Romy Zack graduated from CMU in 2012. Her work has been featured in FASHION magazine, Vogue Italia and Refinery29 and she has worked with top-tier brands Nike, Holt Renfrew, Mejuri among others. Continue reading to learn more about Romy and her journey as a professional makeup artist.
What inspired you to pursue a career in makeup artistry?
As a child I was always very interested in my mom’s makeup and her skincare routine. I really enjoyed making my mom feel beautiful. However, growing up never knew that being a makeup artist was a career option. I would say I became inspired to pursue a career in makeup when I met an artist at a wedding when I was 18. I was amazed by the way she did makeup and more importantly, the way she made people feel. I wanted to enhance people’s beauty and help them to feel their most beautiful.
What is your favourite thing about being a Makeup Artist?
What I enjoy the most about my career is that every job is a new challenge and an opportunity to be creative. It’s a chance to work with new people and connect. I find it very rewarding to be able to work for myself and to set my own goals.
Why did you choose CMU? What program did you enroll in and why?
CMU came highly recommended tom me from the very first makeup artist I assisted. She was an incredibly talented artist and I trusted her opinion. I remember taking a tour and being very impressed by the environment and the instructors. I took the fashion photographic makeup program. I knew I wanted to work in fashion and advertising. I felt that particular program really spoke to me and the kind of makeup I wanted to do.
What did you enjoy most about attending CMU?
I really enjoyed watching the instructor’s demo for the look we were going to be learning that day. I found it to be really engaging to watch the instructors and learn from their process.
What’s the most important skill you learned at CMU?
How important having a good work ethic is to having a successful career. Also maintaining professionalism while on the job!
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?
Being a successful makeup artist to me is not only about your talent; it’s really about the way you treat people and the level of professionalism you conduct yourself with. You always want to show people kindness, respect, and that you care about your work.
After graduating, how did you get started working in the industry?
After I left CMU, I assisted many different artists in the industry for several years. Assisting is a very important aspect of educating yourself as a makeup artist. Through assisting I learned about set etiquette, how to work efficiently, and how to handle myself in any situation.
What jobs have you been working on since graduating from CMU?
Since I left CMU I’ve worked with a lot of wonderful brands in Toronto! I’ve worked with Nike, Mejuri, Kotn, Holt Renfrew, and Shoppers Drug Mart just to name a few.
From Sabrina Carpenter and Refinery29 to Nike and Vogue Italia; what has been your favourite experience on the job so far?
One of the most gratifying experiences I think anyone has on set is when your expectation meets reality. When you’re looking at the monitor and you feel pleased with the work you’ve done.
What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from being on set?
Always be engaged and attentive on set. Whether you’re assisting or keying it’s integral to be organized and make sure your work is carried out with precision and care.
Where do you find your inspiration for your makeup looks?
I love going to botanical gardens and seeing all the different colour combinations among the flowers. Nature is an excellent place to find inspiration.
What else do you hope to accomplish in the future? Any dream projects?
With things starting to open up, I’m excited to finally be able to go to family events and to be doing my mom’s makeup!
We recently announced our “Avenue for Access” scholarship aimed to build crews that represent the diversity of the Canadian population. How important is it to cultivate a space for representation within the makeup industry for people in BIPOC communities?
Representation within the field of hair and makeup artistry is very important. We all have a role to play in enhancing diversity and inclusion within the beauty industry. It is crucial to hone your skills as an artist in order to ensure everyone feels beautiful and is treated with professional care that meets their unique needs.
One change I would like to see is that beauty school curriculum offer more thorough and culturally safe education about different hair textures and the appropriate products and styling methods that must be used in order for clients and talent to look and feel their best.
To see more of Romy, make sure to follow her on Instagram @romyzack or visit her website.
