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Allison’s interview with Voyage Phoenix mag!
August 25, 2018 By  Allison With  0 Comment
In  Blog  /  Technique/How-to

 

Check out the article here: http://voyagephoenix.com/interview/meet-trailblazer-allison-pynn/

Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Pynn.

Allison, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I began doing makeup/hair when I was 4 years old. I took it very seriously & loved decorating my Barbies, sisters & anyone that would let me! My background is all in fine art & have been drawing and painting since I was a toddler. I saw makeup & hair as another form of my art & continued to practice through my teen years & into adulthood. I’ve never taken a makeup class in my life & don’t really think you can “learn makeup”- it’s an art & you have to develop your own style. The best “makeup education” I ever received is from taking art classes … how to create symmetry, color theory, how to view objects differently, product manipulation, etc… and styling hair is just like sculpting clay.. all things I learned in art classes.

I grew up wanting to be an animator for Disney or a gallery artist. However, when I was in my early 20’s, I had a “crossroads moment” & someone asked me to start a makeup business with them. It had never dawned on me to do makeup as a career, I just did it my entire life because I was passionate about it! I decided I would go for it on my own & go all the way- not as a hobby, but as a serious career doing celebrities, editorials, campaign ads – I wanted the big guns! I prayed & stayed the course, even as a single mom, I worked every single day at getting my name out there, working every job that came my way (no matter the pay or client), I was obsessed. It took a few years of some struggle, but my hard core determination never faltered. I began my career in 2004 & I’ve been a full-time makeup artist ever since!

Has it been a smooth road?
My biggest struggle was getting my name out there & getting in front of the right people so they’d hire me. I didn’t know any other makeup artists & never assisted anyone so I started with NO help. I would cold-call photographers & productions companies & offer my work, I joined networking groups & showed up to every event I was invited to. There was no social media, no way to get exposure other than just showing up to events & trying to meet all the right people. Artists now have it so much easier in that respect- I worked SO hard for my exposure!

My advice to anyone beginning a career is DON’T STOP. If you know in your gut, you are meant for a particular calling & have a passion for it, put on horse-blinders & work every single day at it. There is something you can do every day to practice, get exposure, meet people, do whatever it takes to live the life you want. Live it now like you already have it. Start today & DON’T STOP!

We’d love to hear more about Allison Pynn, Makeup Artist.
I do makeup/hairstyling for TV/Print/Video production. I come on set with my makeup kit, meet with the art director, photographer or producer to discuss the look I need to create. In the timeframe, I’m given (sometimes 1 hour, sometimes only 20 min.), I create the look on the talent, test it for approval & then, I stay on set throughout the shoot for touch-ups & often redo the makeup/hair to create more looks. I also act as an assistant to the talent & do whatever I can to help a shoot run smoothly. I see myself as a member of the team – jumping in anywhere I can to help (whether it’s holding a reflector, grabbing a drink for someone, & have even jumped in front of the camera to fill in as talent if needed!)

The makeup style I’m known for is GLAM. Usually a variation of soft glam to full smoky eyes & big hair – I love it!

I think what sets me apart from other artists (aside from my makeup style) is my attitude & willingness to be a team player. I love having fun while I’m working too- this is such a fun job!

Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
I grew up in a rather tense household – an environment where I became really good at assessing the room & everyone in it so I knew what people needed. This has helped me tremendously in being able to be a team player at work. A lot of people in this industry can be very sensitive & I can very easily pick up on what people need & help often before they even ask. I listen, know when to appropriately joke, start a fun conversation, grab something before it falls, make people feel comfortable & help people feel their best.

I also used to work in retail & bartend. I can get along with ANYONE, steam clothes & help style wardrobe on set – big assets to my job!




Author

Allison Celebrity makeup & hair artist ALLISON PYNN is an expert in the makeup industry. Allison has worked with top clients such as John Frieda, People Magazine, E!, CNN & MTV...& the faces of Paula Abdul, America Ferrera, Imagine Dragons, Sarah Palin & Bret Michaels. Allison specializes in HD Makeup, Hair Styling, Tattoo Coverage, & is an award-winning Body Painter. In addition, Allison always comes to the set with a great attitude & loves to have fun while she works!






