6 questions with Kathleen Sheahan, make-up artist

Kathleen Sheahan is a Melbourne based make-up artist, part of the HUB team and offers a variety of make-up services- from bridal to fashion, body art and theatre.

1. How did you become a make-up artist?
I had just finished a three year Bachelor of International Studies and was feeling quite lost. Having always being interested in the arts I stumbled upon an Open Day for the Academy and never looked back. I enrolled in the Diploma straight away and six months later I was a qualified makeup artist!

6 questions with Mel Jean, photographer

Back in 2012 I met Mel during a photoshoot for a fashion student. Since then her work has been displayed at the National Library in Russia and she is constantly producing beautiful images and making a name for herself in Melbourne's photography circles. She is one to watch for sure.

What was the decision making process for your degree like? 

I was studying Criminology but spent more time taking photos of stuff, a couple of people suggested to me that perhaps I should be studying photography instead but I never really considered it until half way through my 2nd year at uni. I ended up changing schools to photography and haven’t looked back. The first few photoshoots I did were of friends and people I found online. There were french backpackers, doctors, a zoo model.. People were very trusting of me and seemed to like my photos so I just kept shooting people

6 questions with Katrina Lee, Photographer

Katrina Lee is a Melbourne-based fashion and lifestyle photographer. Her instagram is practically a moodpboard of picturesque editorials #mustfollow.

1. What did you want to be as a child?
I’m not so sure I had any particular “jobs” in mind for myself as a child, though I did know from a young age that my passion could be found in the creative field. From as young as preschool, I was the “crafty kid”... this developed into a fascination with magazines, and the graphic design world – and now, into photography!

Jordanna Hicban- Moss, Make-up Artist

Jordanna Hicban-Moss is a woman with many talents: she is a qualified make-up artist and beautician, writes a beauty blog, studies dermal therapy and has some really cute pets you should check out on her instagram.

 1.What was the decision making process for your degree like? 

After doing my makeup qualification in 2008 and moving to Melbourne, I realised I wanted to work  with skin as well as brows, spa treatments and so on. So I did my Diploma of Beauty Therapy which has a large theory component. The theory got me interested in science again, after dropping it as a subject all the way back in year 10, and since the Diploma funnels directly into the Bachelor of Health Science in Dermal Therapy, I decided to continue on with my studies. I love learning too, especially since it's essentially a degree in the science of skin.

2.Which other career paths did you consider and what was your dream job as a child?

I was a dancer growing up so I always thought I would be a professional dancer, but injuries and burn out happened. I was dancing seven days a week by the time I finished high school and I just couldn't sustain it. However I always ended up doing everyone else's makeup during this time for all our performances, and I was also trying to copy different looks I saw in magazines, video clips and movies. Dance and makeup has always gone hand in hand for me I guess. 

3. What is your advice to make up artists starting to build their portfolio?

Really look at a photographers work before you decide to shoot with them. As well as your models. For beauty shots especially you’ll need a model with fantastic skin. It's worth it to pay for quality talent. Before you do any crazy avant-garde stuff make sure you can nail beautiful, simple natural looks because that's what agencies and potential clients look for. Also get the sentence "they can just fix it in photoshop" out of your head. You want it to look immaculate in person let alone on camera!

6 questions with Jessica Kirby, photographer

Jessica Kirby is a Melbourne-based fine art and fashion photographer that only recently moved here from Brisbane. Her captivating work, which is mostly shot outdoors, explores fear, romance and feminism. You can follow Jessica here, here and here.



1.When did you realise you wanted to pursue photography? 

When it became more about creating art for the purpose of making people see something in a different light. It occurred to me that I am able to materialise my dreams in a platform that I can control artistically - from there I can effect people, tell them a story, inform them on a subject, all of which I find powerful.

2. Which mistakes did you make in the beginning and what did you take away from them? 

All of the retouching mistakes. All of them. I look back on my first images and cringe! It does continue to remind me how far I have come and that is comforting for the future.

6 questions with Faro Musodza, Model

I met Model Faro Musodza at a fashion show for The Social Studio in 2012. Since then the Zimbabwean beauty has been on numerous catwalks and editorials- follow her on facebook and instagram to keep up to date with her amazing work.

1. When and how did you start modelling?
I started modelling when I was 14.  Because I often kept to myself, my mother’s friends suggested that I attend modelling and deportment classes to build up my confidence. It was really enjoyable and I found it worth pursuing, so after finishing high school, I got into modelling full time whilst studying and have kept at it ever since.

