Arielle Park graduated from CMU’s ‘Complete Makeup Artist’ program in 2017. She gained a curiosity for the makeup industry after participating in CMU’s Summer Makeup Camp as a teenager. Her curiosity quickly turned into creativity and passion, and upon graduating from the diploma program, Arielle has found tremendous success in the industry. Her work has been featured in Interview Magazine and she worked with brands like Roots and Samsung, and collaborated with people like Director X and Pricilla Ono. Continue reading as Arielle discusses with us about her time at CMU, what it was like achieving one of her dreams of working on the Savage x Fenty Vol. 2 show and where she looks to find her makeup inspirations.
What inspired you to pursue a career in makeup artistry?
I fell into this career by accident. I have always been an artist growing up. I remember being seventeen years old and not knowing what field I wanted to get into. I came across CMU’s summer makeup camps for teens and I decided to give it a shot since I’ve always loved doing my own makeup. I took the class and it was my first time ever doing someone else’s makeup. I was terrible, but that didn’t matter; I went into tunnel vision mode. I fell in love with painting moving canvases and I knew that if I practiced, I could grow to become a more skilled and confident makeup artist.
What is your favourite thing about being a Makeup Artist?
My favourite part about being a makeup artist is being able to express myself through art. It’s given me an outlet to create things with people and spread messages through art. It’s fulfilling, fun, and dynamic. I’m grateful to be able to express myself through it.
Why did you choose CMU? What program did you enroll in and why?
Prior to enrolling in the Complete Makeup Artist program, I had no idea there were so many different fields in the makeup industry. It was all so new to me! A large part of why I chose CMU was motivated by my limited knowledge of the industry. I wanted the opportunity to try everything and CMU offered programs that allowed me to explore all the different fields I was curious about.
What did you enjoy most about attending CMU?
I really enjoyed learning SFX and airbrush techniques. These were brand new experiences for me. I hadn’t worked with SFX or airbrush prior to studying at CMU. I really enjoyed the process of improvement and seeing the results I was able to produce.
What’s the most important piece of skill you learned at CMU?
I would say that learning about proper setups, hygiene, and organization were some of the most important lessons I took away. It’s impacted how I prep and work on sets now. Listening to the faculty’s first-hand experience in the field also equipped me with an arsenal of skills and tips on how to approach my career.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of enrolling at CMU? As well as any words of advice for aspiring makeup artists in general?
Rest, self-advocacy, compassion, patience, and dedication. All of these are very important to keep in mind going into this industry. It’s a competitive industry. Don’t give up and keep practicing!
After graduating, how did you get started working in the industry?
Head on and headstrong. I started emailing anyone and everyone. I reached out to assist, to do test shoots, and to do make up on friends. When people didn’t respond, I didn’t take it personally. I just kept going.
You worked on the Savage x Fenty Vol. 2, could you tell us more about what that was like?
The Savage x Fenty Vol. 2 Show was life changing! This was my first experience working on a fashion show and it was also one of the largest teams I worked with. We had done some really beautiful looks and I learned a lot from that experience. There’s power in organized, creative energy and I’m really proud and grateful to have been a part of the team.
Arielle was the assistant makeup artist to Priscilla Ono and Hector Espinal during “Savage X Fenty Show Vol 2” in 2020.
What other jobs have you been working on since graduating from CMU?
Through assisting jobs, I’ve been able to work on covers for fashion magazines, makeup campaigns, music videos, and commercials. With my own jobs I keyed and have worked with Roots, Samsung + Director X, Roy Woods (OVO), Interview Magazine, Schon Magazine, Flanelle Magazine and many more.
Arielle acted as Key Make Up and Hair Artist for Root’s “International Sweatpants Day” Campaign in 2020.
From Rihanna to Megan Thee Stallion, magazines to commercials, what has been your favourite experience on the job so far?
It’s hard to choose one but if I had to, I’d have to say the Savage x Fenty Vol. 2 Show. Working under Pricilla Ono and Hector Espinal was a dream! Both of them are incredibly talented artists I look up to.vI have never had the opportunity to work with a beauty brand like this. It’s been one of my dreams to work on a job exactly like this and it’s an experience that will stay with me all my life. I love what the brand stands for, and I’m so glad I was able to be a part of the show.
Arielle has worked on music videos from artists like Megan Thee Stallion’s “Cry Baby” (2020), Roy Woods’ “Instinct” (2017) & “Something New (2018) and Bryson Tiller’s “Self Made” (2017)
Where do you find your inspiration for your makeup looks?
I find most of my inspiration from Korean magazines, Korean makeup artists, UK makeup artists, movies, Dazed Magazine, nature, and Pinterest. I love doing research on different artists across the globe. When you’re looking beyond the familiar, there are so many different styles, techniques, and intricacies to learn about and from. I also have a collection of Kevyn Acoin books that I adore and often draw inspiration from. I like to go back – back to the beginning of the game.
What else do you hope to accomplish in the future? Any dream projects?
I’m ambitious and I hope to accomplish a lot in my career. Some of my current dreams are to travel for work and to see my work on a billboard and on covers of magazines. I also hope to be able to key in NYFW some day.
If you want to see more of Arielle, follow her on Instagram, @ariellepark and visit her website.
