Meet Alisha Bailey | Makeup artist IATSE 706

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alisha Bailey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alisha, we’d love to hear more about your end-goal, professionally.
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Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In the early 90s, I moved to London from a small town to pursue a career as a makeup artist. I managed to get a job working at a popular makeover studio called Covershots. I had no formal training, so I taught myself everything I needed to know about makeup at this studio. Alongside working there, I was testing with photographers and working with editorial magazines to build up my portfolio, thus meeting new clients. Eventually, I was able to leave Covershots and support myself as a jobbing freelance makeup artist, working on fashion shows, and lifestyle, corporate and editorial photoshoots. I have always had a passion and drive for my craft, building up my portfolio and resume and kept working at it. After working for about 10 years, I signed with my first agency (MJ the Agency), which elevated my career, and I started working on commercials and bigger jobs. By this time, I was in my mid-30s, a single mom with two children, juggling being a freelance makeup artist in London while looking after my children at home. In the 2010s, I moved into live broadcasting and mainly commercials, which expanded my portfolio. Six years ago, I made the jump and moved to Hollywood to try and make it in the film industry. It was like starting all over again, but I put my head down and worked harder than I ever have in my life, and I have recently joined the IATSE Local 706 makeup artist union – which is the achievement I am most proud of in my career. Now, I am lucky enough to be represented by my very supportive agent Jamie with Rouge Artists, and my future feels brighter than ever.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Here is my itinerary for a fun 24 hours, hitting all of the hot spots in LA. We are starting off in downtown LA, taking inspiration from all of the art deco architecture, grabbing coffee at the Biltmore Hotel, then over to Union Station, then head up to Hollywood to catch a glimpse of a premiere at the Chinese Theatre. Then we’ll head over for lunch at the iconic Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood. After lunch, we’ll walk it off with a nice hike at Runyon Canyon, taking in the amazing views of Los Angeles. After working up an appetite, we’ll go and have dinner at Yamashiro in the Hollywood Hills. To finish off the evening, we’ll take in a nightcap at the Roosevelt Hotel, then head home.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The first person to inspire me to become a makeup artist was Mary Greenwell, who is a British makeup artist from the 80s who still works to this day. Then in the early 90s, I took enormous inspiration from the the landmark book The Art of Makeup by Kevyn Aucoin. His work and legendary artistry continues to inspire me to this day. From my early teens to present day, I have drawn complete inspiration from the musician Prince – his visionary work ethic, individuality, and his totally unique form of creativity. In more recent years, I am lucky enough to be inspired each and every day by my husband, Trent Babbington. His positivity, creativity and drive to always do better in life has inspired me to be a better person. With him by my side, it makes it so much easier to be the artist I am today.

Website: alishabailey.net

Instagram: alishahairmakeup

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/alishabailey

Facebook: facebook.com/alishabaileyhairandmakeup

Image Credits
Pic2 – Photographer: Erik Umphery Pic4 – Model: Marina Romashina, Photographer: Kookwtf Pic5 – Model: Marina Romashina, Photographer: Kookwtf Pic6 – Model: Bianca Pic7 – Jade Albany, Photographer: Jason Rivera, Hair: DaRico Jackson Pic8 – Model: Angelica Salek, Photographer: Kookwtf