Monday, February 15, 2010

The Artist Series with Margaret Kimura-Heymann


How have you kept your career growing in a challenging economy? Aside from owning my own business/ MKC Beauty Academy which keeps me busy and also consulting as a beauty consultant for many fortune 500 companies.As you can see I have always kept my hands in the cookie jar.. I always keep my eyes on the prize..
I was working with Mel Gibson a few years back and we had to do a MU test and we used the legendary MU Master, Robert Schiffer's Make up office at Paramount studios. I'll never forget what Mr.Schiffer said to me that really resonated even til this day. He said, Margaret do not get pigeon holed in this biz. Keep your horizon's open to different things and never fear to take risks.. In the long run you will not regret it..

What three traits does a great makeup artist need to have?
The three most important traits a great make up artist must have are:
Leadership
Professionalism

Confidence

What makes a good assistant?
In my opinion the best assistants I've had are the ones that are extremely focused and can think for me on the spot when I am not there. Most importantly to get the work done above and beyond. Another important trait is that they need to show extreme effort of hunger and drive. Be there before anyone and wants to stay till the last person leaves the set..

Is there a project you have worked on that you are especially proud of?
I have to say I have been blessed with so many amazing projects I was able to be a part of in my 35 years years of doing Make Up.. But one that I can say is the most memorable and life changing one is when I worked with Audrey Hepburn for a Unicef tour.. We traveled for 3 days together and she was certainly one of my greatest teachers of life.. The best part of it was we all worked on the project for free.. It was amazing!!!
I also can not leave out when I saw my Asian Beauty book in the window of Barnes and Nobel for the very first time.. That was beyond one of my proudest moments.. You have no idea how many people told me that I could never get a book deal.. Thank God I never stop believing in myself...

What are you working on today?

I am the new Creative Director for i nuovi cosmetics. We are in the process of launching it in the US at the Makeup Show. We will also be launching in Europe very soon. Also I am about to release Asian Beauty as an e- book in the coming months.

How did you get started in makeup?
It's a very very long story, but in a nut shell I was 15 years old and I graduated high school. I made a deal with my parents and for some crazy reason they said OK. So off I went to Milan with my Guardian/ friend Douglas Keeve who was at that time a wonderful fashion photographer (who is now the award winning director of Unzipped/Seamless/ and Gramercy Park Hotel to name a few..)
I lived in Milan for 5 years, traveled the globe like crazy, lived 3 years in New York, and then back to LA... and the rest is history....

What is coming next for your line?

Launching it here in the US.. It is a full Professional spectrum color line.

Tell us about your newest product?
It is a full Professional spectrum color line. It is made of the highest quality. Amazing colors as well foundations etc..

Why do makeup artists love your line?
We have a cult following of amazing Pro Artist as well celebrities that loved i nuovi when it was here in the US 10 years ago.. Kevin Aucoin, Pat Magrath, Francesca Tolot, Joanne Gair and Sharon Gault, just to name a few. Also Christina Aguilera and Courtney Cox, Camron Diaz, Sandra Bullock all loved the line too.
They were all were constant users of the line.

What is the biggest mistake a makeup artist can make?

I am also a Life/Success Coach and one of things I teach my students at MKC on this particular issue are very obvious..
Not being on time and not being constant with their professionalism. And do average GREAT!!
What it comes down to is you have to be driven and work your butt off..

How did you know that you wanted to be a makeup artist?
I always knew since I was a little girl.. Both my parents were producers. My Dad was a music producer and my mom produced TV commercials.. I was always surrounded with fashion and beauty.. It was in my blood..

What does "community" mean to you?

You're only as good as the people around you.. A group of people living around you with common values..

Can you tell us about a change you have made in your career?
One of my greatest change I made in my career was when I decided to take some time off the set and open MKC Beauty Academy.. No matter what it takes as a business, in the long run it is all about paying it forward and helping others achieve their dreams..It was one of my best decisions I had ever made in addition to foster/adopting children..
I go to bed every night counting my blessings no matter how much hard work it takes..

Is it important to do both hair and makeup in the industry?

It does not hurt.. Your chances of getting the job is much greater than those who just does one or the other.. Also Airbrushing is another medium that I feel is essential to know.

Margaret Kimura-Heymann will be presenting at The Makeup Show LA on Feb 28th- March 1st. For more information and to sign up for her class, please visit www.themakeupshow.com

No comments: