If I could have a pound for every time someone asked me why I became a make up artist I would probably have about £30.... Ok, so I wouldn’t be rich but £30 is better than nothing. Both Sam and I were inspired to become make-up artists by Maggie Hunt, who also happens to be our auntie (handy).
So I decided to ask my Auntie Maggie a few questions about her life as a make up artist.
BIOGRAPHY
MAGGIE HUNT is a leading name in the fashion and beauty industry, working with top photographers like David Bailey, Terry O’Neill, Lord Snowdon and directors such as Gerard de Thame, Joe Pykta and Tony Kaye. Maggie’s make-up has appeared on covers including Vogue, Harpers, Tatler, Brides, Elle, Cosmo, Company, The Sunday Times and Sunday Telegraph.
This is just a few of the high profile people Maggie has worked with.
The (late and great) Princess of Wales.
HRH The Prince of Wales
Gillian Anderson
Kate Beckinsale
Honor Blackman
David Bowie
Pierce Brosnan
Shakira Caine
Naomi Campbell
Belinda Carlisle
Julie Christie
Abigail Clancy
Simon Cowell
Cindy Crawford
Dame Judi Drench
Agness Deyn
Paul & Linda McCartney
Janet Jackson
Maggie Hunt Questions and Answers.
1.How many years have you been a make up artist for?
I’ve been a make-up artist for 30 years yet I’m still as passionate about it now as I was at the beginning of my career.
2. How did you get into make up?
I became a fashion model in the sixties. I was truly inspired by the make-up of the swinging sixties and models such as Jean Shrimpton and Twiggy; I could relate to these young and successful girls. During this period most photographic shoots did not include a make-up artist, hairdresser or stylist so I was required to be a ‘Jack of all Trades’. Make-up changed dramatically from big wide eyes and pale lips to dark eyes and dark lips (Biba inspired). Then the feeling moved on to romantic and then punk. It was around the punk era that I decided to put my creative flair to good use but I wanted to do it properly as you are only given one chance, so make-up school was on the cards for me.
3. What has been your best job to date?
It is not so much what I perceive to be my best job but the perception of others, so in this case I would have to say having done the make-up of The Princess of Wales and HRH The Prince of Wales for their official engagement photographs shot by Lord Snowdon which where used globally on and in every magazine plus postage stamps.
4. Can you tell us 5 of your favorite products and why you love them?
I would prefer to say that without the use of great make-up brushes you can not achieve glorious make-up. With the use of my choice of brushes I'm able to create beautiful make-up, with all make-up, irrespective of price.
5. Who/What inspires you?
I'm mostly inspired by photographers and their work rather than catwalk make-up but I'm also influenced by films and pop videos.
To name but a few these are some great photographers whose work has inspired me over the years - Steven Miesel, Guy Bourdin, Paolo Roversi, Helmut Newton, Sarah Moon, Barry Lategan, Nick Knight.
Great make-up artists that I have admired over the years - Barbara Daly, Francois Nars, Serge Lutens, Pat McGrath.
6. Who is the nicest person you have worked with?
I do like Paul McCartney and Sarah, The Duchess of York as they are both kind and genuine people but I also work with some really nice models too.
7. How did you get so successful?
It is a combination of many different qualities and not just creativity.As a model I watched many talented make-up artists work and I also watched many untalented make-up artists work so I was able to compare and understand the different emotions a model and myself included would go through with the application of amazing make-up and ugly make-up. So I knew my aim was not just to please myself but also to please the person I was making up. Yet, it isn’t only that, to success you need to be liked and wanted because of your talent, professionalism, dedication, hard work, self-belief, organization, modesty, kindness and these qualities cannot be learnt; methods can be taught, products can be brought but the rest is down to your personality.
8.What do you think is the most difficult thing to do as a make up artist?
There is not much that I’m fazed by as a make-up artist and I love going out of my comfort zone to create looks that I’m truly proud. However the realms of make-up are very broad and I do not venture into an area that I do not cover such as prosthetics.
9. What do you think about your nieces following in your footsteps?
I feel honored that my nieces have wanted to follow in my footsteps; they have the perfect attitude and on top of that they have captured a market which has propelled them into an area that was untouched until now. Although they are both still young they have many years of experience, which has built them into who they are today. Samantha and Nicola are focused on succeeding and with their determination and hard working ethics they will arrive and that pleases me. my sister (their mum) and all the family, which gives encouragement to the younger members of the family and hopefully to all those trying to make it in the world today.
10. Have you got any advise for people starting out?
It doesn’t happen over night, never give up learning, confidence is good, arrogance is not, live and breath make-up, patience is a virtue and dedication is paramount.
