For aspiring makeup artists, Amber D has the dream job. Now based in Australia, the New Zealand-born talent has an extensive background in makeup artistry: locally, she has worked with every top designer, magazine and stylist, and she has travelled the world to work behind the scenes at shows at New York, Paris, Milan and London fashion weeks.
Her expert hand has made up the faces of everyone from Steven Tyler to Rita Ora, and her flair, hard work and sense of humour has seen her come on board as Lorde's makeup artist. Currently in New Zealand touring with the musical powerhouse, Amber shares the story behind her career trajectory, and secrets behind her success.
As a teenager, what did you want to be when you 'grew up'?
I wasn't sure but I knew that I loved doing all art classes in school so I imagined I would be an artist of some sort.
Why did you choose to be a makeup artist?
I decided to become a makeup artist when I realised that I could combine my love of drawing and fashion. I think I have been able to be innovative with the work I have done and bring something fresh to what can often be seen to be just slapping stuff on a face. I like treating the face like a canvas and bringing beauty to a look as well as being able to appreciate the styling on photoshoots and catwalk shows.
How did you get to where you are today?
I dropped out of art school halfway through and started working in retail for Karen Walker and then Zambesi.
While at Zambesi I did a part-time makeup course in the evenings and weekends. I was lucky to have met a few people in the industry while I was working there who were so supportive of me and gave me a few breaks at the start of my career. When a job at M.A.C. came up I leaped at the opportunity and stayed with them for 14 years as senior makeup artist before becoming a freelance makeup artist this year. I think building connections and strong friendships are so important in this industry.
What does your typical day entail?
No day is a typical day. For the past year I have been on tour with Lorde so my days have involved a lot of living out of a suitcase, many airports and a tour bus. The actual doing makeup each day probably takes about an hour all up. I get to do makeup for all concerts, TV appearances and a few photo shoots here and there as well, so I utilise loads of various skills you need to know as a makeup artist - from working with high definition television to applying makeup that will stay on for a two-hour concert.
Best and worst parts about your job?
I love my job so much that it's pretty hard to find a worst part. With the exception of a few first-world problems and with being away from my friends and family so much, I'm really living the dream.
What is your take on internships: are they worthwhile? How would you recommend getting one - and how do you turn that into a job?
I absolutely can't recommend it more for what I do. You learn so much from being on the job and from other artists - from professionalism to technique - that you just can't learn at a makeup course. Doing a course and then offering to assist whenever possible afterwards will help you learn and make connections much faster. When I first started I was always saying yes to every opportunity I could find, working every day and night. I still always try to work with other makeup artists whenever possible so I can keep learning.
If you could do anything for a job, what would you do?
I am so happy with what I have achieved so far, but of course a Vogue cover would be awesome.
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Any resumé tips?
Make it stand out - most resumés are black ink on white paper in some boring font that looks the same as everyone else. Figure out what makes you unique and make sure that that comes across in your resumé - especially if you are applying for a job that is creative. Ditch the boring same-same CV.
Three things you couldn't live without at work?
Makeup, makeup brushes and my Rimowa trunk that I use as a makeup kit.
Your best advice for young people wanting to break into your field?
Be prepared to work as hard as you can and know that this job is not Monday to Friday, 9 to 5. No one ever died from having to work weekends.
