Asian Beauty - Behind the Scenes

Last week I got to reunite and work w/ one of my all time fav photographer friend's Todd Anthony Tyler.  Yes, that's right the same Todd Anthony Tyler that first suggested I go out to Shanghai and try my luck their back when I was all fresh and new to the makeup world.  Can you believe it's been almost 4 yrs since I went out there for 6 mths and started this blog!  Wow have things changed!

Well anyway, I've of course seen him a few times in the past few years (pretty much anytime he's been back to Canada to visit his family).  But this marked the first time in 3.5 years that we actually got the chance to work w/ one another again!  When I look back man has my work changed a lot in the past 4 yrs...esp. my hair skills.  I'm like a completely different artist when it comes to that!

This wasn't a fancy or really technical shoot...in fact it was beyond simple...beauty shots that we actually shot on my back patio and roof!  No styling, props, fancy lights...just outdoors, a couple of models and the focus all on their faces!  Hopefully next time we'll get to a full on styled shoot...but this little "mini shoot" will have to hold me over until then ;)

In recent mths Todd has been working on Asia's Next Top Model as a Lead Judge and Resident Photographer...kind of like the Nigel Barker of this incarnation of the show.  As you can imagine this is a pretty big deal b/c it's not just China but for all of Asia and they are doing the show to showcase all the different types of beauty across Asia which are varied and vast.

Anyway, Todd is thinking of putting together a book to showcase all the different types of Asian beauty...which he knows just a thing or two about after living over there all these years!  So while in Toronto he wanted to do a simple beauty shoot w/ a few of Toronto's Asian beauties.

The great thing about the shoot as I mentioned before was that it was a beauty shoot...therefore the makeup was key.  I wanted to keep things on trend, striking and clean...as I often do w/ my style but also timeless so that in a few years ppl wouldn't look at the pics and think "Oh that's so 2012" or whatever.  We were working w/ two models and I always like to think of things in terms of "stories" or "pages" for my book...I've mentioned before to new artists the importance of thinking this way when doing shoots.

I decided I would do the first model Gail w/ a very clean face (I didn't even put eyeliner on her eyes) but a very deep burgundy lip which is very hot right now.  For the second model Pem I kept the lips nude but did a very striking black graphic liner and big false lash.  For both girls I kept the skin really clean and focused more on highlight and contour for the cheeks.  Hair really natural and down.  I should give a special thanks to Spot 6 for sending us two really great, friendly and professional models!

As I mentioned before we shot both girls just outside on my deck...well technically in my bedroom doorway.  Love when I can do a shoot at my apt...makes doing the hair and makeup so easy when it's at my place lol!  It was a really bright and sunny day...and hot too!  For Pem we expanded and actually took her up to my roof which is flat and overlooks the city...really kind of excited to see these ones as I've never had anyone shoot on my roof before.  I got the idea after I noticed that some of my neighbours when up their to watch the Pride Parade this past Summer (I live on Yonge near Wellesley so Pride goes literally right down my street).

So here's some behind the scenes photos taken by Todd's lovely wife Karina...she's def. got some talent herself ;)  Can't wait to see the finished product!

 Me Doing My Thang!...With The Trademark Jessica Intensity Of Course ;)

 

Nice Yaby Macro...Even Though I Didn't Use Any Of These On This Shoot They Still Look So Pretty!

Now It's Todd's Turn To Look Intense...This Is Up On My Roof!

Todd May Start A Shoot Standing...But By The End He's Always On The Ground Lol!

End Of The Shoot!

Todd Anthony Tyler - Asia's Next Top Model

I always LOVE to see my friends and family succeed and this is no different.  My old photographer friend Todd Anthony Tyler - yes, the one that gave me my first big break in the biz and the one that invited me to give Shanghai a try so very very long ago (btw May 14 I'll have been back 3 yrs...where the HELL does the time go) is going to be the resident photographer for Asia's Next Top Model!

This is pretty exciting and I think he is BEYOND a perfect fit for the job!  1. He looks great on camera ;) 2. He use to be a model himself and was for 10 yrs before he became a photographer and I think overall it has really helped and influenced his work b/c unlike most photographers he can really know and understand what it's like to be on the other side of the camera and he can bring that knowledge to the show and really help the girls out. 3. He's just a damn good photographer so why not!

