No jinx

It seemed like every time I got really excited about a booking in the past, I would post a facebook announcement of said booking and then it would cancel. It's the nature of work as a makeup artist that a lot of film, tv, commercial, industry work gets postponed, cancelled or otherwise changed. After learning my lesson, I hinted in my last post about some up and coming projects, but didn't want to jinx it :) Now that it is after the fact, I can post that I was hired to do the cover of a national fitness magazine (first national cover!). Look for Muscle and Fitness Hers June/July issue soon on newsstands. I haven't seen the end product yet myself. I also shot 2 workout stories and a "Real Housewives of Columbus" story with 4 local fitness models. They are an affiliate of Shape magazine. All of them were very gracious, humble and kind to work with and I would gladly shoot with any of them again.
The other job I didn't want to jinx was shooting my first national television program/reality show for HGTV. It's called "Raise a Roof: OSU vs Michigan". I did the host Anitra Mecadon's makeup and hair (eek!) for the entire show while she supervised/coached a team of  local volunteers as they redid a playroom/family room for a single Mom and her kids. That is supposed to air sometime in June. I just show up and try to make people look good :)
And lastly, I have been doing a ton of work for photographers lately too. I have had the pleasure of shooting with Shelley Kilgore several times now. She is an up and coming local photographer who loves working with raw backgrounds, and manipulating the lighting. I love the way you can see the detail of the makeup on her pictures. Plus, I have had still been shooting a lot of senior portraits for Elizabeth Sethi photography. I love how she shoots outside in natural lighting, works with a fashion stylist for every shoot- (so the girls don't look cheesy!). And also- I continue to collaborate and get hired on as the artist/stylist for many other photographers. Here are some recent pics:

Jessica Miller Photography

Jessica Miller Photography

Jessica Miller Photography

Shelley Kilgore Photography

Shelley Kilgore Photography

Gwen Capistran DeAngulo photo

Elizabath Sethi Photography

Elizabeth Sethi Photography

Picture the Love Photography (Kim Rottmayer)

Shelley Kilgore Photography

Elizabeth Sethi Photography

Winter weddings, upcoming projects

Hello blog followers, future clients, friends, etc!
This winter and spring I've seen a shift towards booking non-traditional days. I have my first-ever Wednesday wedding this March (3/13/13, anniversary of day they met too), lots of Fridays and Sundays (like a LOT), and more winter weddings than ever. In December I had 4 weddings, January there were 3, and February has brought 2. Also non-wedding work for me has been all over the place: many boudoir sessions/marathons, a TON of trials for future brides, lessons for people who want some new ideas or have no idea :), makeup for a news appearance, makeup (and light hair) for a black tie event, and some really fun things coming up soon.
Sometimes when we get a niche in an industry, it can render us doing similar things a lot. And I LOVE that niche and I really love doing sweet and saucy wedding looks. I also want to stay fresh as an artist, to inspire coming trends and be inspired by changes in fashion and launches in products. To keep on top of this, we have to push ourselves WAY out of our comfort zone. So I decided to put together a group photo shoot with a couple photographers, a fashion stylist, a couple hair stylists and a few makeup artists to push us all out of our comfort zone (we are all wedding specialists, except for the fashion stylist). I am so excited to get some new pictures that will hopefully look like they are more runway inspired than aisle inspired. Stay tuned for that.
In other upcoming projects, I will be shooting my first national magazine spread and cover this coming week for Muscle and Fitness Hers magazine. You never know what every day brings when you get hired for this type of job and that's what keeps it exciting...a little bit scary and will always keep me on my toes. The one thing you leave out of your kit that day will absolutely be the one thing you need the most. And of course you end up using about 6 products out of your several kits that you bring...such an adventure. Those pics will come in a few months.
Also this winter I have had the pleasure of getting to be close friends with 2 fellow artists in town (and another artist I have already been close with- in case she's reading this!). It's awesome to relate on such a specific level to really wonderful women- and let's just say that we happen to be a tongue-in-cheek lot, as many artists tend to be. On that note, my friend and colleague Kelli Ramey (hello!) has gotten me involved recently in Dress for Success. We will begin to do weekly classes with the consumers soon. Kelli did an AMAZING job collecting a TON of products for them and today we spent a couple hours organizing (for those who have worked with me, you know my penchant for a label maker) the bags and bags of donations. Giving back and making people feel wonderful about themselves and also the way they look (of course) is what inspires me to keep doing this.
This isn't makeup related at all, but the other charity I have been an active member of for 4 years is Harmony Project: www.harmonyproject.com. We raise money for the community, give our time to help improve it, and sing to inspire others to do the same (and it's fun music too, not traditional choir music AT ALL). We will be performing at the Southern Theatre in mid-May. I would love for you to come and see/hear what we do. I promise you will not be disappointed! Tickets always sell out though, so buy them as soon as they go on sale.
And now, I leave you with a couple pics of the beautiful winter brides I had the pleasure of doing makeup on:

