The Makeup Show Dallas Interviews Terri Tomlinson- I was recently interviewed by the folks at The Makeup Show about how I came to this place of business owner/makeup artist/and educator. It was a wonderful experience, I especially like the concept of teaching my students how to navigate a map instead of handing them a map. I just love that visual. I do not like to hand my students a map of face shapes and contour spots and say “this is how it is done”. I would rather teach them how to study a face, how to contour, correct, highlight, shape, smooth….and let them go create their own map. And of course I had to mention my Frank. He inspired me all of the time.
(taken from interview with The Makeup Show)..
Where do you reside? I reside in north Dallas and have lived here for 20 years. My new studio space is in Addison which is a tiny little “Soho” tucked in-between Plano and Dallas! As the owner of Makeup Training Academy, what made you choose the beauty industry? I started the Makeup Training Academy in 2010 as I saw a need for professional training in Dallas. There was really nothing like what I experienced when training in L.A. The recession had really put a dent into the production work I was doing and I wanted to create something that I could build on my own. I teach 5-6 classes a year and am a working makeup artist the rest of the time. It is a great mix. I did rent out a photo studio just when I was teaching, but in June opened up my own studio!
Are you a makeup artist? If so, what is your signature look? I am a makeup artist and have been working for over 25 years. I started in retail but have worked the last 16 in production, primarily print and video/Television. My signature look I would say is pretty and natural. I get hired for beauty, clean makeup and “real people” the most. I love perfect skin and work hard to achieve that. Is it a challenge to run a beauty business in your area? I think the challenge of running the academy is showing the value of professional training. So many people think that makeup artistry is something you can learn in an afternoon, I have been working as a makeup artist since 1989 and I am still learning. It is a craft and a profession, and some people treat it like a hobby but want to work on the cover of Vogue. It takes dedication. As far as having the studio, I opened in June and it is such a unique concept. I have training and makeup services and product. The challenge there is to show women that working with a professional is different than getting a make-over.
What are your top 5 best sellers & what are your personal top 5 must haves? My 5 best sellers are: 1. HD Liquid Makeup (amazing and wears all day long. It reminds me of Make Up For Ever Lift and HD combined but has a longer wear) 2. Blue Mascara 3. Pink Champagne Pearl Eyeshadow 4. My Silk Brushes (great for buffing) 5. HD Powder (it does not flash!)!!! *all products are manufactured by Maqpro Paris under Terri Tomlinson. Describe your clientele? My retail clientele are typically women in their late 30’s and up who are wanting to learn more about getting their makeup on. They want their makeup to do more for them. My students range from 18-68 and are primarily women. Most of the production work I do is commercial. Within your city, please describe what you consider the signature look to be? I think the signature look in Dallas right now is long lash extensions and a nude mouth. I have to say it is not my favorite. I like lashes to sweep out rather than up which creates a stronger line, and prefer a glossy mouth and rosy cheek.
Have you ever attended The Makeup Show? If so, what is your favorite aspect of the show? I have not attended The Makeup Show. I was going to go to the show in Chicago this year until I saw that you all were coming to Dallas! I’m so excited and am looking forward to being there as an attendee and really taking it all in. It is certainly a way to see product in person, but also to see makeup artists that I admire and the community of makeup artists here in Dallas.
What inspires you? Honestly, it isn’t really sexy but I am inspired by texture and light. I love to study the way light plays off of a surface and how that creates shape and movement. For example, people assume my dog is black but when the sun hits his fur it bounces off pink, red, brown, gray, and even blue. Or maybe that is just his aura….I love animals! As a business owner, what piece of advice would you pass on to future entrepreneurs? I think that it is very important to follow your dreams; however you have to educate yourself and be realistic. If you want to open a brick and mortar business then you need to understand financials, regulation, how to scale, marketing… Do your research, take good classes and be patient. Many ideas will morph and change as you grow and might not look the same in the real world. And try to never operate out of lack or desperation. These are not creative emotions. You cannot receive from the universe if your hand is closed in a tight fist.
What is your curriculum for the academy? My curriculum is very hands-on and personalized. My class average is 6 students and so it is really more of a mentoring/training than a typical “school”. I have 2 classes that are each 2 weeks long and together they create a full beauty program. The Level 1 is about skill, technique, and theory so that the student can do a full makeup on any face. The Level 2 is advanced correction and media. My students learn how to be creative and technically savvy. I don’t hand them a map and say this is how to do a makeup. I give them the tools needed to read a map and survive in the world and send them out to mark their own path!