Bofoe Kamanda is an aspiring makeup artist, originating from the DMV. She's produced a variety of complex and inspiring looks for her followers, gaining an exceptional amount of support for her talent.
Below, her and I delve into the mind of an upcoming creator in this field and briefly discuss the trials and tribulations of her journey
Q:
Alright then, first question for you. Considering your line of work, at what point in your life did you realize that you had talent for makeup artistry? When did the realization dawn on you?
A:
When I first started getting into makeup artistry it was my freshman year of college. My freshman year I had a LOT of time on my hands and it being a bad experience for me, I found makeup to be my stress reliever. I always admired makeup artist and just very creative people in general. So I started doing my makeup everyday and as time went on, I fell in love and with much practice, I got better. I won’t say I was “talented” in makeup until my sophomore year in college. But it wasn’t till the end of my freshman year that I realized I wanted to pursue makeup artistry as a career. Back then I was unsure though. Now as a Junior in College, I’m certain it’s my calling.
Q:
That's great. You used a way to cope with the stress of your every day to cultivate a passion that you realized you have a real talent for. That seems to be a subtle trend for creative minds in this day and age and it's a good and healthy way to find out where your creativity can take you.
This brings me to my next question. Who would you say have been your biggest inspirations when pursuing this craft. Whether a close family member or a famous individual, who helped you keep that spark going?
A:
Thank you! For some artist at their down moments they discover certain things and create glorious art from it. And I’m happy mine was being able to display art on my face.
When it comes to who inspires me it’s not anyone specific. I’m inspired by all creatives I see or around me. From designers, makeup artist, artists, photographers, and etc. Ones that really stand out to me on Instagram are Danessa_myricks, Ciscabeauty, Jeannaturner, Staceymariemua, Bao.ii, Beautybybb, and etc. But when it comes to who has helped me stay motivated it’s one, Myself, because I refuse to fail, my best friend, because she always hypes me up and believes in me, and my mom/dad, because I can’t wait to do for them what they did for me.
Q:
That's a good answer. Inspiration, I feel like, shouldn't just be drawn from a single source. It should be a regular part of your every day life, whether randomly or deliberately. Doing for your parents what they've done for you is a big thing. Sometimes we don't truly understand the scope of how much they actually struggled to make it and provide for us. It's great that your pursuit for success in this industry isn't only for self-driven purposes.
I ask this to many creators I interview, but I think it's a crucial question and ties into my previous one pretty antagonistically. What, about your craft, do you think separates you from others in your field? What about you do you think you can bring to the table that no one else can, or has yet to do.
A:
Well what makes me, me is that I believe my work has its own look. When I do a certain look you know it’s me. Though I do do inspired looks, I still add a little spin to it. I like to do things that I like and not because it’s trending. I do looks no matter if it’s dramatic, soft, colorful, editorial, or confusing. I say I’m pretty true to myself and original.
Some people see me as JUST a makeup artist but I like to define myself as a creative. Mainly because that’s not the only thing I’m interested in doing. I plan on cooperating many things into my work and also practice photography, creative directing, styling, hair styling, and etc. And when I expand to owning my own line I would contribute a lot by my lonesome. I won’t say others can’t do what I do because in art no one can be better than anyone. I just think what I can bring, many will enjoy.
Q:
Truth. They say there's nothing new under the sun, only the creativity to innovate what's already been invented into something else and I think that applies to every piece of content and art creators put out. Your willingness to touch every aspect of your field is ambitious and using your passion to span into other fields that can help accentuate your own is the very form of innovation needed to be successful in this day and age.
How would you describe a day in the life of a makeup artist? What tools and/or regimens do you go through day by day that help with your process?
A:
Well thank you! I appreciate the kind observation.
A day in the life of a makeup artist really consist of waking up, beating your face, and continuing whatever you have planned ahead but looking great while doing it. I wouldn’t say I know the lifestyle as a full time makeup artist. But from my understanding it’s just being able to be whoever you want for that day. The main tool you need is motivation. Days get discouraging as an artist because your success is based on what others think of your work. But at the same time you have to do it for you and you only. If other like it then that’s great as well. Other tools you need are the obvious eyeshadow palettes, brushes, concealers, lipsticks/lipgloss, powders, sprays, and etc. As long as you have those you’ll get better overtime.
Q:
So in essence it's doing what you want while looking the way your creativity inspired you to look. It's a bold thing to wear and honestly become your art. That in and of itself is an invitation for criticism, like you said, but I think it's also the boldest and most stark forms of success when someone can look at how you do these things and commend and support you.
My final question would be what advice would you give to those who want to start out in this career choice? Any life lessons or advice that you yourself have gotten that you would like to share?
A:
Some advice that I would give to any aspiring makeup artists or creatives is that you stay true to yourself and keep it pushing. There are many times you’ll get discouraged and have no motivation but you have to realize there will always be times like these and there is always someone their that supports you. Don’t follow after trends if it’s not your style. Be original and connect with the beauty community because there are so many sweet and creative minds out there. Lessons I’ve learned are live life to please yourself and to make you happy. I might take certain criticism from others but when it comes to my craft I do it for me. Don’t let anyone distract you from your goals.
Thank you for the opportunity and interview!
Q:
Great advice. Thank you for the opportunity. We'll be supporting your content from now on on our page if that's alright. Glad we had an opportunity to talk!
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