What does a girl like you on a normal day “at work”?
There is no such thing as a normal day… unfortunately I do spent a lot of time on the PC, something I would like to do less of this year and focus more on creative projects. Right now there is a lot of planning and organizing events and projects, buying new products for the shop and sorting out all the courses that I’ll be teaching this year in New Zealand and abroad.
5 years ago I attended the world-champs for the first time and came second, that was the point that I kind arrived in the scene, and things gotten bigger and better since.
What tips would you give new others who might be interested in a similar career?
You really have to be passionate about it, I spend most of the time working but when you enjoy what you do it does not feel like work. Also in the last 10 years the face and body art industry has grown like crazy, you really have to stay on top of your game and grow your skills.
When did you discover there was life outside the corporate 9-5 Office grind? Was there a specific event or epiphany that brought that about?
Never done the 9-5 as I have grown up in this job, and as it is not a job it is more 24-7.
I think my in-laws are still not convinced it is a career choice and think I am slightly mad for it. (If people think you’re slightly mad- you must be doing something right!) But hey, I don’t mind proving them otherwise…
Your work is very specialized – is this something you’ve learned in an education system or did you fall into it?
I have done some training, normal make up and airbrushing, and I am still learning all the time. As I have been traveling lots I have been privileged to work with and see some amazing artists creating their work. Also Youtube is a great source of information… (check out their channel!)
Huge I must say, I spent a lot of time there. Either to promote my work, sell products, get inspiration or stay in touch with my fellow painters around the world.
What is the biggest, most exciting project you’ve worked on / are most proud of?
Wow I guess there have been a few, I think the ones I am most proud of are the ones that I set out to do like winning the World Champs and working on New Zealand’s Next top model or the Rugby World Cup Opening. The most glamorous one is still the launch of V Australia, Flying to Sydney to paint for Richard Branson was pretty epic.
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| World Champs |
