Interview: Makeup Artist Sylwia Krakowiak (Poland)
How long have you been a makeup artist and how did you get your start?
My makeup adventure started 5 years ago as I became a cosmetology student. Then I attended to beauty classes, on which I got to know how makeup can change the way women looks and thinks about themselves. To be honest, I have never been interested in this discipline before, but from that moment I already knew that is going to be my future profession. After finishing beauty classes on my studies, I went to the two-year school of makeup and I became Master of Makeup by passing national exam. Finally on 1st December 2016 I won nationwide championship of makeup and claimed the title of Polish champion of makeup in the season autumn / winter. I am looking forward to taking on new challenges.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
It is quite hard for me to mention all sources of my inspirations. I look at the world in the rather unconventionally way, so my ideas are also extraordinary. For example – at the first photo shoot realized by me, the whole concept of action I created looking at the men’s bow ties. I had an idea to put the pattern of the bow ties into models’ lips, using proper cosmetics.
What are some of your makeup products that you use?
I must admit – I am cosmetoholic! It means I’ve got a huge need to buy new cosmetics stuff all the time. So I have some comprehensive collection of makeup products and in every month I am picking my favorites. Right now I am in love in Devinah eye shadows, Too Faced Bulletproof eyeliners and colorful NYX Liquid Suede lipsticks.
Any makeup tips you'd like to share with us?
If you don’t have time to do a complete and thorough makeup (especially mornings), use 5 basic products: foundation, highlighter, mascara, wax eyebrows and lipstick in vivid color – and you will be still looking gorgeous!
If you were not a makeup artist, what would be your dream job?
I think I would be a computer graphic. From an early age I really enjoyed playing with all the graphic programs I used to have on my computer. Of course at the beginning it wasn’t very complicated applications – first I got to know Paint, but eventually I started to use more advanced programs such as IrfanView, PaintShop Pro, Gimp, Corel Draw or Adobe Photoshop. At the age of 9 I also started a blog, on which I shared the effects of my newly met graphics skills. I led it until I went to high school so it was 7 very inspiring years!
Who have you worked for and who would you like to work for in the future?
Because of the fact that I live in Lublin, I collaborate mainly with artist from my town. But thanks to my good fortune, Lublin is overflowing with such a great professionalists. My favorite and beloved photograph is young and very talented Magda Madej and the hairdresser of our photo-team is extremely clever Agnieszka Anisienia from Warkocze na wynos company. But I also had some commercial orders, in which I cooperated with fashion designers, fashion bloggers, theater actors, singers, dancers, models. I used to make characterizations for night clubs and gym employees. Still, my biggest dream is to work for big and great company such as Chanel or Dior and travel all around the world to share my makeup skills with people of different races and cultures. This would be a big and exciting challenge.
What are three things every girl needs in her makeup bag?
As I already said - in my opinion the most basic and fast acting products are: foundation, mascara and lipstick in vivid colour.
What are common mistakes you see women make on their makeup?
I think the most blatant mistakes are too light or too dark foundation color, inadequately matched eyebrows to the face shape or too much bronzer. But on the other hand, I think makeup is an art that allows you to express yourself, that’s why some of the things we can receive as incorrect, can be the a source of joy and well-being for others and in my opinion we shouldn’t always take that away from them by delivering a negative opinion of their appearance.
What do you think of the magazine?
I think Modellenland Magazine is amazing initiative and great opportunity for every artist, who wants to exist in the world of fashion. It can bring some new collaborations, new friendships and new look at the beauty. It is also great source of inspiration, because artistic level of this magazine is very high and I am really very pleasured that I can be here and give you that interview. Thank you so much!