to have flexibility in my schedule as well. I love being busy but it also makes me really appreciate when I find myself with a few consecutive days off. I’m able to fully enjoy and be very intentional about how I spend that time. It’s a really great balance.
Let’s discuss the differences in the application for editorial, commercial, and film.
I personally like somewhat of an editorial vibe in a lot of my makeup, regardless of where the makeup will be seen. For example, no matter what, the makeup should be as clean and perfect as possible and I like to use a very detailed approach, especially with skin. You never want to see the makeup on the skin. Texture is also a big one in terms of variety; I like to mix textures. For example, If the lip is matte, I like the eye and/or the skin to be glossy to some effect, or vice versa. If the skin is quite dewy, it’s nice to have matte lips and perhaps matte or satin finish on the eye. The point is to create contrast and that’s one of the things that can take your makeup to the next level. Editorial makeup also usually has one focal point; it’s a specific look. If it’s a bold lip, it looks really nice with a simple eye. Again, you’re creating contrast and balance that way.
If someone is going to be on camera/film for an interview, you could have a nice balance where all features are enhanced equally, especially if it’s a pretty, overall natural or “natural glam” sort of look. Having said that, I personally like to keep the same principles in mind when doing a “ready to wear” makeup.
Speaking of commercial work, could you name a few of the most exotic locations you traveled to on assignment?
I’ve traveled across my own country but I’d have to say the most exotic places I have been are Sayulita, Mexico, and Samara in Costa Rica. I’m visualizing a few more romantic destinations in my future including the south of France. I have a French background and it’s also one of the most magical places I’ve ever been so I’d love to revisit. Maybe I’ll glam for the Cannes festival one day! I’ll have to add that to my vision board. Makeup, wine, and cheese sound like heaven to me.
What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishment, thus far?
I think my biggest accomplishment was when I made the choice to go and live in a brand new city and break out of my comfort zone. I wanted to branch out and expand my network. I had to build a name for myself in Vancouver and in the midst of being very busy there, I moved to a new city where a lot of people in the industry hadn’t heard of me yet, so I had to make new connections and almost start from scratch. But it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made because it opened up so many new doors for me and presented unforeseen amazing opportunities that wouldn’t have happened had I not made that move. I positioned myself for it. I knew good things would happen, although I didn’t know exactly how. You need to just take the leap and trust the journey. I use that example because in doing that I felt accomplished not only professionally but also personally. You can’t achieve success by playing it safe and in this profession, you have to take risks and live outside of your comfort zone in order to rise to the top.
Are there any projects you would like to add that we haven’t mentioned?
I can’t discuss details, but I can say I’m working with some clients and brands that I’m really excited about and I’ll look forward to sharing that when I get the green light!
Complete this sentence, if I had an opportunity to do anything I want, I would do ___________.
I’d love to be a brand ambassador, travel more to see new parts of the world, and continue working with people who inspire me.
Featured Image Credit: Liz Rosa.
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