Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandra Walter.
Sandra, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in a small town in Sweden and ended up moving to San Diego with my best friend after I graduated high school to go to college. At first, I majored in film to become a video editor, but a few months later I started to get more experimental with makeup which quickly took over over my life.
After I transferred to SDSU I changed my major to Theater Design & Technology because it was the only program that offered makeup classes.
The most effective thing I’ve done is to do something different every single time I do makeup, that way I’m constantly learning and improving. Sure, some looks end up terrible the first time around and never see the light of day, but trying, failing and learning is far better than staying stagnant in my comfort zone.
One day a few years ago I got a message from local photographer Wendy Smith about working together, and that ignited my drive to start my career as a freelance makeup artist. You can see one of the shots from that first photo shoot here where I covered the model, Zoe Taylor, in flowers. Although it was my first shoot, it’s still one of my favorites!
Since then I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with clients and brands throughout Southern California such as Beauty Bakerie Makeup, Ipsy Studios and Barefoot Wine. This year I even made it into the NYX Cosmetics FACE Awards, an annual makeup artistry competition, which has been a dream of mine for a long time.
I’m located in East San Diego and am always happy to take on new clients. While I specialize in vibrant colors and editorial makeup, I tackle all types of looks from simple color corrections, weddings and proms all the way to gore, drag and whatever crazy creations your brain can dream up!
Has it been a smooth road?
One of my biggest obstacles is my social anxiety, especially as a makeup artist where personal connection and chemistry can make of break the chance of a client hiring you again. I’ve always admired people who make small talk seem effortless, whereas for me it feels like I’m about to jump out of an airplane when I try to start a conversation.
Luckily, my anxiety has improved over the years and it gets easier every time. Plus, if all else fails I’ll just bring speakers and play some tunes!
Alright – so let’s talk business. What else should we know about your work?
I specialize in “out-of-the-box” editorial makeup but take on any type of makeup job that comes my way ranging from proms, weddings, brand campaigns, Halloween, drag, theater & video productions, etc. If I would be known for just one thing it would be rainbows!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
There are so many different routes that I want to take in terms of my future. First of all, I want to work with more cosmetic companies for their product campaigns for new launches. And then of course since I come from a theater background I would love to makeup on Broadway of for a big film production studio like Universal, Disney, or Warner Brothers.
Pricing:
- Editorial Makeup Starting at $90
- Prom Makeup Starting at $75
- Halloween/SFX Makeup starting at $100
- Bridal Makeup Starting at $150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lilacbat.wixsite.com/makeup
- Email: lilacbatbusiness@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilacbat/
Image Credit:
Image with Orange Flowers on blonde model: Photo by Wendy Smith, Model is Zoe Taylor.
Image with model wearing rainbow hoodie: Photo by Marina Fini, Model is Sophia Marie.
All other photos are by me.
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