Artist Spotlight: Shawnna Downing Makeup Artist for T&M Blog

Introduce yourself.

Hi guys my name is Shawnna Downing, a freelance makeup artist originally from Stellarton, Nova Scotia. I started my career in Vancouver, BC though have been based out of Toronto, Ontario for the last 2 years.

How did you start in the makeup industry? Did you have an artistic background growing up? Did you always want to become an artist, or was it by chance that you found out you were talented in the arts?

Life has this magical way of leading you along and taking you exactly where you need to be. In all honesty I had no idea what I wanted to do when I was younger, and didn’t necessarily have a typical ‘artistic’ background. I ended up taking the most perfect round-about-way of getting to where I am today. My “start” could be an incredibly long answer though the tipping point came shortly after a good friend of mine was convinced makeup is where I needed to be. Funny how the people around you have such an amazingly different perspective of you than you do of yourself. The tipping point itself came from a conversation with Mary, one of the many beautiful people at Blanche MacDonald. That conversation not only inspired thought, but the action that would change everything.

Did you have any formal makeup training?

I attended Blanche MacDonald in Vancouver, BC

If we took a peek in your makeup kit what would we see?

My kit is full of a variety of products though it’s definitely Make Up For Ever, NARS & FACE atelier heavy with as many lashes as humanly possible!

What sets you apart from other makeup artists? Why would I want you to give me a makeover?

I absolutely love life, people & my job, and I hope that comes across vividly in person. Throw in some strong skin, some great brow skills and if you were to have me I think we’d have a blast!

What is your advice to aspiring makeup artists?

If you’re an aspiring artist: believe in yourself. Don’t pay attention to any sort of insecurities. Abandon impatience, forget the how and surrender the outcome. Our job is to learn and grow while continually showing up even if nothing appears to be happening.

How do you keep up with all the new trends and styles? How do you incorporate them into your makeup repertoire?

I find by being myself while remaining open, ideas come organically, evolve and tend to be fitting for what’s happening or coming next.

What part of the art do you find the most rewarding, interesting and enjoyable?

The art itself is the most exciting and rewarding. I grow so much from trying and showing up. The absolute best part about what I do is the amazing human beings I have the pleasure of meeting and working with, all of whom inspire the art itself.

What is the most exciting or challenging opportunity you have had as an artist?

Every day can be the most exciting and perhaps can be the most challenging. You don’t know what’s coming next and you have this wonderful opportunity to collaborate with so many talented artists.

What do you enjoy outside of Makeup?

I’ve always enjoyed talking to strangers. People change my life and help me grow in so many ways. Most often you can find me wandering around the city, at a park amongst the trees or simply being still, writing my thoughts.

The Makeup world is huge, If any are there any artists in the industry past or present that you look up to?

Of course there are artists in the industry that I’ve been inspired by, such as Kevyn Aucoin, Alex Box, Jon Hennessey & Dany Sanz… But there are so many different styles that simply seeing what everybody is creating is inspiring; and I think that’s the goal – to inspire the artists around you so together we can see where this journey takes us.

Website: www.shawnnadowningmakeup.com

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/ShawnnaDowning

Instagram: @shawnnadowning

Twitter: @shawnnadowning

– See original at: http://www.tandmmag.com/artist-spotlight-shawnna-downing-makeup-artist/