Front Desk Supervisor by day, International MUA by Night – Slavomira

Mess mag caught up with Slavomira, a Runway, Fashion and Editorial Make-up artist from Czech Republic. With his unique style and passion for being a make-up artist, Slavomira talks to Freshmess about his journey as an artist in London.

Who is Slavomira? Tell us a little about yourself.

I would like to believe I am a hard working person who has found herself in makeup and trying to fulfil her dream. Originally from Czech Republic I moved to London five years ago. I have a day job as a front desk supervisor but after hours I’m a makeup artist with a huge passion for fashion and editorial makeup. I don’t take anything for granted- constantly working on skills and want to switch to a full time makeup artist.

Did you always know you wanted to be a MUA? How did you go about starting the profession?

Not at all! I studied at a Business Academy without any real idea what to do after. I came from a small town where there isn’t much opportunity and after a couple of years doing office work I felt I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t try and make a career in a field I felt passionate about.

I moved to London and started working as a receptionist all while looking around. London is a very inspiring city from a fashion and makeup point of view so I did not have to look for very long. It came to me itself. I saved up money for schools and earned certificates. I studied at the London school of Makeup and then I discovered an amazing international school in Prague which gave me the confidence I needed to be a makeup artist. I’m still in touch with my them and, as a make-up artist, I’m constantly working on improving my skills. So much so, I will be returning for more training in other techniques.

I can see that your work reflects edgy and cool meets high fashion. Is this your style and how and where do you get your inspiration from?

I think I would like to go even further and be more edgy – I say with a cheeky grin – I would like that to be my style but I also love really clean glow red carpet makeup looks. Admittedly, I’m actually a big fan of all the glam and glitz of red carpets and movie premieres! The scenes helped knock my interest in makeup and glamour. Saying that, there are a lot of styles I like. Usually photographers contact me with their idea or vision or they refer to a certain photo from my portfolio they liked and want to experiment with.

How did you know that being a MUA is what you wanted to do and why?

It’s a great feeling when your work is appreciated. To work with a team of creative individuals and to see the passion they have for their profession is a completely different feeling… that’s my driving force. I remember my first photoshoot with an amazing fashion photographer who works in both London and New York. He asked me to do makeup for his shoot and after the shoot we ended up going through the pictures- he loved them so much that he said it gave him chills! I have never felt that about any previous job.

What has been your favourite project so far and explain why?

Every project is unique and about something else. I have met very talented people and the fact they chose me for their project has been a real honour for me. I could not get a better compliment.

I can see that you have done runway, photo shoots and fashion editorial. Which one is your favourite to do and why?

To be honest, I really can’t say! I love everything. Sometimes I just like to follow fashion which is the runway case or sometimes I follow a photographer’s idea or sometimes I like to create something entirely new by myself. Even jobs you may not particularly feel like doing may very well lead to something else.

Have you always been passionate about being a MUA? Explain why.

Since I have started to do makeup, yes. You cannot do it without passion.

ZdenekBuchlakphoto — Photographer – Zdenek Buchlak

What advice do you have for MUAs starting out?

Follow your dreams, most definitely. Nothing is impossible. Do not be put off when you fail, it’s a necessary learning experience. You just have to learn from your mistakes, that’s all. There are many ways how to start… find the one which suits you and your goal the most.

Where does your inspiration come from?

From everywhere. There is so much inspiration around. It can be from magazines, television, experimenting or even from the streets. If I could name someone, it would probably be Paul Merchant. He has been an inspirational figure and I adore his work!

What is next for Slavomira the MUA?

I hope to turn my passion into a full-time career! Television has always been my calling and I would love to work internationally! As I’ve said before, the Sky’s the limit and if I work hard enough I know I’ll be heading in the right direction.