Man it's moments like this where I wish I was still back in Shanghai working sometimes!  He's asked me if I'd ever think about coming back and at various times I'll admit I've given it great consideration but it's just SO HARD now!  When I left my career was in a VERY different place - aka I didn't have one lol!  I was brand new and I learned so much there...now I'm more established and I have clients...not so easy just to up and go again!  Esp. b/c it's China...kinda far...not just like I can go for 2 wks do some shoots and come back lol.  If I'm going to do it it's got to be for at least a couple of mths...but and this isn't a bad thing I keep booking work so therefore WHEN would I go!  Ugghh I never thought I'd say I miss it there...trust me...but after a couple of years you do get nostalgic plus I've grown so much as an artist I'd LOVE the chance to take my skills and experience there now and really rock some great shit out!

Anyway, here's Todd talking about what he's going to bring to Asia's Next Top Model!  Enjoy ;)

He's coming here at the end of the mth...hopefully we'll get a chance to shoot some stuff on this visit b/c I really miss working w/ him!

Shanghai Bride Update

Well I got a nice early Chinese New Year present from my Shanghai bride Amy this morning.  You may remember Amy was a bride I worked w/ back in July I believe.  She is originally from Toronto but has been living in Shanghai w/ her then finance/now husband for the past several years.  I joked originally that the only reason she probably hired me was b/c she saw I use to live in Shanghai lol.

Anyway, she sent me some pictures from her lovely wedding today.  I always love seeing pictures from the wedding b/c I love to see my brides all happy and beautiful and I love to make sure their hair & makeup looks as good as it did when I left them lol...plus the pictures always look so much better then the couple of quick snapshots I try to sneak in before the bride is rushing out the door.  Yeah more pics to update my NEW WEDDING WEBSITE...if you haven't already I highly suggest you check it out lol ;)

It was a VERY hot day on her wedding day.  Like probably the hottest wedding day I worked last Summer so I was happy to see that her makeup and hair held up well throughout the day...even w/ multiple outfit changes.  She wore a traditional red chinese dress for the tea ceremony then a white dress for the wedding ceremony and then back to the red dress again for the reception. 

Amy was also a very natural bride who normally never wore any makeup or did anything w/ her hair so of course I wanted to keep her looking natural and like herself...but just her BEST self.  Sometimes I find artists don't always listen to the bride or fully understand the concept of less is more...no bride wants to hear "Wow I didn't even recognize you?!?" I think I did a good job of accomplishing that while highlighting her features.  I think one of the best things for brides...esp. Asian brides is the addition of either strip false lashes or individual false lashes.  Even if she is a super natural bride that doesn't want to wear a lot of makeup the lashes really bring emphasis and definition to the eyes while still  keep them natural.  With the proper false lash and good application technique no one will even be able to tell the bride is wearing them.  In fact you don't know how many times I've worn Drag Queen style lashes and just b/c I have them blended in well ppl will actually ask if they are my natural lashes lol!

Photos are Courtesy of  Kiss The Moment



Reflections of the Past Year - Goals for the New Year!

So as this year comes to a close I can't help but think what a different place I'm in from this time last year.  I head into this new year feeling happy and optimistic about what the future might hold.  Yes, of course it will continue to be an uphill climb but I feel I'm up for the challenge!  I haven't felt this energized and happy in a long time!

What a change from last year!  This time last year I felt aimless and like I wasn't achieving all I could and I was sort of just drifting along.  I was depressed.  I was in an unhappy relationship which in turn was making me unhappy and stressed.  I wasn't being true to myself and going after the things I wanted.  I felt like I was sort of spiraling downwards and I didn't really know how to stop it. 

I think one of the most positive changes that came from last year was getting out of the unhappy relationship I was in.  This is not to say this person was/is a bad person we were just bad together...in fact I wish them nothing but the best and I really hope they find happiness in the future. 

