Putting the Glamour Into the Industry

Delaney Gatenby @delaneygatenbymua Taken by Nate Drew

I chose HMUA artist because it was the perfect way to stay involved in the film industry, while still doing the thing I was good at/felt the most comfortable doing. After graduation I was overwhelmed with the choices of where to take myself in film, but what always felt right, maybe not realistic, but what felt right was makeup. I never jumped at it because it felt out of reach. But the summer of 2024 I was pointed in the direction of an IATSE sponsored class the Pittsburgh film office was hosting. It was incredible and there we were taught by the makeup greats how to be successful in this industry. 

In terms of working with PD AND DP, it’s 100% important you know your script, the story, its characters and their backstories. Everything is there for a reason! So it wouldn’t make sense for the PD to make a drab bedroom, DP choose dull lighting to showcase an emptiness in this character, and then the MUA to do a crazy makeup look. This seems out of character. So it’s about communicating with the crew about who this person is- what do they have time for in their everyday life? Well if they’re busy and barely have time to eat, they’re not going to be spending an hour doing their makeup. So a combination of using your common sense, as well as connecting with the crew to make sure you’re all on the same page for the direction of the story.

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This is my advice for getting started in the industry: network network network!! And be ready to put in the hours. In terms of starting small, keep your day job and do free work on the side until you build a portfolio. Practice something new on yourself, post pictures. Tell people about what you love to do. Strive to squeeze into this film circle and the film people and hype yourself up! (Of course in a humble way but) don’t be afraid to market for yourself because no one else is going to for you. Get business cards, pass them out, hone your skills so no one can do it better than you. Because irreplaceable! Do so well on set, that when they film again they couldn’t do it without you.

When working with actors and actresses I always do my research on them beforehand! I check out how they usually do their makeup- how they’d feel comfortable! If I see they aren’t used to a strong brow, I’m not going to give them a dark shaped brow, I’ll go more natural- something they’ll feel their best about while being on the big screen. In terms of procedure when they sit in my chair I always ask if they have any allergies before we start!! Important to keep everyone on set safe and happy :) and then I’ll gauge whether or not they’re feeling chatty or not. Some people want to focus on their day ahead in silence, and some will want to chit chat before they get to set! It’s all about reading the room, gaining their trust, and not breaking it!!

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Skills a good MUA possesses - first of all, kindness!! You could be the best MUA in the world, but if you’re hard to work with, you won’t be asked back. Be friendly to your fellow cast and crew! You’ll need deadly focus and amazing time skills. That if the actor in your chair wants to chat- you can hold conversation, do the makeup you need to do, all while getting it done within the hour (or less) that you have to get it done. Also be aware of your film etiquette! Learn the vocab and be a part of the crew that respects the art of film making! 

Delany Gatenby © 2025