Industry Expert Feature | Gina Brass
Freelance Makeup Artist
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Industry Expert Feature | Gina Brass
Freelance Makeup Artist
What is your name and position?
Gina Brass – Freelance Makeup Artist specializing in Beauty, Bridal, Fashion & Editorial
Can you share a little background on your career in the industry?
My career started in 2007 while attending OCAD University in Toronto, ON. Painting was my main medium but swiftly redirected to makeup once I realized the career opportunities and growth potential.
What’s the most valuable thing you have taken away from your education?
I have taken courses in professional Sanitation practices which is one of the most important assets in the business.
Who are some of your favourite artists to follow?
Marika D’Auteuil, Chiao Li Hsu, Sheri Stroh, etc (SO MANY AMAZING ARTISTS OUT THERE)
What is the most important thing you want your students to take away?
It’s so important to trust your instincts.
What keeps you inspired/motivated?
It’s been very challenging to stay motivated through the pandemic but if inspiration strikes, CEASE IT. I stay motivated by the gratitude I receive from my clients. When someone leaves my chair feeling beautiful, confident, and happy – it inspires me.
Who has been your biggest inspiration and why?
I can’t choose one. All my friends, family, and colleagues who have persevered through the constant self-doubt, risks, and challenges life serves.
What have been some obstacles that you’ve faced in your career?
Self-doubt, self-worth which are all normal obstacles to navigate.
What are your favourite services or area of your career that you enjoy the most?
I’ve had the opportunity to work with people navigating their sexual identity, trans folks and people diagnosed with cancer. Helping them achieve a physical sense of comfort and confidence through makeup. It is incredibly rewarding.
What is the one piece of advice you would share or that you received over the years?
It’s important to find a balance of professionalism, congeniality and integrity.
Where do you see your career taking you 5 years from now?
I’d be happy to still be doing makeup in any professional capacity in 5 years. I understand that things change and life can move in different directions. However, I once went almost 2 years without doing makeup on clients and it nearly broke my soul.
What has been one of your biggest accomplishments?
Teaching myself to shoot film in order to photograph my makeup work.
What does it take in your opinion to succeed in this industry?
Success is subjective. A strong support system, the constant urge to continue to learn, the ability to stay humble and recognize when negative egotistical feelings arise.
How did you get to this point in your career?
I couldn’t have done it without people who believed in me and gave me a chance. Through difficult times of self-doubt & self-worth, there were always people who championed my talents when I didn’t.
Some works by Gina
Some works by Gina
What have been some obstacles that you’ve faced in your career?
Self-doubt, self-worth which are all normal obstacles to navigate.
What are your favourite services or area of your career that you enjoy the most?
I’ve had the opportunity to work with people navigating their sexual identity, trans folks and people diagnosed with cancer. Helping them achieve a physical sense of comfort and confidence through makeup. It is incredibly rewarding.
What is the one piece of advice you would share or that you received over the years?
It’s important to find a balance of professionalism, congeniality and integrity.
Where do you see your career taking you 5 years from now?
I’d be happy to still be doing makeup in any professional capacity in 5 years. I understand that things change and life can move in different directions. However, I once went almost 2 years without doing makeup on clients and it nearly broke my soul.
What has been one of your biggest accomplishments?
Teaching myself to shoot film in order to photograph my makeup work.
What does it take in your opinion to succeed in this industry?
Success is subjective. A strong support system, the constant urge to continue to learn, the ability to stay humble and recognize when negative egotistical feelings arise.
How did you get to this point in your career?
I couldn’t have done it without people who believed in me and gave me a chance. Through difficult times of self-doubt & self-worth, there were always people who championed my talents when I didn’t.
