Today we’d like to introduce you to Janice Wheeler.
Janice, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I think I started as a makeup artist just as anyone starts… being obsessed with all things makeup! I can remember going to my mom’s bathroom as a kid and playing with her makeup for hours. My house was always the place where everyone came to get ready for school dances, football games and proms. I ended up going to college at UCSD where I played collegiate water polo. I had a crazy workout schedule and during the season, I would travel a lot for games so, I found I couldn’t really have a conventional job. I became a freelance artist for MAC cosmetics which allowed me to pick my schedule and hours. That is where I was able to start to build my kit, work with different skin tones, and practice my technique and precision while also being quick. Once I graduated and had to start working an 8-5 job to pay off my student loans, It was at that time that I really started focusing on weddings and bridal makeup on weekends because I wasn’t ready to give up my love for making woman feel beautiful, even if it meant never getting a day off. Now, I am doing makeup full time, still focusing mostly on weddings, but also getting to do makeup for various occasions depending on my client’s needs.
Has it been a smooth road?
There have definitely been some challenges along the way! The biggest challenge I face and still sometimes face today is remembering that clients are hiring me because they typically know nothing about makeup application! It is my job to ask the right questions during makeup consultations so that I can do a look that not only makes them look amazing but also makes them feel comfortable. Most people don’t know how to explain what they want because they simply aren’t familiar with makeup terminology. Another challenge is what I call, “trying to keep with the Kardashians”. This happens a lot with inspiration photos. When it comes to celebrity inspiration photos, they have to remember that typically celebrities get their makeup done every day so their “normal” look is usually quite a bit more makeup than the average person. Basically, their “natural look” is definitely still more makeup than what a normal person would wear. That is when I have to just be honest and ask them what exactly about the makeup do they like. Is it the colors? Shimmer? Matte? Winged liner? Really break down the look with your client and often you will be surprised at what they like about the look.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Making Faces by Janice story. Tell us more about the business.
My clients always tell me that they book me because my makeup looks natural but it still looks like you are wearing makeup. I love this compliment because it basically means you are wearing the makeup and it isn’t wearing you! That is super important for weddings especially because you don’t want to appear washed out in photos but you also don’t want harsh lines and want the skin to actually look like skin!
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I am not much of a podcast or apps person. I don’t edit my pictures so I try to post professional photos whenever possible. As far as books, every makeup artist and makeup lover should buy Face Forward and Making Faces by Kevin Aucoin. Yes, that inspired my entire business name as well!
Contact Info:
- Website: Janicemakesfaces.com
- Phone: 858-335-8030
- Email: janicemakesfaces@gmail.com
- Instagram: Janicemakesfaces
Image Credit:
True Photography, Dawn Charles, France Photographers, Paul Barnett, ABM Photography, Karl Verkade, Sarah Pelichowski
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