Pencils, blenders, brushes, along with various colors and shades expand before the artist and their blank canvas. Every line and brush made has taken concentration and practice to perform it perfectly, and their inspiration comes from experimental artists before them. But this is no ordinary artist; this is a makeup artist.
Senior Cecilia Bierman has been practicing makeup since the 8th grade, finding it as a new way to express herself.
Her inspiration came from “growing up in the age of new technology and seeing all these girls doing beautiful makeup,” Bierman said.
Because of her experience with makeup, she has taken the role of Makeup Crew Chief for the MN’s Winter Production “Taming of the Shrew” by William Shakespeare, alongside senior Holly Barna. They both have been participating in makeup crew for multiple years.
“Before Ceci and I were chiefs we had our best friend Kyra leading the way, and I credit my experience of being chief to her. We had to learn quick and it takes a lot more than being able to do makeup to be a chief,” Barna said.
For Barna, she feels there’s more than having the ability to do makeup to be a crew chief for any play or production.
“I think it definitely takes more than just being good at makeup. You have to be responsible, organized, assertive, confident, etc. All of these are extremely important because they all deal not only with applying makeup, but being able to deal with the person you’re applying makeup to. Being a chief, you have responsibility for everyone on your crew and it’s your job to make sure everyone’s on the same page,” Barna said.
As a crew chief for the upcoming play, Bierman sees the importance for makeup, stating that it makes the production more lifelike.
“In play and musicals makeup is important because it gives the characters life. If the actors didn’t have any makeup on they would be very washed out and look sick. Special effects are super important to help the actor look as close to the character they are playing as possible,” Bierman said.
While working in the play, both have had to teach some of their crew members on how they want the fellow actor or actress to look like, according to the character they play on stage.
“We teach them basic makeup first, which most of them already know how to do. After we’ve gone through basic makeup steps, we teach them how to do old age lines, in case we have anyone needing them in the production. Special effects are often new to the crew members, so we spend a longer time on them,” Bierman said.
After they have taught the necessary artistry needed for doing actors’ makeup, they assign the crew member to the best fitting actor, according to their skill set.
“I have to know whether they will be able to do what I ask. Some people know what I mean by ‘blend in your foundation a bit more for me’ and others have no clue. Their experience plays a major factor in what we have to do on them versus. what they can do on themselves,” Barna said.
Yet, whether they are setting the makeup instructions for the upcoming play, or experimenting on their own, they face society’s comments on being insecure without makeup. Bierman combats the stereotypes by telling others it’s a way of expression and art.
“I think that women and men should be able to express themselves in whatever way possible. I personally look at make up as an art form, not a way to cover up your face. We should all try to be more appreciative of all the time and effort girls take doing their make up. If you feel confident and good about yourself, then who cares,” Bierman said.
Still, Bierman and Barna continue to do what they love: wearing makeup and exploring the possibilities that come with it, while enjoying the feeling of showing everyone what they’ve created.
While they continue to discover, both seniors look back on how far they’ve come, and are glad for the mistakes and mishaps to get to where they are today.
“I literally used to use the tip of my mascara as eyeliner in 6th grade, which, I’m sure you can imagine, looked horrific. But look where I am now, so just know there are always new things to learn and room to grow when it comes to makeup,” Bierman said.
After the painting, penciling, and blending have met the artists expectations, she sits back and evaluates the work before her. The subject smiles, and looks at the mirror, seeing someone who looks just as beautiful as ever.