Feature: Carey Ciuro- Photographer

I moved to Japan at the start of '13. Early on I watched a Japanese movie about a girl who picks up and just leaves wherever she is on a whim and someone asked her why she does it. Her answer was ‘流れ流れて’ which means ‘flowing stream’ but would translate too ‘well, just one thing led to another’. Japan's rich sense of loyalty, nobility and tradition fascinates me. It's something we Australians don't understand. Our history is so short and new, our only tradition is drinking beer on Australia day. I love 10:15 on Anzac day because it's the only moment we stop, think and respect our past. Every month there’s a historic festival in Japan celebrating a fish or a haircut or something.

6 questions with Timothy Treasure, Photographer

I met Timothy in 2012, and have shot with him a few times since- it's great to see how he developed his style over the years! You can like his Facebook page here, check out his tumblr here and this is his instagram.

1.What did you want to be as a child?
I wanted to be a scientist, believe it or not.

2.Do you remember your first camera?
My first camera was this plastic film camera my sister bought me when I was 10.

3.Who is your favourite photographer?
Oh, that is a hard one. But I have always been inspired by Melbourne-photographer, Jordan Drysdale.

4.What is your biggest source of inspiration at the moment?
Tumblr! It has always been Tumblr! Hashtag TECHNOLOGY KILLED REALITY.

5.Name 3 places you would love to do a photoshoots at
Camden Markets, London. Rue Cambon, Paris. & Budapest.

6.Name 3 people you would love to photograph, dead or alive!
Dame Maggie Smith because I hope to be as sassy as her one day. My Aunt Dawn who I love.
And Florence Welch; she such a siren.

6 questions with Yasitha Amarasinghe, Photographer

Yasitha Amarasinghe is a Melbourne based photographer. Having worked with this talented individual before, I suggest you take a look at his portfolio here and follow his instagram @yasithaphoto.

1. When did you get your first camera?

The first camera that I'd really consider my own was a 5 megapixel Sony Cybershot. It was my family's first digital camera and we bought it to replace my mum's broken film one because we were travelling to visit family in Sri Lanka. I'm still amazed at how many photos I managed to stick onto a 32 megabyte card back in the day.

2. If there was one piece of advice you could give to your younger self, what would it be?
Stop trying to please everyone. And stop trying to be everyone else.

It's really hard to get caught up in, not only the photographers that are around you, but also the photographers that you idolise. I wish I could go back and just tell myself that I needn't worry about trying to be too much like James White, Patrick Demarchelier or Lara Jade - that I should just focus on my own style, no matter how much that changes.


3. Where do you like to photgraph the most?
I don't really have any particular place that I like to shoot mostly. I do like travelling to different places and photographing while I'm out of my comfort zone though. It really pushes you to be a little more creative and not to fall back on things you already know.

4. Name some sources of inspiration or motivation behind your work as a photographer
I actually really, really love cinema and video games. The art direction and framing that some directors use to visually tell a story is really different to the way I feel some still photographers view things. There are very few photographers that I've seen who've translated a moving visual story into a singular frame, but Joey L, for example, is one such photographer where some of the frames he takes make me feel like I'm watching a short clip out of a documentary, even though nothing's moving.

5. 3 items you would take to a lonely island
Ah, that would depend on where the island was - I hate the heat, so can we make it like a temperate one? I'd go with my PlayStation, my camera and Bear Grylls. Gotta be prepared somehow.

6. If you could change one thing about the world we live in, what would it be?
People taking things so one sided-ly, then jumping to conclusions. That's probably not a word, but people need to realise that everything's a spectrum of grey - agreeing with one aspect of something doesn't mean you disagree with others. I'm a bit of an idealist though.

6 questions: Amy Kenny, Make-Up Artist

Since when have you been working as a makeup artist and hairstylist? I started working in retail cosmetics in 1999. I worked my way up to counter manager, and I occasionally freelanced on the side. I have been focusing just on my freelancing for approximately 4 years.

When did you know that this career was for you? I have wanted to do makeup since I was a teenager. I always loved doing my friends' makeup. I'd try to steer them away from their blue eyeliner and encourage them to use more neutral colours. I was torn at the end of high school between going to university, or studying makeup, as I had imagined myself working as a makeup artist. But I studied Environmental Science at University as I was good at maths and science, but I left when my desire to do makeup became too strong.

Where does your inspiration come from? I am often inspired by fashion-clothing colours, textures and styles. But I am also inspired by makeup itself. The colour of a product can set of a whole idea for a look or a shoot. I've had one nail polish give me inspiration for a few totally different shoots! But for my bridal and corporate makeup work, I am inspired by the face of my client, and what will work to enhance their features.

