Thursday, December 6, 2012

Home studio, reflecting on 2012

This has been a banner year for me personally and for State of Face Makeup Artistry. I just found out that SOF won The Knot Best of Weddings award for the 2nd year in a row, which is truly an honor. I have forged relationships with several new photographers that hire me regularly, so I don't have to rely on weddings (peak season April-November) or commercial work (feast or famine). My commercial client list has grown exponentially and I am getting to know the regulars of that world. And the latest triumph is that my husband and I just closed on a new home- and it has a separate studio in it!

I've gotten so used to going to a separate space for appointments, that it's going to be shockingly easy now. Although, my first appointments in the new space are Saturday of this week, so we'll have to see how my 2 dogs do. They can be a bit barky, as dogs will be. But the lovely upside is that there is a separate entrance clients can use. I am so excited for this somewhat decadent addition to my business/life.

The studio isn't quite photo ready just yet, as I only have my kit, a few chairs and table (empty built-in shelves too). But suffice to say, it's going to be an adorable little space (about 1/2 the size of the old office, but much cuter).

I'll leave you with a few recent pics of my work:


This was a summer wedding that lasted for several days. I got to know the bride, Purvi, really well- and think she's a sweetheart. And hello...gorgeous!


This is a test shoot I did with my recent intern (and husband's cousin), Carolyn. We were working on a look that I was developing with Balletmet Columbus. Those pictures are still being edited, but I got the test shoot photo. I couldn't have asked for a more stunning canvas- her skin is delish. She swears it's the cold-pressed coconut oil she uses on it.

This next photo is my friends' (Chris and Greydan) surprise wedding. They had a private ceremony with only their immediate families, then shot pictures the following day. I was honored to be asked to do makeup for the bride. Greydan loves vintage and wanted a 40's/50's inspired look to go with her overall look. So chic!

The next photo is stunning- love the contrast of her alabaster skin and the deep green grass and how it pops her blue eyes. She is a senior at Upper Arlington High and apparently in the running for valedictorian, a classically trained concert pianist, and future scientist who will probably cure a disease. 
 The last picture was one of my favorite seniors that I worked with. She was so gracious and sweet- and has the most killer fashion sense!

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

branching out

The last year has really broadened my business. Before it was about 95% bridal and now it's about 60% bridal. The rest is comprised of corporate (website pics and video, inner office video, personal appearances, promotional materials), commercials, senior portraits, boudoir, and lessons/personal artistry. I can't tell you how awesome it is to hear "I wish I could have you come to my home every morning!" many, many times.

On that note, you don't need a wedding if you'd love to just have your makeup done on a random Friday night: email or call me and I'll do my best to accomodate you. Or in the morning for that matter! I WILL come to your house and make you look perfect for the day. Treat yourself like a celeb/real housewife/Kardashian. Birthdays, holiday parties, showers etc are a great time to treat yourself (For those who watch Parks and Rec, as I do "Treat Yo Self").

If you are on Pinterest, I've joined the throngs of ladies who like to pin food, home decor and of course MAKEUP looks. It's a great way to get ideas and be inspired. Also, I love to look at pics at makeup trials with brides or for bridesmaids to show me pics to give me an idea of what they want. Follow me: joyheartshearts. I've only pinned a few looks that I did myself and repin many, many others. I'll include a couple recent shots from a photo session, and a few senior shots from this past weekend.





Thanks to all those who have given me reviews in the last year, referred me to friends, given my name/number/card, and those who reached out to rehire me for non-wedding occasions. You are bringing it to the next level! Please review me if you've worked with me: State of Face Makeup Artistry on weddingwire.com and weddingchannel.com (aka theknot).

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Heatwave wedding makeup

The last few summers have been upwards of 5 months long and with unrelenting heat indexes. This one really hit us hard, here in Columbus and the surrounding areas. I've been working on fine tuning the approach to makeup in this weather with the right products and almost as importantly, amount of product. One of my favorite new 'beat the heat' products is the Dermalogica Clearing Mattifier. It's a heavy duty primer that works great to keep skin from getting shiny in the mid-day sun. The key is to use a very small amount on the t-zone, underneath the makeup. It's the option I use on combo or oily skin- otherwise I've been reaching for the classic oil-free Smashbox photo finish.
Getting airbrush application for the foundation really minimizes the amount of product on the face needed to make it look flawless- only a few drops. Less makeup to meltdown.


Then the finishing touch for the complexion is a setting spray. Lately, I've been reaching for the Model in a Bottle. Just a few sprays of it will set the whole face and keep it looking fresh.

These ladies all look flawless, even though they are having outdoor pics taken.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Beautiful new bride photos and a dogbite

After I am done with a wedding, the work is done for that bride and her party officially. But then I try to remain in contact so I get to see the finished photos and how everything lasted throughout the day etc. I just got a couple updates from brides with their absolutely stunning photography that features how their makeup looked when I was doing it, as well as how it looked throughout the day. But all I can see when looking at the one set of photos is my stupid bandaid!





