Each month we highlight a Production Lot member through our Member Spotlights, which include a featured position on the Production Lot homepage and a Q&A to help the rest of our community get to know our Spotlight member better.
This month we’re highlighting Kirsten Sylvester!
Meet Kirsten Sylvester
Kirsten Sylvester is a makeup artist with 30 years of experience in film, television and commercial work. She studied Fine Arts at Delaware State University, focusing on painting and sculpture. This lifelong artistic passion helped her create her own makeup techniques and style.
Her work can be seen in films and TV, including in Mr. & Mrs. Smith, She’s Gotta Have It, The Report, The Big Sick, Roxanne Roxanne and Holiday Rush. Her work can also be seen on Disney+, Apple TV, Netflix, NBC and Univision and in commercial and editorial work for the Tribeca Film Festival, Golf Channel, New York Comic Con, Diago, Lockheed Martin, Sprite, Comcast and ADP.
Kirsten brings compassion, artistry and vision to every aspect of her work, reflecting her passion and pursuit for the creative ideal.
Ready to learn more about Kirsten? Check out our Q&A with her below, and don’t be shy – Ask her a question in the comments!
Spotlight Q&A: Six Questions with Kirsten
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?
My makeup career originally began in editorial and commercial work, I think like most makeup artists it’s the beauty and glamour of creating something beautiful and unique for the world to see. It’s like art on a canvas. I gradually moved to film, then television. Being able to watch my work on screen, whether it was beautiful or ugly, has been a dream come true. There’s a feeling I get, I can’t quite explain, it’s almost an excitement when everything comes together just right. I can say that even after 30 years in the industry nothing has changed, I still get that same feeling every time.
2. What is something about your role you’d like people to know more about?
Well, for those within the industry I think makeup, hair and wardrobe are sometimes seen as a necessary evil. What most see on set is us sitting in chairs, doing last looks, they never see the hours we spend working before we get to set. The pre-calls or the after wrap clean up of the actors that are often just a regular part of our day. To some we are “just makeup.” Every department is equally important in the making of any project. Our work gets seen on screen, all of makeup, hair and wardrobe. True film and TV enthusiasts will notice the nuance of lighting and camera work, however the average person doesn’t. We have to balance time management, continuity and the actors’ comfort levels. Along with anything the actor or production requests. All of this while not interfering with shooting. Our job is a constant balancing act.
3. If you weren’t in your current role, what other industry job would you like to have?
My first choice would be Art Department. I went to school for Fine Arts and have always had a career in the creative field. My primary studies were painting and sculpture. I mean I was the little nerd who went to art camp every summer. Art has been a part of my life in some capacity or another for as long as I can remember. I’ve recently gotten back into oil painting, which is definitely teaching me patience compared to painting with acrylics. So I think working within the Art Department to create paintings, sculptures and unique pieces would be an amazing alternative creative role.
4. What advice do you have for people just starting out in the industry?
There are things that are standard whether the job is union or non-union. I would tell someone who is just starting out that this industry is brutal. That you have to work hard, you may do work for free in the beginning. But only do it for projects you believe in. To be professional even when those around you may not be. How you present yourself on set matters more than you realize; someone is always watching. I‘m a big believer in keeping work drama-free, stay away from gossip and simply do the work. Let your work speak for itself. And lastly, remember that someone else’s success is not your failure.
5. How would you like to advance your career in the industry?
I am a true believer that the learning process never ends. As an artist, there is always something new to learn. Any new technique you learn can advance your career in terms of creative diversity. As for true career advancement, I‘d like to department head on projects of various genres. Allowing me the opportunity to meet and work with many different directors, producers, actors and crew members alike. And like most makeup artists within our industry, there’s always the hope of working on an Oscar or Emmy worthy project. Winning major awards can become a catalyst for any makeup artist's career.
6. What is your favorite production you’ve worked on?
While there are quite a few productions that I have truly enjoyed working on, my favorite would have to be Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Amazon Studios). The crew was great to work with and the cast was amazing. Working with Donald Glover and Maya Erskine made it one of those jobs where you are happy to go to work every day. When you get to do what you love, it’s not hard to enjoy your job. I will say the fact that we shot in Italy for 2 months made the job even more enjoyable. It’s not the only reason, just icing on the cake.
Want a chance to be featured as a future Member Spotlight? It’s easy. Register for a Production Lot account, complete your member profile, then start engaging with the community!
