When did you publish your first makeup artist planner?
I published my first makeup artist planner, named MUA Weekly Planner in 2013. It’s hard to believe that was eight years ago.
What made you want to create it?
The planner actually came about as I was creating my own quarterly calendar for my live online classes. I did not want my classes to conflict with existing ongoing makeup events like The Makeup Show, IMATS, The Powder Group educational programs and other events. As I started plugging my own dates into my calendar, I discovered three very important elements. First, there was no central listing for makeup events. Second, some of the existing events had conflicting dates. Third, aspiring artists cannot attend events they don’t know exist. The planner became a way to address all three elements.
How has it evolved since your first edition?
For starters, it has doubled in size. I rebranded in 2017 and changed the name to The Official Film & Television Weekly Planner and added the film strip graphic, which is now permanent on every front cover. I did this because anyone can use this planner. I also discovered the underground world of planners, where people have “planner parties” where you add stickers, tabs and Japanese washi tape. There are more note pages for quick thoughts, journaling, goal setting and action plans, vision boards. There are certain consistent pages such as a suggested grooming kit list, makeup kit list, monthly events, income and expense pages, 6-month and annual mental/goal checkup, color printing, tribute to breast cancer, where the pages are all pink – in honor of my 92-yr-old mother, a 34 year breast cancer survivor. I also colored the month of March in honor of colorectal Cancer awareness month. I did this because of family members and the recent untimely passing of the phenomenal actor Chadwick Boseman and the very talented Natalie Desselle-Reid. May their souls Rest In Peace. We need more awareness of these horrible diseases.
It’s such an informative book in so many ways and so much more than just a calendar. What are some of the key features you included to help makeup artists keep organized?
Oh there are so many features! There is a 15-month calendar in addition to this and next year 12-month calendars at-a-glance, planning, action and notes pages, monthly income and expense sheets. There are also kit checklists for basic kit and men’s grooming in addition to kit inventory and shopping list pages.I also included quarterly vision board and goals pages and a 52-week money challenge. Of course it includes a listing of major international beauty and film festival events along with fashion, trade show dates that are available when I go to print.
What are a few things that every artist should think about when they are planning their time and career?
When artists are planning out there time they need to budget it wisely and not cut it too close. Allow themselves enough time to schedule not only clients but also personal time.
I believe part of planning your career is figuring out how to match your personality to your chosen path then put your nose to the grindstone and floor the pedal. You must then become tunneled vision by keeping your eyes on the end results and not on the challenges you may have to go through to reach those end results.
You dedicated the 2021 planner to Black men and women who lost their lives at the hands of the police. This is very powerful. Can you share how you honor them in the book?
I wanted to do something meaningful and memorable, so I thought it was the perfect opportunity. I did the typography on the back by creating a collage of as many names that I could fit. Then on the inside, I listed as many names as I could with the date and location where they died. Giving back to the community is very important. So part of the proceeds from the sale of this planner will be donated to Black Lives Matter.
This isn’t your only book is it? You also have a book called The Little Brown Book. Can you tell us about that one?
Yes, it’s called The Little Brown Book, Buzzwords & Lingo – TV, Film, Print, Retail. After many years of working as a Production Makeup Artist and listening to the strange dialogue on-set and hearing words such as crafty, honey wagon, best boy, UPM, etc., I started taking notes and asking questions. Before I knew it I had amassed numerous lists of commonly used terms daily on-set and a full glossary of who’s who in the industry.
As my education classes grew, so did the need to organize and alphabetize my list. Every guest lecture or class that I taught the students and attendees alike received a meticulously typed handout of these terms. In researching on-set language resources, I realized that there was really nothing to speak of; just a few sites here and there or a small reference in the back of a few books. But nothing of any real significance that I could direct my students to. This was quite disappointing. The more classes I taught, the more questions I received along with the demand to create something that was more portable than a bunch of papers.
Finally, in 2014 I created a book called Roll Sound… Rolling… Speed… Marker… Action! In 2018, I rebranded the book and updated and added additional categories. Now renamed This book is a comprehensive listing of some of the most commonly used terms and job descriptions found in our industry.
Are your notebooks available in digital form or print only?
Currently, my books are printed. At one point , I did offer a digital download of the terminology book. I am a lover of the printed word. I use my planner time to help me relax. That is “me time” to schedule my appointments, to do list etc. You cannot even compare the two.
You also have an educational program Marietta’s Master Program. What does that entail? Who would it be good for – beginner or more experienced artists?
I bring to you over 35+ years of expertise, experience, and industry know-how, to take you from a bourgeoning makeup artist to one on the fast track of mastering your craft.
I have four programs: Master Mind – our quarterly group brainstorming session, which is 60 minutes each session and limited to 6 attendees. Brainstorming Session this is a one-on-one 90 minute session. 3-Month Mastery – this is bi-weekly a total of six one-hour sessions over three months. 6-Month Mastery includes 12 bi-weekly one hour sessions over six months.
My Master Program is designed to help you learn how to embrace change so you can grow, help you build confidence and fearlessness by pulling from your own inner strength, find clarity within your work and life causes, increase meaningful tools within your “Work and Life Toolbox”, and live a meaningful life while building your career.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone looking to get into the industry today?
This is a tough business and not for the faint of heart so it is important to do your homework. Research the areas you think you would like to work in. Make sure you have the necessary skill set. Reach out to those doing the same thing you are interested in doing. Set timely achievable goal. Stay focused and don’t give up.