Today we’d like to introduce you to Summer Cirone
Summer, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
For as long as I can remember I was always interested in makeup. When I reached my teen years, I really took to the Horror world. I loved everything about it, the makeup, the blood, the BTS. I spend lots of these years locked up in my room watching scary movies and Youtube makeup videos. I spent most of my early 20’s working in the service industry around the Orlando area, but when I turned 25, I wanted something more for myself.
I was having a conversation with my family regarding my career, and without hesitation, they suggested professional makeup artist. After much research I found VAMP; The Vocational Academy for Makeup and Prosthetics. While working two full-time restaurant jobs, I also attended school for one year, taking both the special effects and the beauty courses.
After graduating I had a thirst to work immediately! I took every job I could get my hands on, while still bartending the weekends. I worked on several independent films, local fashion shows, and broadways. Everything was happening so fast for me, and shortly after I was nominated by the OIF (Orlando Independent Film) for best hair and makeup for 3 independent films… I won two of them.
After this I got a job at Universal Studios Orlando as a makeup artist, here I stayed for a year and worked all seasons from HHN to Wholidays. While still working, I took as many freelance jobs as possible. I began working on my own projects just for exposure, pairing with photographers or VAMP alumni events. It was at this point I really started body painting, and soon to come after, lots of costume work. I am still actively teaching myself how to sow just for my characters, I think Rhine stoning is my favorite right now.
My schedule started to fill up fast, month after month, and I knew it was time for the next step. I decided to brand myself and get my own LLC, Summer Cirone Artistry. It has been both fun and challenging.
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?
It has been both, the hardest part of any creative job is trusting yourself. Sometimes it feels like you’re doing everything you can and moving nowhere. You just have to remember that every step is moving you forward in some way, and it takes time, don’t rush it. I have put many hours into where I am today. Many unpaid jobs, sleepless nights, naps in my car, and networking.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Being a professional makeup artist has lots of variety, from wedding makeup, high fashion editorial, full body painted creatures, and full injury wounds. I wouldn’t say I specialize in any specific area of makeup, but I do prefer prosthetics and horror, I love the blood!
Doing realistic injury simulations for the local community is always great, it feels good to help our community be prepared for when we need them. Sometimes it’s for the fire department, other times it’s for the airport response team, or even the high school. These simulations are extremely realistic and high energy, which is always fun to be a part of.
When I’m working on costume characters, I love finishing a full look. After spending sometimes months on makeup prep, customizing the outfit and props, and hours in the application chair, it feels really satisfying to see it all come together and know all my hard work (and back pain) paid off.
Currently I am most proud of my two OIF awards for Best MUA/Hair for my work in a local short film and getting to work LA Fashion week, but excited to see what more is to come! I am always looking for more work to challenge and push me creatively.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
There is risk in everything in life, especially when you chose a creative career, that’s risk number 1! I learned very early in my makeup career that you have to put yourself out there and that can be hard for some people.
I would consider myself a risk taker, I’m a big believer in “no risk, no reward”. If you don’t put yourself out of your comfort zone, how will you grow? Some of the best things that have happened for me, happened when I just went for it. Sometimes the biggest risk you can take, is just going for it!
Pricing:
- For beauty makeup looks pricing usually starts around $120. This is for almost all wedding looks, full glam, etc. Always includes skin prep and lashes.
- Once you get into prosthetics and SFX things get a little pricier. My SFX day rate is $350, plus cost of prosthetics if bought. This is more for films, crazy halloween looks, music videos, etc.
- For full body character transformations and costuming is where the pretty pennies come in. These makeup looks are all custom made by hand and prices vary depending on what is needed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.summercironeartistry.com
- Instagram: Summercironeartistry
Image Credits
Ann Duvoisin
