5 Best Video Production Make-Up Artists In Pittsburgh
“Don’t judge a book by its cover.”
How often do we hear this in our daily lives? We all want to believe it, but the reality of the way the world works says otherwise.
Subconsciously or otherwise, appearances do play an important part in our day-to-day lives.
According to Psychology Today, attractive people tend to get hired sooner, get promotions more quickly, and are paid more than their less-attractive coworkers.
It pays to be attractive. Literally.
Appearances matter. We tend to trust people who we find appealing. Attractive people seem more professional and trustworthy. We connect more quickly with people we find physically appealing.
Which is why, if you are investing in a marketing video to promote your company, you want to look your absolute best.
Like it or not, you will be more convincing if you look and sound good on camera.
Unless you have prior experience and are comfortable being on camera, it’s common to become rather preoccupied with your appearance on the day of the shoot. If your appearance doesn’t allow you to feel confident, your performance and the way you deliver your lines will be affected.
It’s normal to get a little nervous. That part doesn’t surprise me at all.
What does surprise me is how often companies will forego the expense of hiring a professional makeup artist to help them look their best in front of the camera.
Hiring a makeup artist can be viewed as a frivolous expense, but the truth is, it’s an investment that goes towards creating the best marketing video you are capable of making.
After all, when you look your best, you will feel your best. And, that will come across in your performance on camera.
Here are just a few reasons why it’s in your best interests to hire a professional makeup artist to help you look your absolute best on-camera…
1. What looks great in real life may
not look the same on-camera.
Maybe you’re pretty good at doing your own makeup.
Or, maybe you know someone who is.
The problem is, what looks good in real, day-to-day life may look completely different on-camera.
When you are on a video production set, you will be subjected to different types of lighting and environmental conditions that could have unpredictable effects on your make-up.
Certain cosmetics will reflect differently under these conditions, and the colors you choose may not look exactly as you had planned. Any minor lapses in blending or effects will seem more drastic and magnified (in high definition!) on camera.
A professional makeup artist with experience working in video production will have the expertise to anticipate and respond to any lighting or other environmental factors that can otherwise wreak havoc on your on-camera appearance.
2. Your appearance may not
reflect your message or brand.
When you appear in a corporate video, you are representing your brand.
And, that branding ties into everything that adds up to your on-camera appearance: from your body language, to the way you talk, to the way you style your hair, and to the way you wear your makeup.
This might be more to consider than you anticipated.
A professional makeup artist will have the knowledge and experience in creating a look that is in alignment with your message and your brand.
When working with a professional makeup artist, make sure you communicate what you are trying to achieve with your business video, just as you would with any member of your video production crew, so that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same desired result.
3. Your video production crew can focus
on their jobs instead of your appearance.
Every member of the video production crew on set has a very specific job to do.
Sometimes, on a corporate video shoot, crew members will take on more than one role.
This is a practical and economical use of resources, but at the same time, you don’t want to go overboard here.
A video director who has to focus on his subject’s makeup is going to be less focused on, or distracted from, other elements of the video shoot.
Most makeup artists do more than just your makeup. They’ll assist with fixing your hair and even help you pick the best outfit from your wardrobe selection. During the shoot, they’ll monitor your hair for flyaways and check your clothing for wrinkles or possible wardrobe mishaps.
It’s clear to see why having a dedicated, professional makeup artist on set alleviates some responsibility from the other crew members, which enables them to focus on their tasks.
Also, the on-camera talent can rest assured knowing their appearance is being monitored for them at all times. This will help them feel more relaxed and confident so that they can focus on their performance and not worry about their appearance.
That being said, you want to make sure you hire a makeup artist who has the right credentials and experience for your job.
Here are a few professional makeup artists in the Pittsburgh area who have great credentials and years of experience working in video production…
Pittsburgh's 5 Best Video Production Make-Up Artists
Patty Bell
Patty Bell is a highly accomplished, award-winning makeup artist local to the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. However, her work has taken her around the country, working with on an array of media platforms, including television, print, and film. She has over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry and is a member of the New York Hair and Makeup Union and IATSE Local #798. To learn more about Patty Bell, visit her website.
Debi Maker
Debi Maker is a licensed hairdresser and high-definition makeup artist with over 20 years of experience. Some of her clients include FedEx, GNC, Comcast, UPMC, and Nike. She has achieved both local and national success as a television makeup artist. Visit Debi Maker’s website to learn more and check out her Instagram to see some of her work!
Kelly Fox
Kelly Fox is a freelance makeup artist with over 18 years of experience in the beauty industry. She has a degree from Joe Blasco Makeup Center, where she specialized in Beauty and Special Effects makeup for film, television, and print. She has worked with a number of celebrities, including Seth Meyers, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Roberto Clemente Jr., and Jackie Evancho. Kelly Fox currently works in the Pittsburgh area, focusing on commercials, editorial work, TV, film, and bridal. For booking or more information, e-mail Kelly Fox at Klynnfox@yahoo.com.
Maria Armstrong
Maria Armstrong is a professional Pittsburgh-based freelance makeup artist with over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry. She graduated from the Douglas Education Center/Tom Savini’s Special Effects Makeup Program in addition to the Douglas Education Center for Esthetics. Her background is in cosmetic, bridal, theatrical, film, print, special effects, and esthetics. Maria loves making people feel beautiful in their own skin and feels blessed she is able to do this as her career. She believes her knowledge, ability to listen carefully, education, experience, and inspirations heavily influence the way she approaches makeup and how her work is executed. To learn more about Maria Armstrong, visit her website or follow her on Instagram.
Shannon Cole
Shannon Cole is a professional makeup artist based in the Pittsburgh area. Shannon started her journey as a makeup artist at Sephora, where she discovered her passion, and hasn’t looked back since. Shannon now works full-time as a freelance makeup artist, specializing in bridal makeup and special events of all kinds. In addition, she offers lessons and classes to her clients, as well as fellow artists. She feels incredibly lucky to be able to help others feel confident and empowered through the power of makeup! For more information on Shannon Cole, visit her website, follow her on Instagram, or visit her Facebook page.
Just the Facts
Hiring a professional makeup artist to ensure you look your best in your business marketing video is a wise investment.
If you try to do your own makeup or work with a non-professional, you might be surprised to discover that what looks good in real life doesn’t look as great on camera.
A professional makeup artist will help you figure out a look that is consistent with your company’s brand and message.
By having a professional makeup artist on set during a corporate video shoot, you alleviate a lot of responsibility that would otherwise fall on other crew members.