Makeup Artist/Photographer: Iwona Krzepilko @makeup.alchemy
Model: Klaudia Lato @latolatoo
Iwona, how did your career begin in the world of beauty?
I started doing makeup on myself. Then I got bored and thought, that I need another "canvas". So I began creating looks on models. First, I tried to do classic looks that extracted the beauty of my models, then I decided to get more creative. And this is when I started loving makeup artistry the most.
Your portfolio is impressive. What is the most exciting or challenging opportunity you had as a make-up artist?
The most exciting for me is experimenting. I love exploring new forms, colour combinations, textures. I love the whole process from inspiration to retouching pictures. I think that the last series "The Daughters Of Midas" was one the most fun to do. I choose three models and wrapped them in gold. Each look was different, but all of them were with the main motive of gold.
How would you describe your signature look and what is it about your style that sets you apart from other make-up artists?
First of all, I love operating with colours and textures. I would describe my style as bold, bright and colourful with various textures. Sometimes I use organic textures like leaves, flowers, or flakes of gold.
I also put an emphasis on the skin. Each makeup I do requires full skin preparation adjusted to the skin type.
What do you like most about being a make-up artist?
The exploration of colour, form, factures. That the "canvas" is a living person who has their own expression, style, character.
What advice can you give to prospective students thinking about an education and career as a make-up artist?
I am still would call myself a beginner, but I think that first, you should master the basics. Colour theory, basics of skin preparation, blending and adjusting makeup to the face shape.
I think that the best advice is to choose the course the makeup artist you admire the most and learn from your master. Some people choose the way of being self-taught, but I think learning from many resources is vital to broadening your skills.
You can improve your skills also by online education, many great makeup artists have online courses that are loaded with knowledge.
What are your tips for maintaining a youthful appearance?
A great dose of moisturiser, thin layers of makeup, softly highlighted skin. A soft hint of blush. The less, the better.
What do you think are some of the keys to being a successful makeup artist?
Patience, a lot of dedication, empathy.
How has beauty industry experience changed your personal and professional life?
Professionally, I still work as a UI/UX designer - mostly I design the appearance and functionality of websites and mobile apps. Makeup artistry is still something that I do after hours.
Doing makeup made me falling in love with beauty photography. I want to control the whole process, so I do everything starting from choosing the model, designing makeup, to taking the photographs and retouch.
I believe that the best is yet to come when it comes to my makeup artist career.
Where can we see more of your works and get connected with you?
Visit my website: makeupalchemy.pl
Follow me on Facebook: facebook.com/makeupalchemypl
And Instagram: instagram.com/makeup.alchemy