Maya Rene is a FCC graduate and MoCo native who pursued makeup once moving to New York City in 2013 and hasn’t looked back since.
She is now a professional makeup freelancer and is making great strides in her career. OUT40 got a chance to catch up with Maya and she allowed us into her world of beauty! Check out our Q&A!
Makeup is supposed to be fun.
Q: Why is makeup your passion?
A: I love getting to make people feel great about themselves. Being a freelance artist also allows me the freedom to travel and meet new people. Plus, every once in a while I get to attend cool parties and get free makeup.
Q: What does a day to day look like for you?
A: My day to day is never the same. One day I’ll have a super early call time that requires me to be on site for 8-11+ hours. At times I haven’t eaten or had to time to even sit down because I’m required to stay on set and be focused on talent. It really depends on the job and whats required of me. Other days I’m sitting on my couch in my pajamas days at a time because work has been slow or I haven’t been booked for that day. Being a freelancer isn’t for the fainthearted. You have to know what to do during slow peaks and how to budget yourself.
Q: What has been your favorite job so far?
A: I recently did a job with Nas and it was by far one of my favorite jobs! It was a collaboration with a popular street wear brand in NYC and they had a lot of dope effects that went into creating the video. I was proud of the makeup I did on the model and they were shooting under water. I’m just excited to see how it all turned out! Unfortunately, I can’t speak specifics on the project until it’s been released.
Q: Biggest accomplishments?
A: One of my biggest accomplishments was getting to be the key makeup artist for a Fetty Wap music video! They gave me complete control of what makeup looks were to be and I was in charge of a large team making sure everyone was in character and approving looks before they went on camera. I learned a lot about myself during those two days of shooting, it was amazing!
Q: What are your personal makeup faves and recommendations?
A: I’m a makeup artist with focus on beauty meaning I’m all about glowing skin and natural radiance so my top fave brands are Laura Mercier, Nars, Georgio Armani and Makeup Forever.
A recommendation I have for every woman is to take care of your skin no matter what age. Flawless makeup starts with skin. You don’t want to invest in a $40 foundation – fine. Invest in your skincare products. You’ll thank me later.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years, what’s your goal.
A: Hmm great question I’m still tying to figure that out. I’ll be 30 so realistically I would want to have a family. Maybe I’ll create a product or really I wouldn’t mind hosting seminars for young entrepreneurs! Something to think about.
I can say that my goals in be meantime would be…
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Go on tour doing makeup for a major artist;
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Being paid to travel abroad for fashion week or a film;
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Becoming a bi-coastal artist!
Q: Lastly, what is your advice to aspiring freelance makeup artists?
A: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! Closed mouths don’t get fed…meaning if you see an opportunity you want, take it! I’ve accepted so many jobs that have required me to step out of my comfort zone, but instead of being fearful I accepted the job and sat home and did whatever research/preparations I needed to study or make to be prepared. Fake it till you make it, haha.
Also, it’s makeup! Don’t take yourself too seriously — if you mess up it’s not permanent. Makeup is supposed to be fun. There’s inspiration all around you. Cheesy, but true.
Follow Maya’s journey here.