The day before bride Ashley's wedding my husband and I took our new Austrailian Shepherd mix to a park. She is 5 yrs old and until we adopted her she wasn't socialized. There was a guy at the park who started rough-housing with his rottweiller and our dog mistook that cue as something dangerous and she attacked him. 2 pit bulls came to the rott's rescue and all 3 were ganging up on our maladjusted dog. I was trying to break it up and got in the middle of the unfortunate incident with my hand/finger. That was March and it's now June...there are still a couple of marks on my thumb and forefinger. Ashley's photos and all their beauty is marred by that nasty looking bandage. I was just glad to be able to use my hand (I'm a lefty) just fine. My husband broke up the fight and all the dogs got away from it without incident- and my life transferred onto the photos for her wedding....:)

Monday, June 18, 2012

In the family

Photography: Picture the Love

Since being in business for the last 4 years, there have been many girls that were bridesmaids that became brides, many sisters of the bride that became the bride so on. In the last few weeks it seems that many of my clients feel like they are becoming part of the State of Face Family. Not only do I love referrals because it's more business, but really because I get to revisit past brides and maids. The bride in this pic, Amanda, was referred to me by the photographers at my own wedding and her sorority sister. Her "little sister" was a bridesmaid in her actual sister's wedding 2 years ago. After hearing my name from 2 different people, she finally called me up and we did a trial. Then she booked me. Then I did her makeup for her engagement photos (see post below), then for New Year's Eve, then for her shower, then finally her wedding. I love that not only was I referred to her by people who already worked with me, but that I got to know her face and personality so well leading up to her special day. It's a great honor to be part of someone's big day and I'm so fortunate to have lots of special days with lots of special people. You're part of the State of Face family forever!
Thanks to all the brides and vendors that are part of my "family"!

Friday, April 27, 2012

2012 Wedding season and a fun photo shoot

This season is getting started for REAL this Saturday. I have 2 bridal parties and it doesn't quit on almost all Saturdays and lots of Fridays and Sundays for the year. I was really hoping that the forecast of 65 and sunny would hold and it looked good until about 2 days ago: The brides this weekend are going to need an extra positive group surrounding them since it'll be 45 and rainy.

So far the trials I've had this year (and the few weddings that came early) have been erring towards slightly more sultry looks than the past couple. I think people in Ohio may finally be ready to come out of their shell. Although, I still love a super soft look too :)

If you're interested in booking a wedding party with me- contact asap. If I am not available, I can recommend another artist for you that will travel on location.

Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to work with a new to town photographer, Corey Chattman. He was wonderful to do all of the photoshoot arrangements, which I often take part in. He booked a space (Heyman Talent agency), a clothing stylist, hair stylist (will update with their info), and the models (4 out of 6 were also Heyman Talent models...and I think they signed a 5th on the spot). It was overall a really creative and great day on the shoot- getting to play around with colorful and edgy looks. Some of my favorites are below.









Saturday, April 14, 2012

Quick change artist


A few months ago I was booked on this photo shoot for the CEO of foot petals (those cute inserts to make high heels/sandals/other uncomfortable shoes more comfortable). What I didn't realize was that I wouldn't be doing just one look on her, but I 5 total looks in 5 hours: Both makeup AND hair. That time included the shooting time, the wardrobe time. It was a pretty solid test of my abilities and I think the pictures came out really well. These are the only ones I've seen, as many times on this type of shoot you don't get any pictures afterwards. This was directly from the photographer's (Micheal Bosworth) website.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

State of Face is evolving!

It's been 3 months since the last update and I wouldn't want anyone to think that I'm not out here working hard! Over the last couple of years, my business has been growing a lot- always a good thing. I tend to book for a Saturday wedding on a prime Saturday VERY early (usually multiple bookings for all Saturdays March-November) and even Fridays and Sundays are booking up early on some days. In addition to that, I'm finally getting a lot of corporate/commercial/video/film work too. There are actually a lot of production companies that work in Central Ohio and I have been fortunate enough to make connections with people and start working regularly doing this type of makeup.
Since there aren't as many weddings throughout winter, this has been great to stay busy. The most recent jobs have been with Ohio Health on a web video, Mettler Toledo on another web video that was with actors over several days (it's really cute!), and just wrapped a shoot for a national commercial spot. My makeup focus on these types of shoots tends to be taking red out of the skin, keeping things smooth and matte, grooming flyaway hairs, brows, and being ready for anything. My kit is getting reorganized a lot to accommodate for new needs- like cream foundations. For these shoots, I end up using a matte cream to powder palette from Senna Cosmetics that I bought last year at a trade show. But my list of product WANTS is growing: A palette called RCMA which has dozens of cream foundations and is a pro staple. And I've heard years worth of raves about the Beauty Blender sponge, but with doing airbrush makeup, there was no need for sponges. Well....now good sponges are critical. (And they must be wet with water to give a natural and flawless blend for High Def cameras). I will post links to new work if I get them! :)
I hope you're making it through the winter, though a mild one in Central Ohio, and seeing some sunshine.