Pinterest, facebook, and theknot (oh my!)

I know this blog has been lacking in content in the last year or so. With the popularity of pinterest, the ease of facebook and now the unlimited photo uploads of theknot (and weddingwire), I have so many sights to keep up with. I'd love it if you would follow me on these pages and get the latest.

My pinterest handle is joyheartshearts. (Joy Macke)

The facebook page is State of Face Makeup Artistry or : http://www.facebook.com/pages/State-of-Face-Makeup-Artistry/118917978154624?fref=ts

And I'm listed on weddingchannel.com and theknot.com under beauty and weddingwire.com under makeup and hair.

I still plan to blog....just not as frequently as before. See you on all the other sights!

Home studio, reflecting on 2012

This has been a banner year for me personally and for State of Face Makeup Artistry. I just found out that SOF won The Knot Best of Weddings award for the 2nd year in a row, which is truly an honor. I have forged relationships with several new photographers that hire me regularly, so I don't have to rely on weddings (peak season April-November) or commercial work (feast or famine). My commercial client list has grown exponentially and I am getting to know the regulars of that world. And the latest triumph is that my husband and I just closed on a new home- and it has a separate studio in it!

I've gotten so used to going to a separate space for appointments, that it's going to be shockingly easy now. Although, my first appointments in the new space are Saturday of this week, so we'll have to see how my 2 dogs do. They can be a bit barky, as dogs will be. But the lovely upside is that there is a separate entrance clients can use. I am so excited for this somewhat decadent addition to my business/life.

The studio isn't quite photo ready just yet, as I only have my kit, a few chairs and table (empty built-in shelves too). But suffice to say, it's going to be an adorable little space (about 1/2 the size of the old office, but much cuter).

I'll leave you with a few recent pics of my work:


This was a summer wedding that lasted for several days. I got to know the bride, Purvi, really well- and think she's a sweetheart. And hello...gorgeous!

This is a test shoot I did with my recent intern (and husband's cousin), Carolyn. We were working on a look that I was developing with Balletmet Columbus. Those pictures are still being edited, but I got the test shoot photo. I couldn't have asked for a more stunning canvas- her skin is delish. She swears it's the cold-pressed coconut oil she uses on it.

This next photo is my friends' (Chris and Greydan) surprise wedding. They had a private ceremony with only their immediate families, then shot pictures the following day. I was honored to be asked to do makeup for the bride. Greydan loves vintage and wanted a 40's/50's inspired look to go with her overall look. So chic!

The next photo is stunning- love the contrast of her alabaster skin and the deep green grass and how it pops her blue eyes. She is a senior at Upper Arlington High and apparently in the running for valedictorian, a classically trained concert pianist, and future scientist who will probably cure a disease. 

 The last picture was one of my favorite seniors that I worked with. She was so gracious and sweet- and has the most killer fashion sense!

branching out

The last year has really broadened my business. Before it was about 95% bridal and now it's about 60% bridal. The rest is comprised of corporate (website pics and video, inner office video, personal appearances, promotional materials), commercials, senior portraits, boudoir, and lessons/personal artistry. I can't tell you how awesome it is to hear "I wish I could have you come to my home every morning!" many, many times.

On that note, you don't need a wedding if you'd love to just have your makeup done on a random Friday night: email or call me and I'll do my best to accomodate you. Or in the morning for that matter! I WILL come to your house and make you look perfect for the day. Treat yourself like a celeb/real housewife/Kardashian. Birthdays, holiday parties, showers etc are a great time to treat yourself (For those who watch Parks and Rec, as I do "Treat Yo Self").

