Today we’d like to introduce you to Lillian Anderson.
Hi Lillian, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always been artistic and creative. I like to say, from the moment I could hold a pencil, I was drawing and writing stories. Art was, without fail, my favorite class in school. As I got older, I started to express my creativity in a bit of a different way. Before I could get an actual job, I was babysitting for money and spent basically everything I had on makeup. I was ordering online name brands, such as Kat Von D, and was shocked at how little you can actually get with $100. And mind you; this was almost 10 years ago. Despite this, I began to use my own face as a canvas. As the Internet progressed and people started to make YouTube tutorials, I was able to learn from others about up-to-date techniques and products. This helped me improve and perfect my craft. Over time, I practiced more and more on both myself and my friends. Once I built up a good collection of supplies, I was all in. I was then known as the girl who did the crazy makeup. I was a fan of colors, rhinestones, big false lashes, painting on the face, you name it. My passion for art and self-expression was fueled by the endless possibilities provided by makeup. Eventually, it got to the point where I realized that I could actually make a career out of my passion. Once Covid had mostly let up, I decided to attend a cosmetology school and take a makeup course. Whilst Texas does not require makeup artist be licensed, I took a 720-hour course going over multiple topics/techniques such as Bridal, HD makeup, Airbrush, special effects, hair styling, period makeup, etc. By the time I graduated, I had already done special effects work at Sixflags during their Fright fest season, worked at a senior portrait studio, started working with bridal teams, did tons of TFP photoshoots, and started working with agency-approved photographers. Every day was an opportunity for me to learn something new or meet someone new. Networking is so important in this industry. Since I also do a little bit of modeling and acting on the side, it was very easy for me to meet lots of other creatives in my area. Networking is what led me to get some of my first and most consistent jobs. After a period of time, I was working with models, actors, brides, runaway, short films, music videos, you name it! I now do hair and makeup professionally full-time and have worked with quite a few esteemed names in the industry, including for the 2023 Louis Vuitton cruise collection, DIFFA 2022 & 2023, SheaAnne Photography, and with influencers across social media platforms as well as many agency represented talent. I love having the opportunity to always be doing something new. It keeps me on my toes, and I never get bored. I am always excited to learn and meet new people. It never feels like a job when you are doing what you love.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Things have not always been smooth for me. Two weeks after just starting makeup school, I actually slipped and fell and simultaneously broke my foot and ankle. That really put a halt to things. For the next four months, I was out of work and struggling to attend school full-time, lugging around a heavy makeup kit whilst in a boot and crutches. Once I could finally walk again, I practically hit the ground running. I think the first month after, I attended about 20 photoshoots. Whether I was modeling or doing hair and makeup, I was learning, and I was building my network. I started to pick up some jobs, but there was always a challenge. Things were either low paying, extremely far away, or simply weren’t very consistent. However, eventually, things took a turn, and I was able to charge average prices to my area and start making a decent income off of doing this full-time professionally. The more people you know, and the more you work on your online presence, the more opportunities you will have. It got to the point to where I was doing headshot makeup for the local agencies. This is challenging because the photo is only their face; if anything is off, the camera will pick it up. That means your job as a hair and makeup artist is to ensure that they still look like themselves, but a perfected version. Of course, I have had my one-off experiences just like everyone else, but honestly, for the most part, things haven’t been too bad. I am extremely hard-working and motivated, so I have the desire to do things the right way and do my best to ensure client satisfaction.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Mostly what I specialize in is the natural hair and makeup look for models, actors, and bridal parties. A majority of my clients request a very clean, skin-like, neutral, and natural look. I try to bring out their best features without changing the way they look or overdoing it. Makeup, especially on camera, can quickly look cakey if not properly applied. I have gone through a lot of different techniques to master the “no makeup, makeup” that seems to be trending as of recently. However, as an artist, I love to have an opportunity to be colorful, creative, and bold. Editorials often do not pay, but they are so fun to do, I will do them just for the experience and to have them in my book. I am most proud of how quickly I have been able to grow, and how I continue to be inspired to reach new heights. What sets me apart from others is my willingness to go after things. The industry is full of a lot of “no’s,” but you can’t let that stop you. I am always searching for the opportunity. I am willing to work as hard as I need to in order to achieve my vision. When I’m on set, I am not just styling. I try to remain very interactive to make sure everything is right on camera. Every piece of hair, every wrinkle of clothing, etc. My hands-on approach often ensures the best results. I’m also proud of what my bridal team and I have been able to accomplish within this last year alone. My first-year advertising, we won Best of Weddings from The Knot and Couples Choice Award from WeddingWire.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
What I have been noticing and counting on is that my industry is becoming a lot more inclusive. Requirements such as height, size, and weight have limited many creatives before from being able to have a career in this industry. I am 5’2, so I know that I would not be cast to walk an official runway. However, maybe in 5 to 10 years, there will be multiple sample sizes. I think it’s great the direction that things are going in. You see a lot more inclusivity all around in commercials, ad campaigns, on billboards, etc. This will provide a lot more opportunity to create diversity amongst the representation in the entertainment industry. I think other than that, there have been a lot of trends, including a more minimalistic, natural, “clean girl aesthetic” makeup look. People seem to be leaving behind the 2016 full face, intense false lashes, carved-out eyebrows, and cut crease style. I think with the way things are going; people are able to embrace a much quicker and fresher daily makeup routine.
Pricing:
- Adult photoshoot hair and makeup: $150
- Bride makeup: $95
- Adult hairstyling: $85
- Child photoshoot HAMU: $125
Contact Info:
- Website: www.looksbylilly.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/lillianandersonmua
Image Credits
@nick.laning
@melissa_mireles_
@molly.jackson
@cheer.daly
@magicdreamsproductions
@sheaannephotos
@vanessafuchs
@carmelstudiosphotography
@laurenkern
@jordyncuret_
