Meet Lindsay Kastuk | Makeup Artist

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

Hi Lindsay, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I was in a corporate career for my entire life. I went through some pretty traumatic life experiences and then got laid off by my job – right as I turned 30. I took that as a sign to start my life over. I was unhappy in the 9-5 world and I got that push I needed to pursue a creative career. I had been doing makeup as a hobby prior to losing my job and it just felt right to transition into something I actually loved.


Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think with every artist there is something that sets us apart from the next. I believe my story sets me apart from others, but at the same time, is extremely relatable and inspiring. My transition to a creative career was not pretty. I had just moved to NYC for a corporate job. Within my first year in New York I ended an abusive relationship, I turned 30, and lost my job. To say it was tough is an understatement. But, I saw the opportunity to start over! I had been doing makeup at the time, on myself, just as a therapeutic activity. Without any hesitation I knew I wanted to pursue makeup artistry as a career. I poured all of my time into leaning how to do makeup on other people, meeting people in the industry, building a portfolio – you name it. I had absolutely zero knowledge of the industry and what it was like to have a creative career. I had to figure it all out as I went but having a background in corporate really helped me with the business end of my creative profession.


If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I absolutely love showing friends around NYC. I love honestly just walking around Central Park on a nice day. I think that is one of the first stops for sure. Starting on the south east side of Central Park and walking up through to the upper west side is my “go-to” stroll. Also taking the Staten Island Ferry past the Statue of Liberty is a must!


The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My friends, and photographer/videographer duo, Kiera Kussman and Israel Veintidos of Hot Thunderstorm, They brought me on to shoots for some of my first regular clients. They also believe in me and my artistry and are extremely supportive and trustworthy when it comes to creativity. I have always personally admired their work and for them to believe in me, that’s pretty awesome.

Website: www.lindsaykastuk.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/lindsaykastuk

Image Credits
Photo of me (red photo) – Megan Arina Photos 1-3,5-6: Hot Thunderstorm (Kiera Kussman & Israel Veintidos) Photo 4 (gold eye): Molly Tellekson Photo 7&8: Monika Lis (Glamour Bulgaria Magazine)