During the relationship I sort of felt paralyzed like I was falling deeper and deeper into a black hole and I didn't know how to get out.  I was scared shitless when it first ended b/c I had to find a new place and I was pretty broke at the time and literally had almost no belongings (b/c I gave them away before I moved to Shanghai) but you know what I'm a survivor and like many other times in my life I picked up the pieces and moved on and I know I'm DEFINITELY stronger for it and it was DEFINITELY the best thing for me...in fact I wish I would of had the balls to do it sooner!

After I moved out I started to feel like myself again.  I would find myself smiling as I walked down the street w/ a renewed sense of self...something I hadn't felt for awhile.  And you know what...w/out getting too bullshit, sappy, mystical, the secret on you -  it's true what they say - you throw positive energy out into the universe and it will come back to you!

Moving out also gave me a sense of urgency about my career.  I knew I had been wasting way too much time and not focusing on the things I should have been focusing on b/c I was just too unhappy and hopeless feeling.  I started to tackle the things on my New Years Resolution list from last year.  And you know what I looked back on it and I actually did a pretty good job!  I did do more editorial shoots, I built my bridal website, did my bridal photoshoots and REALLY worked on my hair skills!

I think the biggest accomplishment for me this year has been seeing just how quickly my bridal business has grown.  I really wasn't expecting it to be so successful...esp. since I didn't get my wedding website up until May!  I've also worked w/ a lot of other great artists on weddings and really built a great network of artists to call on if I need help or they can ask me if they need help on a job.  It's important to remember that every artist has their own style and we shouldn't treat each other as enemies or the competition but instead learn from each other and lean on each other b/c there is way too much bullshit, stress and fake ppl in this biz to be making unnecessary enemies. 

Another HUGE accomplishment of mine this year has been supporting myself through makeup artistry w/out having a side job.  Of course some mths are tight...very tight but it's nice to know that I'm on the right track and I really feel that I will only go up from here!

I've also gotten the opportunity to go on a couple of really awesome trips this year!  It's not career related but traveling is an important personal goal I have so I'm really proud and excited that I got the opportunity to go to Hawaii, London, England and Paris!

Late in the year I feel I've finally also started to get somewhere w/ another BIG personal goal for myself - my weight!  Anyone who has followed this blog from the beginning knows my weight is a HUGE struggle for me.  If you read my blog while I was in Shanghai you  know I lost a SHIT LOAD of weight and I felt SO GOOD and PROUD of myself.  Unfortunately, when I came back to Toronto I put a lot of it back on.  Sort of a cycle thing - I ate b/c I was unhappy and I was unhappy b/c I ate and was putting on weight.  I've been going up and down a bit this year but after I came back from Europe I decided to get serious about it again!  I've been really good at working out this entire year which is great but I really needed to look at my food choices.  After seeing how puffy I looked in my Europe pictures I knew something had to change.  I've lost about 12 pds since then (although a couple have come back on b/c of the holidays...hey I'm only human lol) and I plan to keep on going and hopefully lose another 10-15 lbs.  My goal is to fit back into my Shanghai skinny jeans!

So after reflecting on last year let's look to the future and goals I have for myself in this upcoming  year!

1. Keep working out, eating healthy and losing weight - Fit into those God Damn Shanghai Skinny Jeans!

2. Grow my bridal business even more - ideally I would like to DOUBLE last year!  Also redesign my bridal website...not happy w/ the first one I did.

3. Make more money...and not just from bridal work but also do a lot more paid commercial or on set work

4. Get an agent - I had one, we didn't click but I think I'm ready to get one again and I think it's the only way I'll be able to get to the next level for paid commercial work

5. Continue to network w/ great artists, photographers and stylists in the industry and really make an effort to work w/ more ppl and new ppl on different projects

6. Continue to work on my Hair Skills and get EVEN better...also work on my airbrushing...started last yr but there is always room for improvement

7. Start aggressively paying off some of the debt I've accumulated from school, Shanghai and building my business...also start investing and saving for my future.

8. Repeat from last year but I think I can do EVEN more this year - Update My Blog More!

Well that's all I can think of off the top my head at the moment but I think it's a pretty good list to start with!  Hope everyone has a wonderful New Year and you're feeling as Motivated, Driven and Excited about the Future as I am!

"I'm Kind Of A Big Deal"...

