| Shop Talk with Bobbi Brown by David Maderich | | Print | |
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Without a doubt, Bobbi Brown is the most recognized woman in makeup today. She not only runs the mega successful cosmetics company that bears her name, but also finds time to work her magic on models and celebrities for magazines, events, and runway shows. If that isn't enough, she has written three books, gives seminars, and somehow manages to keep house and raise children. Bobbi Brown came to New York City in 1980 armed with a diploma in theatrical makeup from Emerson College, and the simple philosophy that "women want to look like themselves, only prettier and more confident." With that in mind, she took on the big apple and it wasn’t long till she got her first bite. After a few years of testing and building her book, she was hired by YM magazine in 1983 for a spread with Brooke Shields. Next she did a six page disco layout for Vogue, and in 1987 her first Vogue cover.
In 1990, frustrated and tired of constantly mixing colors to get the shades of foundations and lip colors she wanted, she set out to create her own line. The rest is pretty much history. I had the privilege to interview this cosmetics queen, and find out exactly how she became so successful. Everything she said is very inspirational and important to know as a makeup artist’s journey to stardom.
Bobbi, could you tell our readers what started you on the road to cosmetics - did you always have an interest in makeup? “I've always loved makeup. I remember being a young girl and watching my mom get ready for a big night out. I was amazed at how she transformed herself with her white eye shadow and glam liner. It wasn't long before I started doing makeovers on the family dog.” How did you go from making your pooch pretty to freelancing in New York City? “After graduating from Emerson College with a degree in theatrical makeup, I immediately moved to New York because it was the place to be if you wanted to be a makeup artist. Freelancing was the way to start.”
When you were freelancing, what was your big break - from say doing headshots and catalogs - to good editorial and higher day rates?
“My first big break was doing a black and white exercise story for Glamour magazine that was shot by Bridgette Lacombe.” Did you enjoy freelancing? “I loved it because it allowed me to be creative and I was working for myself.”
What is the most important thing a freelancer needs to be aware of in your experience? “You have to love what you're doing and be passionate about your work because there are some dry spells and it can often feel like getting work is impossible. Think of freelancing as being in grad school because it's about doing as much work as you can, even it if means volunteering your services for free, so that you can learn and get valuable experience.” Any freelance survival tips? “Be frugal with your money and always have something to fall back on, whether it's being a waitress or doing retail -- to pay the bills. And when you're not working, use that free time constructively on the phone, offering to work on test shoots so you can build your portfolio.”
What made you start your cosmetics line? “I couldn't find makeup that was flattering or natural looking.”
What do you feel is the secret to your line's success? I read that the lipsticks sold out the first week at Bergdorf’s. “At the time, I was the only one who was selling makeup that made skin look like skin. And my colors were brown-based, so they were flattering on a wide range of skin tones.” Did you ever dream your line would be this successful? “When I set out to make the perfect pinky-brown shade of lipstick, “Brown Lip Color”, for myself, I had no idea it would turn into this.”
How do you decide on the colors for each season? “I'm always inspired by something. Last spring an antique turquoise necklace inspired me to create an aquamarine sparkeldust. This fall, a beautiful picture in National Geographic inspired me to create the perfect brown blushes.” What is a typical day for Bobbi Brown? “It's crazy and I love it. I juggle my company's day-to-day to-dos like developing new products and doing shoots for seasonal campaigns with working on celebrities, editorial work, and working backstage at fashion shows.” I have enjoyed both of your books, and your advice on bronzing powder on black skin has saved me many times. What is your new book about? This October I'm coming out with my third book, titled Beauty Evolution. It covers all the phases of a woman's life - from 20-something to 101 - and offers advice to help her look and feel her best at every age. It's about what happens as we make our way through life and how we continue making ourselves better.
What is the best advice you can give a woman about makeup? “Makeup should be simple, real, and approachable, and it should bring out your individual beauty.” What advice could you give beginning makeup artists, you know, "if I could do it over I would do this different" kind of thing. “The best thing a young working makeup artist can do to help their career is to do as much work as possible for free. In the beginning, it's not about making money; it's about getting to work with talented people you really admire and building relationships.”
An interview like this definitely makes you want to go out and conquer the world of makeup. Bobbi Brown is so full of positive energy and good advice. Read this interview twice for inspiration, and then set out to make your own dreams come true.  |
