Natasha Jane Wood - Dedicate Yourself To It (Makeup Artist From The UK)

Anything and everything inspires me, I could be in the car and a song may come on that gives me an idea for a concept or seeing a film that sparks my imagination. Sometimes the ideas come to me in my sleep!

1. Tell me about you and your journey.

I feel like my journey has been quite long. I’ve always been creative in one way or another, when I was younger my imagination was as wild as it is now. I used to scare my parents with all these extravagant scenarios and characters that I would make up. Fast forward to the first lockdown in the UK and that was when I first joined Tiktok. I uploaded my first video almost two years ago now, bear in mind it wasn’t very good but I’m so happy that I did! Now I feel I’ve grown a community that loves my crazy concepts and makeup. It’s been quite a whirlwind and I feel I’m only just getting started.

2. Why did you choose this career?

I’ve wanted to work in SFX/makeup since I was young, so I wanted to always go down that road but to be honest I didn’t think this would turn into a career; it was something I loved to do in my spare time. I’m so grateful that it is now!

3. What inspires you to do what you do?

Anything and everything inspires me, I could be in the car and a song may come on that gives me an idea for a concept or seeing a film that sparks my imagination. Sometimes the ideas come to me in my sleep!

4. What are some of your top makeup tips?

Always draw out your makeup looks on paper or an iPad before attempting it in real life! It really gives you confidence in how it will turn out.

5. What kind of job opportunities can one get after becoming a makeup artist?

I feel like there are so many opportunities such as working in the film/TV industry, doing social media and working with amazing brands, and also becoming a makeup artist to the stars! The possibilities are amazing.

6. Which professional courses would you recommend for aspiring makeup artists?

I think it depends on what kind of makeup artist you want to become, for me I studied ‘Special effects makeup artistry for film and TV at university for a year (before the pandemic hit) I also believe you don’t need a qualification to be a great makeup artist, as long as you dedicate yourself to learning and mastering your artistry!

- Natasha Jane Wood (Instagram)

- Interviewed by Varnika Sharma