So today I got an email from a reader asking me I knew I had been named 1 of the top 50 Makeup & Cosmetic Blogs (#30 to be exact) on a certain site b/c I had never mentioned it on this blog.  I, in fact did not know this little tidbit of information but I must say I think it's pretty darn cool and I'm flattered b/c there are some really amazing blogs on the list that I, myself read and love!  So to be included in such an awesome list is pretty cool! 

I also think it's pretty amazing b/c I don't happen to have any giveaways or anything like that on this blog which I know is one of the things that makes a lot of makeup blogs really popular.  On a side note:  If anyone wants to send me stuff to giveaway or test I'd be more then willing to do so b/c I think contests are pretty darn cool too ;)

I'm still surprised sometimes that I even have readers to be honest lol.  I started this blog almost two yrs ago now (wow time flies) and basically it was originally just a way to be able to keep all my friends and family up-to-date on my life in Shanghai w/out sending out a million emails and from there it sort of transformed and evolved into what it is now...and hopefully it will keep evolving and keep getting more exciting and informative as I get bigger and better jobs :)!

My Fav Part was when they said "The most unique posts are the ones that offer personal ponderings and advice for new and aspiring makeup artists - mostly because Jessica's writing style is incredibly transparent and accessible".

I'm assuming when they call my writing style transparent and accessible they basically mean I keep it simple, say it like it is and don't hold back b/c for those of you that don't know me in "real life" that's pretty much how I am and that's how I like to write my blog too.  Definitely, not afraid to speak my mind and give my opinion on what I believe...I mean there's already enough fake bullshit in this industry why add to it lol!

So Thank You again to all my loyal readers...many more updates to come I promise!

Shanghai Bride

I got the pleasure to work w/ another wonderful bride on Saturday.  It was actually kind of funny b/c she's originally from Canada but lives in Shanghai now so I joke the only reason she hired me was b/c she saw that I lived and worked in Shanghai as well lol. 

Amy and I only met a couple of wks ago for a trial b/c of course she was in Shanghai until very recently.  That meant that we had many many emails between each other just going over details and concepts and just making sure we were both on the same page w/ things. 

That's one thing a lot of ppl including new MUAs don't think about - when you make your rate it's not just about what you do on the wedding day.  You also have to make your rate w/ the consideration that it covers all the time you spend corresponding w/ the bride before the trial and even after the trial...if you send 10 emails to a bride and each one takes approx. 5-6 mins to write that's another hr.  Plus of course there is the travel time, kit packing time, brush washing time...it all adds up and needs to be added to your rate!

Amy looked gorgeous for her wedding...beautiful skin, gorgeous hair...can't wait to see the pics!  I also want to give a special shout out to my partner in wedding crime - Ashley Readings.  She assisted me w/ Amy's wedding and totally rocked the hair for Amy's sisters, mother and maid of honour...as well we added a couple of extra family members last minute (hey if I have time who am I to turn away more money ;) ). 

I think the funniest part of the day was doing the Makeup & Hair for Amy's Maid of Honour - Karen.  What a riot!  Karen was actually at the trial and I think her words after the makeup trial were "Well you don't look awful"...that's actually a big compliment coming from her lol...I didn't even take offense, if you met her you'd understand!  I think this might have been the first time Karen EVER wore makeup!   So of course I kept it really light and natural...I just wish she would have let me shape her brows lol!  Karen is a natural beauty - great skin, full lips, great bone structure.  I thought it was super nice that she was willing to play dress up for her friend Amy on her big day b/c you could tell it was SOOOO NOT her thing lol!  What a friend!

The first part of the wedding was a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony hence the red Chinese dress.  It started w/ these fun games where the groom has to do all these things to try to "win" the bride.  He was singing songs, drawing pictures of her...all sorts of things.  The traditional Western ceremony was later that day...wish I could have seen her in her white dress.  I'm sure she looked gorgeous!

1 Year

Believe it or not it's been a yr since I left Shanghai and came back to Toronto. Well technically, Friday was exactly a yr but I didn't have time to post that day. Sometimes in life you have moments of time where you just go - WTF and this year has definitely been one of those for me. I just don't know where the last year even went to be honest...a couple of mths yes but a whole year! Some moments it feels like my life in Shanghai was a million years ago and then others it feels like it was just last wk.

