The application of makeup is complete art. The make-up artist should have a certain “je ne sais quoi”, as it relates to creativity. The face is their canvas, with them lies the power of changing or transforming the individual into whatever the client desires. The artistry of make-up isn’t a sudden one however, it takes time and practice. Amoy Kerr, who is a 21-year-old and former student of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts was a photography major with a great passion for Make-up Artistry. She started photography 3 years ago, it was something she had an interest in but never thought she would really pursue. She would work alongside her aunt who was an AVON representative. Avon is an International company that caters to the beauty, innovation and personal care of women. Amoy would often dabble with the products as she would do her Aunts clients makeup. The inspiration she says comes from her surroundings as well as other makeup artists. She tries not to stick to one particular style or interest when working with her clients. She does makeup mostly for photographers who have a special project that they are working on. Her highlight was being able to work with clients for last years Road March Carnival and also doing the makeup for a wedding, to which she says “It was very exciting”.

Amoy believes that in everything, challenges will present itself and for her at this time is the challenge of having a full-time job that is not in her field of interest and is trying her very best not to let the flame of doing what she loves best die. “I try my best to stay focused, I have a goal and I work towards that. No one should ever stop doing what they love”, she says. She credits her work to three individuals, Jay Manuel, Canadian-American makeup artist and former creative director of the reality television show, America’s Next Top Model, Pat McGrath, a British Make-up artist who is one of the most influential black make-up artists out there and her recent favorite beauty blogger is Raye Boyce.  Amoy points out that it is very important to build a network. “It is important to have persons you can call upon”, as she puts it, without teamwork, she would not have been able to work with the clients she now has. She is currently working towards having her own place in the future, and currently goes to clients or depending on her location has them come to her.

Her advice to others starting this business is “Never say you can’t and always practice, practice, practice. That is the key”. She had her doubts about doing bridal make-up, but upon practicing on her siblings she finally got the knack of doing it. She is amazed by seeing the look on the brides faces when she does their makeup as they are very pleased with her work. “Never be scared to try something new, step out of your comfort zone and see where it takes you”.