  • Allison Pynn. This woman is talent.  I like to call her a ninja of all trades.  She applied individual lashes in .2 seconds, never allowed me to look shiny under the lights and had everything from her brushes to fashion tape in her makeup belt.  She got it, every aspect of what could possibly be needed.  It’s nice to work with people who really care and understand.

    Jeannine Morris

    Top Beauty Editor as seen in Cosmopolitan & Glamour Magazine

    Allison is the best in the business. Having been on TV for more than 15 years as a TV reporter and anchor, I've worked with many makeup artists.  Today as a publicist I rely on Allison to make all my clients look their best before a TV news interview or major speaking engagement.  For the most magical day of my life, my wedding day, I wouldn't dream of trusting anyone else with my hair and makeup than Allison Pynn. She's the best kept secret... that is, for now.  If I could give her 10 stars, I would.  This rating scale only goes up to five.  She's professional, yet personable, an absolute joy to work with and every person she touches not only looks like a million bucks... but Allison makes you FEEL like a million bucks!

    Tess Dumlao

    TV Reporter & Anchor, Publicist

    Allison Pynn is the most professional, diverse and hard working make up artist I have worked with. If I show her an image, she can create it. Her broad spectrum of looks for hair and makeup are mind blowing. On set she is completely tuned into to every detail. She doesn't sit around on her cell phone, she jumps in and helps the shoot in any way possible. Her work ethic, talent, and willingness to assist, differentiate her from any other artist. Allison is an asset, and my preferred makeup artist.

    Kim Dolan Leto

    Celebrity Athlete, Writer & Model

    I've had the great pleasure of watching Allison work on several occasions and she is absolutely phenomenal. She is a pro.. Hands down!

    Carpe Diem Images Photography

    Choosing Allison to do my makeup and hair for my wedding was one of the best decisions I've made in my life. Allison did an amazing job. I felt beyond beautiful and people would not stop complimenting me and saying how gorgeous I looked. I wish I could get married again just so Allison could make me look that beautiful again! Looking that great was one of the best parts of the wedding. Allison always responded to my phone calls and e-mails and was punctual each time she came. Having her come over made the whole "getting ready" time easy and stress-free! She also did my maid of honor's makeup - Allison made her look even more beautiful than she already is the first time she met her. My makeup and hair stayed on the whole night. Allison also gave me a pot of lip gloss in case I needed a touch up. She is talented, professional, very easy to work with, and extremely friendly. I don't know what more I can say, except that I would recommend Allison to all brides who want to look amazing on their special day.

    Danielle

    bride

    I LOVE Allison! She has an amazing talent for makeup. It was absolutely stress-free. I felt confident that she would make me look my best without looking overdone! And she did! I felt I was so lucky to get her. My hair and make up were PERFECT. Not to mention that I didn't even require any touch-ups through the night. I can't tell you how many people have asked me who did my make-up that day! I would absolutely recommend her to anyone that wants to look unbelievable on their wedding day. (I'm pretty sure that's everyone!)

    Shannon

    bride

    Allison Pynn is a true artist! She listens to what you want and delivers it better than expected. She was on time, courteous, professional, personable and know what she's doing. I look forward to another big event when I can get my hair & makeup done again. I highly recommend Allison Pynn!

    Michelle

    I loved working with Allison, she was wonderfull!!!! I highly recommend her she knew exactly what I wanted and did a beautiful job doing it. She has a true talent for what she does I am glad I went through her and I am positive I will use her services again. Thanks Allison!!!

    Lindsay

    Allison is always our first choice when it comes to hiring a makeup artist for a shoot. Her enthusiasm and professionalism are unmatched. As an on-the-set stylist, her keen eye helps us create amazing images that require minimal post-production. In addition to achieving amazing results, she always helps our clients feel comfortable and 100% at ease. We highly recommend her services!

    Tony & Char Mandarich

    Photographers

    Allison Is absolutely AMAZING!!!! I will definitely use her again for the next big event I have! In fact, I will never even consider having anyone else do my makeup for me ever again.....she really is that good!

    Dacia

    Allison was absolutely fantastic! I never imagined I could feel so pretty! She is a gifted artist. I wish I could hire her to come over every week!! She is incredibly easy to be around and makes you feel completely comfortable. She listens carefully to what kind of look you want and works magic with BOTH hair AND makeup! I would HIGHLY recommend Allison to anyone (and I already have)!

    Erin

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