Sigi Makeup | Sigrid Shaw Artist

The creation of art, be it on a face, a hair-style, a character voice or any type of visual or auditory art – is usually highly personal to the artist. Our art and work is like our babies, and I take a lot of pride in making people happy with my ‘art babies’. We as artists often consider and go over in our minds feedback from clients – as that feedback has to do with either us personally or the art we have created.

I can recount moments where the communication of Brief A, was in fact Brief C. In that case, the precious moments that lie within the moments getting from Brief A to Brief C, are ultra-important. Clients may not realise that their Brief A is in fact Brief C, and I use the opportunity to guide them, where I can, as my goal is always a happy client.

Let’s talk brief specifics. Natural makeup, for instance. The definition of a natural makeup look varies from person to person, and can also change from one industry or event, to another. I often get shown the Kim Kardashian ‘natural’ look (or used to be shown when Kim K was the rage), and then the client wants you to translate that look onto their faces. Once you have done that look for them, clients sometimes realise that the look is rather too heavy for them. That look would often not suit an older client, or an actress playing in a ‘just woke up’ scene, or a fitness model in a training advertisement.

Actual ‘natural makeup’ for me consists of a very breezy thin foundation application, with concealor added in areas where more coverage is required. Lips are natural and not over-lined, with the lip colour a shade or two brighter than the client’s natural lip colour. Brows are filled and shaped, and then brushed out. They would not be drawn on unless the client has no eyebrows. Blusher and contouring would be moderate, but well-placed in order to lift the cheek bones. Would there be highlighter? Yes, applied with a minimalistic approach to actually highlight areas and not turn clients into sweaty-looking mirror-balls.

The main thing in my communication with clients is to check that what they think they want, is in fact what they want. Another factor is just checking the environmental factors they will encounter, to make sure my makeup stands up to the challenge. That might sound far-fetched, but underwater shoots and show-girl makeup for me, is a somewhat different treatment. I love the challenge of ensuring my clients looks are bang on, and even enjoy the occasional 2am “my makeup is STILL on and perfect” message!

In a scenario where we often work under time constraints, quick and adequate communication is key. We also don’t always speak to all our clients prior to the event, as the bride or organisers often give us a basic brief prior to each booking. If you can, pop the bride or wedding co-ordinator a mini check-list detailing that the style of looks for the bridal party needs to be communicated to the artist prior to each wedding day. Even with these checks and balances, this does not always happen. With our lovely OCD brides though, we often get a lovely cluster of pics to work from. We see and thank you! Even without having reference images, your trained artist will not let you down. This is just a piece about things that help, hinder, and mainly – communication!