My friends and I are fairly new to the makeup scene. Besides who couldn't use a little guidence when putting on makeup. I know I need it. I love how makeup looks on other people but am afraid to put on too much because I think I will look like a clown. I will take the time each month to spotlight a particular makeup artist in the Columbus area for advice and recommendations. Let me introduce my first MUA.
AMANDA BONNER (MUA on right)
I met this fab girl in one of my classes at Franklin University and we immediately hit it off. Makeup is not the only thing that Amanda knows. She knows fashion as well. Her style is fresh and trendy. To know her is to love her. Let's take a moment to get to know Amanda.
How long have you been a MUA?
I have always been in love with make up since I was a young girl. It has been the last two years that I have started actually working with models and photographers. I really discovered how much I loved doing make up for others when I worked at Origins at Easton Town Center and I was actually able to do make up as part of my day to day job. From then on I was hooked!
What is going to be the hot colors for the spring/summer?
Well Gucci started a trend for spring and summer this year of bringing back Barbie. The colors are bright and exciting. Plenty of teals and bright blues matched with a perfectly pink lip are stunning. The more courage you have the bolder you can wear your eye make up. Along with the beautiful bright colors platinum blonde hair is back and in demand. But of course not everyone is prepared to take on the bright colors so playing with pastel versions of these work as well, they just help perk up the face after a long winter of little sunlight.
What do you see yourself doing in the next five years?
Hmmm that is a good question. I suppose it is contingent on whether or not I am still in Ohio. Ideally I would love to either be doing make up full time for different photoshoots, and if I cannot do it full time I would like to be doing it on the side. Hopefully in 5 years I will have found some way to make my mark on the fashion industry whether it be as a make up artist, PR/marketing agent, or wardrobe stylist...any of those will make me happy!!
What inspires you?
I am mostly inspired by music and history. I can't tell you how many times I will be driving down the road and I hear a song on the radio and I can visualize a photoshoot with that song playing in the back ground and what the vibe would be like. My best and most creative work comes out when there is music playing in the back ground. I suppose it is because I have loved music since I was a young girl and used to dream of being a professional singer. Another inspiration to me is history...the history of fashion to be exact. The change in trend is amazing from era to era...and the fact that trends always cycle around again is amazing. It is amazing to see what was in style in the early 1800's still holds true today. I suppose when they say "history always repeats itself" they may truly have been talking about fashion trends!
What would your dream job be?
Wow my dream job, would be to have my own clothing line. However I cannot sew, and for some odd reason do not have the patience to learn it...so I live to style people now. I love the feeling that I get now when my friends and loved ones have so much trust in me they send pictures of items of clothing before they buy them to ask my opinion. Or sometimes I am out helping my friends shop and strangers will ask my opinion. There is nothing better than giving someone a piece of clothing they would never in a million years have tried on, but they look amazing and squeal with excitement.
I get that same feeling when I do make up. My make up stylings can range anywhere from soft and subtle to wild and crazy. But there is nothing in this world that feels better than when you make someone who doesn't feel they are beautiful fell like a million dollars. Recently I did a fashion show for Nellie's Catwalk for Kids which raises money for children with cancer. I was able to work with some of these children who are such fighters and it was the best feeling in the world. If I could do things like that every day of my life, and meet such amazing people every day...that would truly be a dream job.
What advice would you give to a makeup artist that is just getting started in the business?
I would tell them don't be afraid to be crazy. Experiment with color, shape, and techniques. If it doesn's look good that is what they make make-up remover for. Sometimes in my own everyday make up adventures some of my biggest mishaps turn out to be my best creations. I used to watch The Joy of Painting with Bob Ross all the time when I was younger and when he would mess up he would turn it into a tree or cloud and call it a "happy little accident". I fully believe that make up is the same way, if you are too afraid to mess up or look silly you will never break out of the mold that the other 99% of the population keeps their make up in. The first time I wore lime green and teal eye shadow together at work I was expecting to get strange looks...but everyone loved it! So be daring and bold...but most importantly stay true to your instincts!
Photos from her recent event the NK4C Prom Expo at the Hilton at Easton:
To get in touch with Amanda please conatct her at MissFabulousAKB@gmail.com or feel free to add her on facebook.
