Makeup as Art with Mishka

Most of the time makeup is just makeup.  You are late for work and in a hurry so you slap on some foundation, concealer, mascara and a dash of lipstick.  Sometimes though makeup can be art, and that’s what comes out in the work of Adelaide Makeup Artist Mishka.

Mishka caught our eye with her amazing makeup portfolio that takes makeup to a new and beautiful place.  We asked her some questions to see what motivates her and inspires her work.

1. What inspires the different looks you create?

Inspiration comes from everywhere! It could be a colour, a photograph, a person. I have a hyper imagination and carry a notebook with me everywhere so I can jot down ideas when inspiration hits. I am also heavily inspired by different eras - I love the 1920's through to the 1960's.

2. Tell us about the looks we have here, Mannequin and Houtkamp.

The styling and makeup I produced for the photograph 'Mannequin' was inspired by taking a look through Chapel St Bazaar in Melbourne, an amazing vintage and retro store. There were these great looking vintage mannequin heads with 1920's water waves painted on as hair, displaying jewelery and bits and pieces. I thought then and there, "I must re-create this on someone!”. It just so happened that a few months later I was booked in to do makeup for US alternative model Kumimonster who keeps her head shaved bald and she was the perfect person to turn into my real-life mannequin.

With the piece 'Houtkamp' I was re-creating a painting by the amazing tattoo artist Angelique Houtkamp. It is pretty much a real-life replica of a painting of hers named 'Fanny' that I fell in love with.
I felt so strongly about it that I chose to be the model in this piece.

3. Do you have any particular 'must have' makeup items in your kit?

My kit just keeps growing as my 'must have' items vary! If I had to narrow it down to a few key products, it would be MAC Fluidline gel eyeliner in Blacktrack, MAC Lipglass in Clear and an assortment of false eyelashes. I bring a bag full of them to shoots.

4. What training or study have you done?

I was into makeup from a very young age, and was always the go-to girl at school when friends wanted their makeup done. I realised only a few years ago that makeup artistry would be the perfect career for me, so to get my credentials I studied at a makeup academy in Adelaide and completed Certificate II and III. However, I learn the most while on-set at shoots, and I also work at as an artist at MAC, which has taught me so much. Basically my whole life revolves around makeup, and I wouldn't have it any other way!

5. Do you prefer photographic or runway work?

I think both are great but I prefer and specialise more in Photography. There is just something so special about creating a look for a photograph - working out the theme and the makeup style. I also style the clothing for most of the shoots I do, which is fun as I'm into fashion. Having the opportunity to be creative in all aspects for photographic work is my favourite thing.

See more of Mishka's portfolio at her website here

Photos by Brent Leideritz http://b.digitalobliquity.com