Pinky aka Nicole Thompson, makeup artist, author & mum shares her 20 year career journey.

Send us Fan MailThe Makeup Insider is a fortnightly podcast exploring the life and career of makeup artists, hosted by freelance mua Vanessa Barney. This week: getting personal with Pinkiiieee (aka Nicole Thompson), makeup artist, author and mum. With an eclectic career spanning 20 years, Pinky thrives on new challenges and has said yes to working all types of jobs from magazine, editorials and advertising, to body painting, celebrities and weddings. Challenged by the covid pandemic, she reassessed her work-life balance after child number two, and launched into freelancing.  Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the industry for a long time, tune in now, check out the key takeaways and subscribe for future podcasts below.  KEY TAKEAWAYS:SLIDING DOORS MOMENT.From interior decorator, merchandiser and singer to rockstar mua, Pinkiiieee was inspired by her love of drawing and painting and a casual conversation with her boyfriend (now husband of 20+ years) who suggested she bring her passions in artistry to life.  As an impulsive go-getter, after a brief stint of industry recon, Pinky enrolled in makeup college. Nearly quitting halfway through the first year after feeling like she just wasn’t getting it right, Pinkiiieee encourages artists to stick with it, especially when things seem tough - because that’s when your sliding doors moment often happens.  “My first thought was (that) I loved all the glitter and shiny things. I loved the idea of special effects and doing movies… (but) I loved the pretty side too, the glamour of it all and making people feel really good…. I just became obsessed. I’m glad I stuck with it.”PinkyWHAT IS MEDIA TRAINING?  With the increase in reliance on social media to elevate your artist profile, strengthen and widen your industry and client networks and basically act as a platform to land you consistent work - media training might be something to consider.Pinky first completed media training in New York, revelling that it was ‘quite intense’, but acknowledging the importance of understanding each platform from a PR lens, how to answer difficult questions, how to talk about a ‘product’ in the most interesting way and how to be consistent, concise and calm under pressure.  Visual cues such as facial expressions, often tell a greater story than your words. When you’re active on social media, in front of the camera or talking about your product you need to be cognisant of all elements.  “The first time I watched myself back I was mortified. It was in a room full of people… and I thought I was bright and bubbly, but my facial expressions made me look like a cranky b*tch!. It’s about the energy you bring when you say something that really changes what you’re saying.”Pinky BE IN THE MOMENT. Have you ever watched a Fashion Week reel on instagram and thought, ‘Wow - there are some crazy styles right now!?’. Part of the amazing culture of our industry is being in the moment, being part of something bigger.  What a 30 sec roll looks like post-event, is often illuminated as a whole story, where you’re there. From the huge catwalk, to the themed decor, the lighting, the fashion styles, oh and we can’t forget the makeup! It’s no wonder many artists aspire to land these types of gigs.  Pinky encourages you to be present in your moments. Be part of the action, the creativity, the people. Be part of what is being created that day and you’ll find more fulfillment in your work.  The Hair Edit Waitlist Weekly Newsletter Follow TMI on IG Follow Vanessa on IGThe Makeup Insider Blog The Makeup Insider TikTokThe Gifting Checklist