If you are on Pinterest, I've joined the throngs of ladies who like to pin food, home decor and of course MAKEUP looks. It's a great way to get ideas and be inspired. Also, I love to look at pics at makeup trials with brides or for bridesmaids to show me pics to give me an idea of what they want. Follow me: joyheartshearts. I've only pinned a few looks that I did myself and repin many, many others. I'll include a couple recent shots from a photo session, and a few senior shots from this past weekend.

Thanks to all those who have given me reviews in the last year, referred me to friends, given my name/number/card, and those who reached out to rehire me for non-wedding occasions. You are bringing it to the next level! Please review me if you've worked with me: State of Face Makeup Artistry on weddingwire.com and weddingchannel.com (aka theknot).

Heatwave wedding makeup

The last few summers have been upwards of 5 months long and with unrelenting heat indexes. This one really hit us hard, here in Columbus and the surrounding areas. I've been working on fine tuning the approach to makeup in this weather with the right products and almost as importantly, amount of product. One of my favorite new 'beat the heat' products is the Dermalogica Clearing Mattifier. It's a heavy duty primer that works great to keep skin from getting shiny in the mid-day sun. The key is to use a very small amount on the t-zone, underneath the makeup. It's the option I use on combo or oily skin- otherwise I've been reaching for the classic oil-free Smashbox photo finish.
Getting airbrush application for the foundation really minimizes the amount of product on the face needed to make it look flawless- only a few drops. Less makeup to meltdown.

Then the finishing touch for the complexion is a setting spray. Lately, I've been reaching for the Model in a Bottle. Just a few sprays of it will set the whole face and keep it looking fresh.

These ladies all look flawless, even though they are having outdoor pics taken.

Beautiful new bride photos and a dogbite

After I am done with a wedding, the work is done for that bride and her party officially. But then I try to remain in contact so I get to see the finished photos and how everything lasted throughout the day etc. I just got a couple updates from brides with their absolutely stunning photography that features how their makeup looked when I was doing it, as well as how it looked throughout the day. But all I can see when looking at the one set of photos is my stupid bandaid!

The day before bride Ashley's wedding my husband and I took our new Austrailian Shepherd mix to a park. She is 5 yrs old and until we adopted her she wasn't socialized. There was a guy at the park who started rough-housing with his rottweiller and our dog mistook that cue as something dangerous and she attacked him. 2 pit bulls came to the rott's rescue and all 3 were ganging up on our maladjusted dog. I was trying to break it up and got in the middle of the unfortunate incident with my hand/finger. That was March and it's now June...there are still a couple of marks on my thumb and forefinger. Ashley's photos and all their beauty is marred by that nasty looking bandage. I was just glad to be able to use my hand (I'm a lefty) just fine. My husband broke up the fight and all the dogs got away from it without incident- and my life transferred onto the photos for her wedding....:)

In the family

Photography: Picture the Love

Since being in business for the last 4 years, there have been many girls that were bridesmaids that became brides, many sisters of the bride that became the bride so on. In the last few weeks it seems that many of my clients feel like they are becoming part of the State of Face Family. Not only do I love referrals because it's more business, but really because I get to revisit past brides and maids. The bride in this pic, Amanda, was referred to me by the photographers at my own wedding and her sorority sister. Her "little sister" was a bridesmaid in her actual sister's wedding 2 years ago. After hearing my name from 2 different people, she finally called me up and we did a trial. Then she booked me. Then I did her makeup for her engagement photos (see post below), then for New Year's Eve, then for her shower, then finally her wedding. I love that not only was I referred to her by people who already worked with me, but that I got to know her face and personality so well leading up to her special day. It's a great honor to be part of someone's big day and I'm so fortunate to have lots of special days with lots of special people. You're part of the State of Face family forever!
Thanks to all the brides and vendors that are part of my "family"!

2012 Wedding season and a fun photo shoot

This season is getting started for REAL this Saturday. I have 2 bridal parties and it doesn't quit on almost all Saturdays and lots of Fridays and Sundays for the year. I was really hoping that the forecast of 65 and sunny would hold and it looked good until about 2 days ago: The brides this weekend are going to need an extra positive group surrounding them since it'll be 45 and rainy.