Describe your own beauty/skincare routine - I have very dry skin, so I use Jurlique Replenishing Cleansing Lotion, then Jurlique Rosewater mist or MAC Fix+ spritzed on to the skin. Then I use Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+, and I moisturise with Jurlique Moisture Replenishing Cream. I exfoliate only once every fortnight, and use Hydra Intense masque from Lancome as often as I feel I need to. I cleanse with Clarisonic a few times a week for a deeper cleanse, it leaves my skin feeling really soft and radiant. My lips get dry if I don't look after them. I am loving La Roche-Posay Ceralip and Mecca's new Lip De-Luscious Overnight Lip Conditioner.

What is your favourite feature about yourself and can you recommend any products to enhance one's natural beauty? I am obsessed with brows and I am lucky mine grew back after some over plucking when I was younger. They look pretty good now, although I do tint them and pencil them in to enhance them.
I think natural beauty comes from within, if you are a happy and kind person, it shows on the outside. Although a bit of blush and mascara helps too!

List your top 3 make up and/or beauty products-
1. Lancome Hypnose mascara in Noir (I don't leave the house without it).

2. Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturiser

3. Mecca Lip De-Luscious Overnight Lip Conditioner or Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ (It's too hard to choose)

Is there a piece of advice you'd like to give any up-and coming makeup artists? Assist someone who's work you admire. I didn't know about assisting when I first started, and I think I would have had a lot more confidence those first few years had I assisted another artist.

Have a look at Amy's portfolio here and follow her instagram account @amykennymakeup 

I'm looking to feature creatives more regularly on this blog, so if you work in the fashion industry, feel free to drop me a message here

Josephine Giles, Model

 I've always had an interest in modelling, but never thought I would get anywhere with it until I got casted by an agency director on facebook. I really enjoy how many new and interesting people I get to meet as a part of my job. However, I am also a year 12 student at an all girls school and feel that I get look at differently because I am a model. The stigma attached to it can be challenging at times. It's hard to fit into all the things you're expected to. What makes me mad though is people that won't let you have your own opinions.

I tend to blog, play with my dogs and drink a lot of tea in my free time- if I get any. T2 Chai Tea is the best. I'm obsessed with Catsclaw vitamins because I feel a lot better since taking them. Also, the newly opened Honey Birdette store at my local Westfield is pretty great.

 

The top 3 items on my bucket list are 

to trave the world, 

to write a book 

and to send a message in a bottle and get a response. 

Feature: Bonnie Kay- Stylist

I grew up in Melbourne, in the eastern suburbs. I love that Melbourne is super multicultural and how different cultures and styles are openly embraced. Different parts of Melbourne elude a certain style or vibe, and being surrounded by them has given me the confidence to push boundaries with my personal style as well as with my work.
In my opinion good wardrobe essentials include some black skinny jeans, a black dress with lace detailing, a black blazer and the classic white oversized tee paired with some brown or tan lace up boots, a pair of tan loafers or white converse low tops. A black hat can add to any outfit- I love neutral colours.
I am obsessed with Chanel's perfume bottle bag and any acrylic and plastic apparel and accessories- it's one of my favourite trends this season.

I didn't realize I wanted to do styling until I finished my Interior Design Course at RMIT and felt like I needed to do something a bit more hands-on. Studying visual merchandising and gaining work experience has helped me to decide what I want to do, and I love the styling industry. Although it's tough on the bank, sourcing clothing and props is enjoyable to me. I usually gather inspiration from a particular garment and explore from there. The hardest part is to wait for the pictures from a shoot! 

style file: Peter

“Black is modest and arrogant at the same time. Black is lazy and easy - but mysterious. But above all black says this: "I don’t bother you - don’t bother me".” ― Yohji Yamamoto

 My current obsession/ favourite trend:

There are a lot of things happening that excite me. I guess the thing I most identify with at the moment is nineties revival, I predicted it years ago and I really enjoy being able to wear clothes that the cool kids were wearing when I was a kid. Doc Martens, denim jacket and round shades and I'm good to go.

I regularly shop at SAXONY or eBay and Thrift stores.

My inspiration:

I get inspired by Vivienne Westwood and Yohji Yamamoto who are my two favorite designers, and I guess that sums up my style pretty well. I love the intersection of East and West, clashing, bold prints, traditional meets punk. When I was younger I had an obsession with dressing like an anime character or a Japanese pop star and I don't think I ever really grew out of that. I still adore that flamboyant, bold style and I admire the power-clashing that Harajuku kids have mastered. 

