Meet Allison Johnson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Johnson.

Allison, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I moved to LA when I was 20 to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. While in school, I took a Makeup for Theatre class and I fell in love with the power of makeup to transform. After leaving school, I found myself working as a waitress… typical. A couple of years passed and I looked around and thought, “I can’t do this forever”. I remember working a lunch shift and telling my Co-worker Lisa that I wanted to try doing makeup, and more specifically, I wanted to work for MAC.

The very next night I ended up waiting on an Artistry Trainer for MAC, I complimented her eyelashes we got to chatting and before you know it she had handed me her business card and told me to send over my resume. I remember being unsure of myself and Iris said to me “I can teach anyone how to do makeup, but I can’t teach everyone to be nice”. I sent over my resume the next day and spent six years growing as an artist and a person with MAC cosmetics. I felt so lucky at 24 to be hired on and I was a sponge soaking up all of the artistry knowledge I could from the very talented artists I was surrounded by on a daily bases. Today I continue to approach my craft with humility and gratitude.

More recently, I decided to go back to school to get my aesthetics license. Skincare and treatments is just another avenue for me to provide confidence and beauty to people every day.

We’d love to hear more about your art and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a makeup artist specializing in bridal, special occasion, prom, beauty, editorial, fitness and special effects makeup. As a licensed Aesthetician, I am able to offer custom facials, peels, dermaplaning, microneedling, plasma pen, brow shaping, facial waxing and lash lift and tints. Every job is different, every client is unique and it’s my job as your chosen artist to deliver a product that is best for you on any given day. I have seen and felt the power of a beautiful makeup application on a client… makeup can change the way you present yourself to the world.

I’ve watched women lift their heads higher and stand taller after getting their makeup done… when you look good, you feel good. For my brides, my philosophy is simple… l want you to look like the very best version of yourself when you show up to your wedding… so whatever that means to them it’s my job to deliver it. I start all of my applications by letting my clients know that if there is anything they want fixed, changed or moved to just say the word. My chair and treatment room should be a place of comfort and relaxation for them. I want to make sure that when they walk away they feel confident in what they are presenting to the world.

Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them?
In the makeup industry, I think that certain platforms can give consumers unrealistic expectations. Filters and editing are used like crazy and that’s not real life. If a client comes in with a highly edited photo, I find it best just to discuss it upfront and ask them what specifically they love about the look. It helps to create trust and open the lines of communication.

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
The majority of my work is through referrals, so if you know anyone in need of a makeup artist or a great facial treatment, send them my way. I also have work posted on my social media and website.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.beauty78.com
• Phone: (818)970-1889
• Email: allij22@icloud.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/facesbyallij
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/beauty78allison
• Other: https://www.energeticaesthetics.com/

Image Credit:
Charlotte Francis, Steven Trujillo, Daniel Kim, Michaela Mangum, Tara Michelle, Sean Nelson, Carrie Patricia, April B

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