Posts tagged New York City

So I haven’t blogged in a while, but I’ve been really busy trying to build my business up. Since winning the NAHA Makeup Artist of the Year Award, I’ve been on a steady grind, with one goal in mind: To get signed.

I spent all summer working my tail off, from working on ad campaigns, to weddings, and fashion shows. In early August, I was asked by Nautica to take a team to NYC for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in September. I led an amazingly talented team of artists for Nautica’s presentation at The Empire Hotel in Manhattan. With help from Aveda’s Global Style Director, Allen Ruiz, and his styling team, the event was a success. (plus, I got to work with the hottest male models in the biz. *hubba-hubba*) Here’s a sample of the loveliness that went on that perfect sunny Fashion Week day:

Photo Courtesy of Fashion Photographer Jenny Fu for JennyFutography.com

The week of MBFW was both exhilarating and exhausting. While all the fashion hoopla was going on, I was pounding the pavement, in search of an agency that would take me on. Day in and day out, I was either on the phone with an agency, or at a ‘go-see’.

By the end of the week, I’d realized I needed more time to woo these agencies. I wasn’t just going to sweet-talk my way in, but I knew I had to get back home and work as much as I could, to make my portfolio stand out from every other makeup artist pushing towards the same goal. I’d already found an apartment. Now, I had to make a plan.

The day I got back from New York, I contacted photographers, and set up as much as I could. Day 2 back from my trip, I was already shooting. In fact, I shot every day until I got to Minneapolis to be a part of Aveda Congress.

This was an exciting event, where all the Aveda salons and stores from all over the world, pow-wow under one huge roof (in this case the Minneapolis Convention Center), to showcase their work, along with all the new and amazing products Aveda has to offer. Talk about WORK! I was invited by the hair guru of all gurus and Aveda aficionado, Antoinette Beenders, to create rainforest insect makeup for a brigade of dancers. What an honor!

I landed, and immediately went to work. I slept for an hour, and then was back at the Convention Center for a 3am call time. I took part in the first part of show, which was led by head makeup maven Janell Geason, with hair led by Allen Ruiz. The looks were high-fashion, with a disco flashback. It was killer! I had 2 hours to re-up, before embarking on 7 hours of straight insect makeup. Thank heavens I had my assistant with me, Laura Martinez. She made sure I had a pulse. No sleep + Makeup Insanity = Success!

After leaving Minneapolis, I got on a flight back to Texas; back to my shooting spree. Booking as many projects as I could, I decided to book a flight back to New York. This was my last chance, (according to me). I’d set a deadline for myself: December 18th. Why December 18th? Because that’s the last day on the lease to my apartment…. Logical.   

October was about cramming as much work as I could until my last trip to New York. Once again, I shot until the day before leaving. I’d set up go-sees with agencies, once again. This time, I was determined to get it done once and for all!

The day I got there, it was cold and rainy. I got as many things done as I could, before my first meeting. The next day, after arranging my portfolio, I grabbed coffee, and went back to my friend’s apartment. As I was about to get ready, I got an email saying the appointment had changed to the next day. This was a sign.

I decided to take a chance and cancel all other meetings I had. I just had the strangest feeling the agency that cancelled, was the agency I was going to be a part of. (((UNIVERSE)))

Later that night, I got a call from Epic/Sony Records, asking that I do make-up for an awesome artist by the name of Karmin. They’re a YouTube sensation with millions of fans, that just made it to the Big Leagues. I couldn’t be more excited. I saw this as another sign.

The next morning I went to my gig with Karmin, and had a blast. After that, I went straight home to prepare for my go-see, and caught the first cab. Being the eager-beaver that I am, I got there with plenty of time to spare. Before I headed in for my 3 ‘o clock meeting, I said to myself, “Go and get it.”

So here I was, in the one management company I’d been seeking for nine months, having to sell my art. We talked makeup, fashion, my career, and my goals. Two hours later, I got my answer…..I got signed!

That was the most exciting, yet low-key moment of my life. I was so excited, but didn’t want to scream. I had so much adrenaline balled up. I hugged my new agent and booker, said my goodbyes, and went on my way. I was beyond excited with pent up energy, I decided to walk it all off….then I started to run. I had a plane to catch back to Texas!

The moral of this story, is that I’m just like everyone else. My next stop is to New York City, for good. Its unbelievable to say that. As I sit here typing, I start to realize that, I’m just a girl with goals, and I’d just made one of them happen.

And to all the goal-getters of the world, I am you and you are me. There’s not one goal you can’t reach, and I’m proof! No matter what obstacles come before you, you have to keep your eye on the prize. Set your goals. Reach them. Surpass them……… Go and get it!

xoxo,

Clarissa