Transitions...

And so it goes...last week was a trying one for me.  The expression on my face below pretty much sums it up; attempting to put on a somewhat presentable face while struggling on the inside. 

 

Initially I was feeling all the way down until I realized that I have been through a few of these transitions and they usually turn out for the best in the end.  

It hurts to realize friends you were once close with are no longer there or even worse that they have moved on with other friends when all of you used to roll together...and with no explanation...

It sucks to have to decline participation in things that you know would be amazing for your career but your coins arent quite right to make it happen...

Relationships are always hard work but when forced to look at yourself in the mirror instead of being so quick to point the finger at others is even harder...

Trying to balance your dreams with the responsibility of parenting, I mean come on!  No brainer we all know that isnt easy even if you do not have children of your own.

and so here I am.

A week later and while I do not consider myself a very religious person I do have my quiet meditation moments and time to reflect and I realize that all that took place last week is preparing me for whats next. 

Though I had some tough things to deal with they will only prove to empower me.  

Though I had to look at the things I need to change about myself I also was able to be a part of some amazing moments of positive transition for others (makeup for weddings and proms) and I think that's when the light-bulb moment happened.

I know its all very vague but I have to balance sharing without revealing too much.  So this blog will also transition a bit...I love beauty, that hasn't changed, but I want this space to be more personal.  It is Shana Janelle On...after all and that can really encompass anything I want to speak ON.  And so I will. 

Thank you for sticking with me as always and stay tuned!

Diary of an MUA: on set talk

This week has been super busy!  So much so that the posts I had in mind to send out got pushed WAY back.  Lets play some catch up this week shall we?

This weekend I had a shoot for an upcoming shoe designer who is launching her website in a couple of months.  She takes a shoe that you purchased a while ago or you think is boring or you just feel like revamping and turns it into a work of art.  Great concept and talented young woman.  You can follow her on twitter or contact her via Facebook for more info.

I wanted to share a few behind the scenes photos as well as the conversation shared amongst the MUAs, stylist and hair stylists.

(fake close up pics are of the models I did - gold and black and the one with the red highlights)

It was a great shoot with a great team!  Not one attitude in the bunch and I loved every single second of it (even though I had to get up at 3a to get to the shoot on time!  LOL)  I cant wait to see the final images.  Also check out the fabulous, talented and HILARIOUS Emore'J Couture on YouTube where he will be posting a behind the scenes video of the shoot.  I did NOT get on camera but the other two MUA's did so you can get an idea of the look and see the fun we had. 

Now the conversation - we were talking about the personalities that you come in contact with in this industry.  One of the MUA's stated that they think they prohibit themselves from some things because they tend to go over the line on set, etc., and that they should probably stay on the line, I chimed in that maybe even behind the line in order to be even more successful. 

I loved it because since I have been pursuing this profession I have come in contact with ALL types.  I used to wonder if I should try to emulate others in an effort to seem more "cool" or "hip" or "insert terminology that best describes the persona here" but you know what?  Ive been doing pretty good just being me.  I dont need to hype myself up to be something that I am not and I dont need to treat people less than in order to edge out the competition. 

As stated on Twitter last week MUAs and artists in general need to treat each other better.  There's enough work to go around for all of us and we need to operate as a COMMUNITY. 

Its funny because I often run into MUAs that proclaim loudly to everyone within earshot that they are "celebrity makeup artist _____" and I think to myself, thats cool but you dont have to cut your eyes at everyone else because truth be told you may very well be a celebrity mua but trust and believe that each time I am at a non paid gig, I sure enough see you there with me not getting paid!  LOL

I say all this to say be yourself and be humble and be friendly!  You will still go far because your talent will show others that you are worthy of the work. 

I Wanna be an MUA - Fashion @ Artscape: Sew Me What You Got!

Hello my lovely visitors! My life has been consumed as of late with building my portfolio and resume so the product reviews are on hold. I hope you will stick with me through this journey because your support is greatly appreciated. Love you guys!

A week or so ago I was a part of the makeup artist team for Fashion @ Artscape. When I arrived it looked as if most of the models were done so I thought it would be smooth sailing - boy was I wrong. There were shows all day long so about 30 minutes after I arrived the FIRST set of MUA's left and only myself and the Key MUA - Bethany Townes and models walking through the door...talk about PRESSURE!

Thankfully it was a rather simple look inspired by Dior A/W 2007 (I think that is the correct collection) so it focused on a heavily lined eye, flawless skin and a nude lip. Good ol' MAC Blacktrack Fluidline was the star of the show. No behind the scenes photos this time just the end result. Enjoy!

I Wanna Be an MUA - mini updates

As I began this journey I didn't know what to expect or what direction I wanted to take. Makeup Artistry can manifest itself in so many ways - film, print, runway, FX, etc. I have actually had an opportunity to participate in almost every medium thus far and for that I am so so very thankful. I just wanted to post this as an encouragement to those embarking on a similar journey, or you know what, ANY journey. Don't let anything deter you from what you dream of accomplishing. I have encountered so much hate and not even so much the blatant kind, its the sneaky, fake encouraging but really not happy for you in real life variety and I admit I let it get to me in the beginning but as of late, with things really picking up that I realize I must be doing something right so I let it roll of my back. Be encouraged, steadfast and determined, even when it seems like the road is a bit rocky, even if you have to go another route, continue on your journey no matter what.





With that said on to the news!





I did a shoot for a book cover! I don't know the name of the book just yet but it is of the erotica variety. Whenever I go on a gig I take my camera in hopes of getting some on set shots and I always forget or get caught up working that I don't have time to do snapshots. In any event the photographer did send me some preliminary shots that I wanted to share. Due to the nature of the book I will only share one that is a little more appropriate for those viewing while at work:

As you can see it called for a dramatic eye and bold lip. As soon as I receive more info on the book I will let you all know.

I did a wedding! When I first started I was a bit apprehensive but I lucked out with this bride and her family. They were so warm and pleasant that I really enjoyed myself. I don't have the photos yet but stay tuned...

Next up...Baltimore Fashion Week!!! I had my audition last week and I was so nervous I made myself sick...no like for real. I ended up getting stuck in traffic, getting lost along the way, but once I got in the studio and set up I just remained focused and the rest is history! I will be sure to keep you updated on that as well as other things coming up.

I'm doing another film! I had a shoot this past weekend where I had to do a 3 month old bullet wound (again with the no pics Shana!!! sheesh), we should wrap production by the end of August.

That's about it for now (that's enough right?), thanks for stopping by!

The Truth About...Me!

Another reason why I picked the name Tried and Truth Beauty is because I have a penchant for seeking out new products, ideas, and experiences.

I never mentioned this before but I am also a freelance makeup artist. I don't bring it up too often because I am still a work in progress. The day to day life that I lead doesn't afford me much time to devote to honing my craft but I promised myself that in 2009 I would attack it with a renewed vigor by continuing my at home studies and also expanding my knowledge with additional classes.

I invite you to follow me on my journey to reaching a level of artistry that I am proud of. I will share updates on my progress and give info on what I learn along the way. In order to start off this journey I would like to share a pic (more to come) of me on set of my first feature film! I was the lead artist on the movie Hard to Find, which is being released in May of this year. I am so very excited and feel so blessed to have been given this opportunity. The producers are now like family to me and I look forward to working with them on future products. Check out the trailer and let me know if you want to come to the premiere!

~Shana

On set with the beautiful and talented Saudade Stranger aka Sasha!