So far the trials I've had this year (and the few weddings that came early) have been erring towards slightly more sultry looks than the past couple. I think people in Ohio may finally be ready to come out of their shell. Although, I still love a super soft look too :)

If you're interested in booking a wedding party with me- contact asap. If I am not available, I can recommend another artist for you that will travel on location.

Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to work with a new to town photographer, Corey Chattman. He was wonderful to do all of the photoshoot arrangements, which I often take part in. He booked a space (Heyman Talent agency), a clothing stylist, hair stylist (will update with their info), and the models (4 out of 6 were also Heyman Talent models...and I think they signed a 5th on the spot). It was overall a really creative and great day on the shoot- getting to play around with colorful and edgy looks. Some of my favorites are below.

Quick change artist

A few months ago I was booked on this photo shoot for the CEO of foot petals (those cute inserts to make high heels/sandals/other uncomfortable shoes more comfortable). What I didn't realize was that I wouldn't be doing just one look on her, but I 5 total looks in 5 hours: Both makeup AND hair. That time included the shooting time, the wardrobe time. It was a pretty solid test of my abilities and I think the pictures came out really well. These are the only ones I've seen, as many times on this type of shoot you don't get any pictures afterwards. This was directly from the photographer's (Micheal Bosworth) website.

State of Face is evolving!

It's been 3 months since the last update and I wouldn't want anyone to think that I'm not out here working hard! Over the last couple of years, my business has been growing a lot- always a good thing. I tend to book for a Saturday wedding on a prime Saturday VERY early (usually multiple bookings for all Saturdays March-November) and even Fridays and Sundays are booking up early on some days. In addition to that, I'm finally getting a lot of corporate/commercial/video/film work too. There are actually a lot of production companies that work in Central Ohio and I have been fortunate enough to make connections with people and start working regularly doing this type of makeup.
Since there aren't as many weddings throughout winter, this has been great to stay busy. The most recent jobs have been with Ohio Health on a web video, Mettler Toledo on another web video that was with actors over several days (it's really cute!), and just wrapped a shoot for a national commercial spot. My makeup focus on these types of shoots tends to be taking red out of the skin, keeping things smooth and matte, grooming flyaway hairs, brows, and being ready for anything. My kit is getting reorganized a lot to accommodate for new needs- like cream foundations. For these shoots, I end up using a matte cream to powder palette from Senna Cosmetics that I bought last year at a trade show. But my list of product WANTS is growing: A palette called RCMA which has dozens of cream foundations and is a pro staple. And I've heard years worth of raves about the Beauty Blender sponge, but with doing airbrush makeup, there was no need for sponges. Well....now good sponges are critical. (And they must be wet with water to give a natural and flawless blend for High Def cameras). I will post links to new work if I get them! :)
I hope you're making it through the winter, though a mild one in Central Ohio, and seeing some sunshine.

A passion for fashion

A lot of women consider themself to be a slave to fashion. This was certainly the case for bride, Genevieve, who works in the industry. It can be a little intimidating to do someone's makeup who has such a specific idea and knows their stuff with all things magazine worthy. (I mean, her soon-to-be husband bought her a Burberry trench as a wedding gift!) But Genevieve immediately put me at ease. She said her favorite stores were H&M and Forever 21. (Mine are TJ Maxx and Target FYI). And I forgot that I was dealing with such a gorgeous stylish person and just felt like we were friends working together to create her vision. She was all about matte, matte, matte. Typically I am all about glow, glow, glow. I gave her what she wanted and it actually ended up being one of my favorite bridal looks I created this year. It's good to step out of your go-to and stretch your vision of "bridal". She showed me a SUPER smokey look on Blake Lively (major runway look), but said "I'm afraid of eyeliner". That, my friends, is what I get paid to do: Strike a fine line between what you show me, what you say, what my abilities are and what you will end up loving. A little tweak here, a little tweak there (she did end up with eyeliner, but very soft)....and voila: A subtle smokey matte look with major lashes. Love the photos. And I completely identify with the bridesmaid who has has eyes closed. Haven't we all been THAT girl? :)