Advertisement

Education Lifestyle

Sarah Kennedy, makeup artist, Fiction Effects Inc

I work primarily in film and television. Every day is different. You never know what you’re getting thrown into when you show up on set. Sometimes I’ll be processing background actors and need to make them look natural – and not stand out – and sometimes I’m turning stunt actors into menacing vampires by splattering them with paint, dirt and fake blood and applying prosthetics.

In 2014, a colleague and I started a boutique makeup agency in Toronto. Fiction Effects Inc. specializes in exciting and unique characters for film. 

After high school, I wasn’t sure what avenue I wanted to explore in the makeup world because there were so many possibilities, from beauty to special effects and prosthetics

I was already working in retail in the beauty departments at Shopper’s Drug Mart and Victoria’s Secret, and I’ve always had a knack for creative things. It was tough to pick one career path. At different points I wanted to be a chef or an actor, but I never fit into either of those worlds. 

In high school, I helped out with makeup for the annual Zombie Fest and had a lot of fun. Learning the special effects and how to apply the makeup and seeing the transformations inspired me to pursue this as a career.

I studied makeup and esthetics at George Brown College continuing education division, completing a comprehensive makeup artist certificate, which involves special effects. 

The program taught me all the skills I needed for the real world, from the basics of beauty makeup to added kit effects. Many courses provide you with the basic makeup you need, and from there you slowly start adding the personal things you need to have. At the last minute someone might decide we need a wound on this person and you have to think fast and make it happen. 

I have a permit with IATSE 873, and that’s where I get most of my work. I’m on call. I’m not a member of the union so I’m not a priority on the list, but when they’re extra busy they’ll call me. I bring my own kit to the set. 

Airbrushing gave me the upper hand because not everyone in the biz can do that. It’s for high-definition television and photography and makes the skin totally flawless because you use a special liquid makeup. Because of changes in technology, that skill is especially useful and relevant now. 

To work on a film or TV set, you have to be easy to talk to – as a makeup artist you’re right up in people’s faces. You have to be calm and cool and make people feel good. You’re almost like a therapist because some actors like to talk. The difference between makeup artists for film versus any other type of makeup avenue is it’s more laid-back. If you work in retail, you have to sell products.

One of my first ever jobs was for a show called Lucky 7. For one scene we had to cover up all the tattoos of actors playing Chippendale dancers. One actor had a tattoo of a spine on his actual spine that ran from his neck to his butt crack. It took so long to conceal, but finally we got it all done and then got to sit back the rest of the day and watch Chippendale dancers. 

Sometimes you do your best as an artist, but it’s just not what the client had in mind. Art is very subjective – you can’t possibly satisfy everyone. My teachers at George Brown taught me to problem-solve in a calm, assertive way and, despite clashing opinions, sometimes you need to compromise on a result that everyone is happy with. 

After graduation, I had the skills I needed to apply for a permit with the union, so I got it right away. I had to wait a long time before I got a call, but after that work started coming steadily. 

The best experience as a makeup artist happens when I finish a look and the person is blown away. Whether it’s a bride I’m helping to look and feel beautiful or an actor I’m splattering with dirt and fake blood, when they’re beautified or zombified and smiling, I feel good.

Where to study: Continuing Education

Advertisement

Exclusive content and events straight to your inbox

Subscribe to our Newsletter

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

By signing up, I agree to receive emails from Now Toronto and to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.