Ok so I’ve been watching Face Off which is a competition reality show in which Special Effects Makeup Artists compete to win a big cash prize and a year’s supply of makeup. They battle it out each week to do a makeup according to the theme set upon them. The makeup varies from zombie to age makeup to cartoon to body art. Versatility is key. They create a look and showcase their makeups to the judges. There’s a best makeup awarded each week and a worst.. a Makeup Artist is eliminated each week until there is one winner. In sight of all this, this show gives the competing MUA’s a platform to get recognised in the industry which is more important than winning. Coincidentally the winner of the first series Conor McCullagh worked with Ve Neill on the makeup for the Hunger Games films.
Face Off is a US based reality show and me living in the UK, I’d never heard of it until recently. Since I’ve been watching it, I’ve been totally addicted. The talent of these Makeup Artists is phenomenal and they ALL deserve credit for their specialist skills. For the amount of time they have to create a concept and design for a character; sculpt and make the prosthetics; apply and paint; make the props by hand and fashion a costume for their character, is all of three days! THREE DAYS! That’s a lot of work for one artist and I mean a lot.
I have to say, this programme has given me so much inspiration, motivation and insight into working in Special Effects makeup. It’s such a competitive industry to break into and not to mention stressful and long hours. This work ethic is clearly represented in the show and the judges marking so harshly. This show doesn’t lie, it’s so raw and tells it how it is which I love. The technical and creative skill has to be exceptional too.
I chose these three images of some of the best makeups and their artists because to me, this was my personal favourite episode and theme which was to create a character that belonged in a Tim Burton movie. If you haven’t seen it, check it out: Series 2 ‘Burtonesque’. The artists featured in order top - bottom (RJ Haddy, Rayce Bird, Matt Valentine)
It makes me sad that there are so many talented artists out there whether it be in makeup, acting, costume/set designing, writing etc. who work their butts off all through their lives, mostly on poor earnings but they do it because they love it and it’s their passion. I have so much respect those people who don’t give up and make sacrifices to pursue their goals and ambitions. So when you ask me; who are your role models? IT’S THESE GUYS!
Other commercial reality shows for the mass audiences like X-Factor particularly make me angry, because the contestants are a bunch of fame seeking wannabe singers prancing about on stage in skimpy outfits. These people do not represent the talent or passion on any level compared to these Artists.
Thank you for reading,
Charlotte Louise
