Today we’d like to introduce you to Darcie Teasley.
Darcie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I studied Geology/Geophysics, Earth Science and Astronomy at Louisiana State University and then at Texas A&M University from 1994 until 2001, and then passionately pursued a job to become a Makeup Artist.
Why would I do that? I was burned out and unsure of long term happiness if I became a Geologist. I had always wanted to do something artistic. In fact I did paint in several mediums growing up. Turns out, you can be good at more than one thing in life.
I began my career as a Makeup Artist doing retail in high-end department stores like Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. I traveled from San Francisco to New Orleans working for various cosmetic lines as a National Makeup Artist or as Account Coordinator. I had a chance to attend the different classes from each cosmetic line I worked for and learned a lot.
I then wanted to try and apply my experience at doing makeup for photoshoots, weddings and other special events. I really loved fashion and runway and wanted a chance to work on that side of the industry as well.
I did a ton of shoots, some good and some bad. Took a lot of chances and never played it safe. I then started using an online forum to connect with other Makeup Artists, Models and Photographers. It was through this I was able to create a portfolio.
Once I was somewhat happy with my portfolio, I shared it with local talent and model agencies to get represented. My first agent was Audrey Mansfield of AM Studios. She was brilliant, experienced in Hair, Makeup and Wardrobe for television, film and commercials. I learned a lot from her. She was so good at what she did and I had a chance to work with some pretty great clients of hers. I got experience in anything from catalog print, commercial/industrial print, advertising, television and national commercials.
In 2003, Audrey moved on to California and her agency then became a part of Pastorini-Bosby. So I was then represented by them, and have been ever since.
In 2004, I was also signed to the Page Parkes Agency, with a focus on fashion, commercial fashion, runway, trunk shows and fashion testing.
At that time, I was the only Makeup Artist signed to 2 agencies at the same time and it being agreeable.
I was so grateful to just be myself and pursue my dreams in every facet of makeup artistry I wanted to master….which brings me to another huge chapter in my life. I had been working on a shoot for the Houston Ballet’s upcoming 2010 season and was the Makeup Artist assigned to the shoot. There were several Artists. I got to talking to the Wardrobe Manager for the ballet, Laura Lynch and she had suggested I try working the shows.
I had never considered working in the theater as an artist so this notion was thrilling, unchartered, exciting and I just fell in love with it right away. Having learned a lot of special effects from a class I had taken in 2004 with James Ryder—I was well equipped to work as a theatrical makeup artist.
2019 makes my 9th season as a Makeup Artist with the Houston Grand Opera and Houston Ballet.
I have worked my way up the ranks with both organizations to be Principal Makeup Artist for the past six years. It is a super fun job and I really enjoy it!
Recently, I have started body and face painting. After having children in 2015, I became inspired to do something so simple yet beautiful. The one stroke painting style really appealed to my artistic style. I have been doing it for about three years. Its really helped out with Halloween makeups in the past several years. I specialize in Sugar Skulls, Day of the Dead Makeups.
I often ask myself…had I stayed on the path of being a Geologist, would I be as happy as I am being a Makeup Artist? And I answer myself….not a chance! You have to risk failure to succeed. I have zero regrets. And each year I am better and better.
I’m about to turn 45 this Fall and am so proud that I am able to learn new things and work in so many ways as a Makeup Artist. I feel like my ability to diversify has been a strength in marketability and just keeping things fresh! I really love what I do!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s not been easy. I would say my biggest obstacle has been becoming a Mom and staying relevant in the industry. Keeping up with trends without being too contrived… it’s hard. And then balancing my work life with family life.
It’s like I am supposed to work like I have no kids and be a Mom like I have no job.
Childcare can be expensive and scary, it took me some time to get my groove back after having both my kids.
But I have never given up. I get right back into the game. I still have to be me—Darcie, as well as be a good Mom and partner. I am in a very loving relationship with my kid’s father, together for six years. I love him very much and without his support would never have gotten back to my grind as an Artist since starting our family.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Makeup By Darcie – what should we know?
My company is ME, Makeup By Darcie. I specialize in everything: commercial and fashion print, special effects makeup, wedding makeup, face paint, body paint, Halloween makeup, etc…
I’m really inspired by my Sugar Skull Makeups and editorial fashion looks.
I set myself apart by adding details. I will use all my experience sometimes in one makeup. I have a real sense of the attention to detail and that makes for a more complete makeup.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
James Ryder was instrumental in me getting that “a-ha” moment of realizing I was right where I was supposed to be. He pushed me to my creative limit and I did some really great work with him. I kept that fire to push ever since. I do nothing half-assed after knowing him. He is my Mentor and friend.
My partner, Quinton has been patient, understanding, excited, curious and supportive of my crazy career and always steps it up when I work six nights a week between working two shows and photoshoots.
My bestie, Carol has always been a cheerleader for me. Was always so sweet to come to my retail events and buy a ton of makeup so I could have good numbers that day. And would jump in front of the camera from time
to time.
My sister Deirdre has also been supportive and pushed me to pursue training beyond beauty makeup. She was the one that actually found James’ workshop for me. And she often funded my continuing education and bought supplies/tools for me. She really has been a champion of my career since its inception.
And my inspiration always came from my Mom. My gorgeous Mom. What a looker, and boy did she love to get dolled up. From hair to clothes, and especially makeup. She is the most beautiful person I have ever seen. Such a beauty. The power of her transformation with makeup just made people stare. Literally, stare. I remember as a child loving this metamorphosis. And seeing others reaction to it. I remember thinking—-wearable art.
Pricing:
- Hair and Makeup for head shots $150
- Halloween Makeups/Prom $75 and up
- Half day $350/Full day $650
- Bridal Makeup $150
- Hair/Makeup for Commercial/Fashion Test $150
Contact Info:
- Phone: 979-492-4200
- Email: makeupbydarcie@gmail.com
- Instagram: MAKEUPBYDARCIE
- Facebook: Fanpage: Makeup By Darcie
Image Credit:
Photographers: Shamayim, Sarah Miller, Pratik Naik, Arthur Garcia, Julie Soefer.
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