There's a classic vintage undercurrent to my style. Growing up my parents gave me a very traditional upbringing, more like the 1920's than the 1990's, and their style is still imprinted from that time. I remember watching my dad get dressed up in a grey suit and brogues and that image of a classic gentleman is an ideal I continue to strive for today. I've been very to have a lot of very close friends who have amazing style and strong opinions about aesthetics and fashion and every day I learn something new about a style, a designer or a movement from them and I integrate all of these things into my own personal style, as tiny brush stokes into a complete painting.

Follow me on instagram and check out my facebook page
*Photographer picture 1,2 Skullwindows Photography; picture 3,4 by Timothy Treasure Photography. Styled by Peter Sabbath.

Wanda Waller - make-up artist

How I got started in the beauty industry:

For the first 17 years of my life I lived in Poland and since I can remember, every day on my way to school, I would stop for few minutes in front of a magazine stand and admire all the overseas magazine covers, especially Vogue. I was also always very curious about skin care and cosmetics, what’s in them, how they work and how they feel on the skin, but I'd never thought about becoming a make-up artist until my gap year after finishing high school. By that time, most of the books I owned, and most of my free time, was spent on doing something related to the beauty industry -like researching new products online or watching YouTube make-up videos. Although I was doing all that, I still hadn't connected the dots and never had never even thought about being a make-up artist, until one day my dad pointed it out to me. During my gap year I saved all the money I made working as a barista to be able to do a course called “Diploma of Specialist Make-up Services”. I finished it in December 2012, and since then I've been a  full time freelance make-up artist. Check out my facebook page here or follow me on instagram @MakeupByWanda

My favourite skincare products:

1. Bioderma Crealine H2O Solution – amazing make-up remover and toner that won’t irritate even the most sensitive eyes.

2. La Roche Posay – basically their whole skin care line. I love French cosmetics!

3.  MILK beauty wipes with dual sided technology – basically the best exfoliating wipes out there.

4. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream is a fragrance free – multi-use product. I'm a big fan of products that are free of any fragrance.

5. Lush lip exfoliant – comes in variety of flavours and the best part is that you can just lick it off after using it as it's made of sugar!

My favourite make-up products: 

1.MAC Strobe cream – for that editorial glow. It also contains a multitude of great ingredients that will benefit your skin.

2. Kevyn Aucoin curling mascara which comes in slim red tube – the best mascara I've ever used. The formula helps the most straight lashes stay up. I always use eyelash curler before applying any mascara.

3. Inglot Matte lipsticks – better formulated than most high end lipsticks and it won’t dry out your lips.

Final question: mascara or lipstick?

I'm all for educating people about what their best features are, so if you already have amazing lashes, or you've got eyelash extensions, then I would go with a lipstick. You can use the lipstick on your lips (obviously) but also on your eyes and cheeks! But if you already have amazing cheeks and/or your natural lip colour is amazing, then I would go with the mascara, which you can also use as a liner.

    And this look: Wanda by Wanda 

Marie: actress, stylist, world traveller

I’ve always wanted to be actress. Literally, since I could talk, acting was pretty much the only thing on my mind. Instead of following this dream after high school, I moved to Montreal for three months, then to NYC for another three months- this trip was all about finding myself. Initially I wanted to go to acting school in New York, but I had to return to my hometown, Vienna, where started studying law and also landed a job at Biber Magazine*. I am proud to say that I am their online fashion editor and I still work as a freelance stylist.

Over all this time I never lost my ambition to become an actress- from my experience you can do whatever you want and be whoever you want if you only put your mind to it. Once I dropped out of Law School I got into acting school and I have never looked forward to anything so much. When it comes to actresses- I really admire Natalie Portman’s ability to transform- as Padmé in Wars to Jane Foster in Thor- she can play anyone. I really want to see the day when a black actor wins an oscar in a movie you would usually see a white actor in. My goal: to become a reknown black actress in the German Speaking film industry. 

Aurelia Bode- model, cat lover, people enthusiast

Personally, I believe that whatever you put into something is what you get back from it- whether it is work, art or a relationship, so I always try to do my best. I really want to be more positive and achieve more this year, which is one of the reasons I wanted to launch ‘we bode’. I love people, especially ones that try to be creative and I believe in fairness. Just because someone is deemed important, their opinion is not neccessary more valid than anybody else’s.

When I started modelling i had very low expectations, and whenever someone asks me how I got so successful, I laugh- I used to work three jobs in London and I still haven’t completely figured out what I want to do with my life.