I'll be real I'm not completely happy w/ the progress I've made in a lot of things...including my career which is partially why I just keep going IT'S BEEN A YEAR!?! I hate when I feel like time has been wasted and I definitely feel there was some wasted time this year and I didn't do everything I could to push myself forward the way I want.

But you know what...I really feel I've turned a lot of things around these past couple of mths and I am making a strong effort to get where I want. I feel more at ease w/ things and how they are progressing and I actually feel I'm headed in the right direction now.

When I first came back it felt like it took forever to get the ball rolling on shoots w/ photographers and the planning was taking mths. But now I have two stories coming out in a mth or so and I have two other stories I'm waiting to be edited that I can't wait to share w/ you. My wedding website is finally up and running and I'm getting a good response from it already. My hair skills have really improved these past few mths and I'm really getting a lot more confident w/ it.

So if I learned one thing this past year it's that I need to stop looking to the past and dwelling on mistakes or missed opportunities. This year my goal is to look forward and to take and make all the opportunities I can.

Magazine Submissions

So a lot of newer MUAs wonder how does one get their work into those elusive magazine. Anyone who wants to work in Fashion know that tear sheets (magazine editorials for those not in the biz) are an important part to any makeup artists' portfolio. It shows that you are actively working in the Fashion Industry, you work w/ good teams and it helps when you want to approach agencies for representation. The problem is how does one get themselves into these cool mags? It often feels like a catch 22 situation - you need the magazine credits to get established but you have to be established to get on the teams that are submitting to the magazines.

I'll be honest I really lucked into my first editorials. Anyone who has read my blog from the start knows that my very good friend and photographer Todd Anthony Tyler took a huge chance on me. He was visiting his family outside Toronto (he lives in Shanghai) and he was planning on shooting a few editorials while in Canada. He put an ad out on Craigslist of all things looking for a makeup artist and I was 6 mths out of school and I responded. We totally clicked and shot 2 editorials together while he was visiting which led to me going to Shanghai to live/work and the rest is history. That of course is not how it usually ends up working for most MUAs.

I'm not going to lie it usually takes a long time like 1 to 2 yrs before an MUA can get some tear sheets for their book. That means a lot of testing w/ photographers, building your portfolio till it's good enough to work w/ better photographers, testing w/ those photographers and hopefully after it's all said and done you'll get the chance to work w/ a great team that can get something published.

The positive thing is that there are a lot more opportunities to get things published nowadays. W/ all the online magazines popping up all the time there are a lot of great opportunities for newer photographers, MUAs, stylists to get their name out there. The problem is sifting through all the crap to find places that are actually worth submitting to. Not all tears are created equal! IF you want to do Fashion and you see an ad for a photographer looking for a free makeup artist for a submission shoot and the theme is Glamour or Alternative then that shoot even if it is published might be kind of useless to you b/c guess what...it can't really go in your FASHION portfolio...remember that when accepting submission shoots. I would only do Glamour or Alternative editorials if they were paid b/c otherwise they are of no use to me...remember how I mentioned before to only accept TF* shoots that will help your book...the same kind of holds true for this too.

Also a lot of times nowadays newbie/amateur photographers throw out the statement doing a shoot for submission in hopes that they can attract some good talent to the shoot. It takes a whole team to create a beautiful shoot and the shoot is only as good as your weakest link. Just b/c a photographer says they are going to submit the shoot doesn't mean it's going to be picked up by anyone so be aware of that before you possibly waste your day. Make sure you know the facts before you agree to shoot just like you would for any creative you were planning on getting involved with.

Do you like the photographers work and does it compare to things you see in magazines? If you don't like his/her work or it's not good it probably won't get picked up no matter how well you do the makeup/hair that day. If it's a fashion shoot is there a stylist involved and what kind of connections do they have to good brands? I can't stress this enough no matter how great your makeup looks and how great the photography looks if it's styled using only H&M clothes it has a very small chance of getting picked up. A good stylist w/ good clothing connections is an invaluable asset to any shoot...I've been on several shoots where the styling either made or blew the shoot. I give all the props in the world to the stylists out there b/c their job is hard and good stylists are GOLD! Also remember the model needs to be an agency model or at the very least agency standard so make sure the photographer you're working w/ works w/ agency models. Btw the photographer is the one responsible for submitting the story. We can suggest magazines for them to submit to but they hold the rights to the pics so it's up to them to do the submitting.

So now let's pretend that you have all those elements together you have to remember that Fashion editorials are shot usually several mths in advance. Therefore you have to make sure the shoot is for the appropriate season. Don't shoot a Summer story in May...all the Summer submission deadlines have already passed. You should be shooting Fall at that point. If you're working w/ a good photographer they should know this but still it sometimes needs reminding b/c sometimes photographers can get very busy w/ things and retouching can get put on the back burner and then unfortunately if you aren't shooting it far enough in advance the due date for submissions will pass and the story will have a hard time finding a home :( (I've had this happen on a few occasions and it's always sad esp. when the shoot is good but just too late).

Also a very important thing for newbie MUAs to remember - Editorial pays little to nil! You will not get rich doing editorial work! The money is in commercial work! You know those ads you see on the subway, magazines, tv...that's where the real money comes from! But editorials let us get our creative juices flowing and they help build our books so that we can get those lucrative commercial contracts :)

I should also mention there are different ways to get your work in magazines. You can do a shoot w/ a team and the photographer can submit it to various magazines hoping that one will pick it up...usually you will do this type of shoot for free. Or you may be part of a team that has been commissioned to do an editorial for a magazine. When you're starting out you'll probably have more luck w/ the submission then the commission side of things. Truthfully, most of my commissioned (paid) work for magazines came from when I was living in Shanghai. I think to date I've only been paid once by a North American magazine...but I'm still pretty new to the game ;) But that being said doing those so called "free" editorials can lead to a lot of PAID work b/c they really help build your portfolio...so like I've said before you aren't really working for free then!

A way that I make editorials a little more lucrative for myself is I make sure to credit cosmetic companies whenever possible. If it's a Beauty story it's easy b/c the story will require you to give a full credit list for each look and you can later show that editorial to cosmetic companies who will hopefully give you gratis (free product) for the credit mention. I also frequently mention cosmetic companies I use in Fashion editorials ie. Makeup & Hair Jessica Jean Myers using Yaby Cosmetics (I use a lot of Yaby Cosmetics lol). So if the editorial is strong and in a decent publication you can get some gratis from generous makeup companies which helps replenish your kit therefore saving you money...so technically it's like getting paid for an editorial ;)

Hope that answers some questions about magazine submissions :) For fun I've included a few images from MY first published editorial...man I've come a long way in 2.5 yrs! Good thing there were a lot of hats b/c my hair skills have DEFINITELY improved an insane amount lol! I won't even go into how long it actually took me to do a clean red lip b/c my hands were shaking lol. That being said I still think it's a pretty cool shoot..the location was amazing! This was shot Oct 07 I think.

Photographer Todd Anthony Tyler
Model Victoria (Elmer Olsen)
Makeup & Hair Jessica Jean Myers

IMATS Toronto

So this weekend is IMATS Toronto. For those that don't know IMATS stands for International Makeup Artist Trade Show. Very excited! This is the one time of year that I really try to stock up on all the kit necessities that I need, plus some fun extras I've been drooling over b/c of the amazing deals offered. At first I was a bit worried about the vendors list but it's really come together now and I'm really excited to check things out and spend WAY too much money as per usual lol. Plus there's also tons of cool workshops and seminars for ppl to check out.

I won't have much time for the workshops or seminars b/c I'll be helping out Liz Yu at the Yaby booth this year w/ fellow blogger/MUA/friend Ashley Readings. So make sure if you're coming to the show to say hi b/c I love meeting others in the industry...esp. those who might actually be reading my blog lol.

It's so weird b/c last yr IMATS happened less than a wk before I left for Shanghai so it was pretty crazy and surreal for me for a number of reasons lol. It has officially been just over a year since I moved to Shanghai and then came back to Toronto. Crazy how much can happen in a year and how much things can change!