Rachel Montgomery has an eye for beauty. Having worked as a successful Australian makeup artist for the last decade she has refined her style and become renowned for bringing out the individual beauty in her clients. “It is so important to love what you have! We are all different and we are ALL beautiful. I love to experiment, sculpt, highlight and shade, to bring that beauty out,” says the in-demand artist. Her meditative approach to her work belies an innate eye for detail and perfectionism that delivers show-stopping makeup every time. She explains to Professional Beauty how she built her profile and gained her skills, who she met on her way, the help they gave her and reveals some indispensable advice for young makeup artists.
Q. What led you to a career in the makeup industry?
I was always creative and when I was very young used to play with creating special effects, but it was always just a hobby. I also used to do make up for friends and had a few regular clients, but never really thought it could be a career until my late 20s. I did two part-time courses and also studied full-time. I just wanted to be in a place where I would have to do make-up everyday as it’s the only way to improve. Hairdressers have an apprenticeship so I believe make up artists need to spend time practising what they have learned. When I finished studying, I did as much work experience as possible and assisted for three years (mostly for free!) My first mentor Susan Markovic was amazing and really cared that I learnt things properly. She truly believed in me and my talent and to this day she still checks in with me to give me support, so I was very lucky to have met her. After I studied, I also assisted Rae Morris for around 18 months, which was great and gave me an insight into how the industry really works.
Q. What was your first ever makeup job?
It was a wedding and I was terrified! It taught me that in order to have confidence, you have to know what you are doing. This is what inspired me to really throw myself into study and practice. I don’t think it’s appropriate to “practice” on someone’s wedding day, you need experience and skill. Afterall every face is different and no “one make up, fits all approach”.
Q. When did you get your big break?
I’m not sure that I did get one – I think my career is a continuous evolving journey. I certainly don’t think I know it all, I am sure I still have a lot to learn and with every new experience, if you are smart, you derive a new lesson.
Q. What has been your career highlight to date?
I really loved working with Florence Welch from Florence & the Machine
Q. What has been your career lowpoint (if any) and how do you recommend people stay motivated in the industry?
My lowpoint was when I was feeling like it was never going to happen. I couldn’t get anyone to shoot with me because I wasn’t well known and people generally didn’t want to chance it with a stranger. Also I was working extremely hard, mostly for free and it was at this point I decided to stop assisting, after this everything changed and I started to carve out a reputation for myself. I think timing was key and it coincided with me gaining confidence and skill and believing I was good enough to go it alone.
Q. Do you have an agent?
I did a lot of testing for my book. For a long time the shoots I did were good, but not good enough, so I just kept going until they were. I would meet with people and take on their criticism. Initially I had a manager who just looked after me. After that, I felt as if I had grown, so I took my book around again to the agencies I thought I could work with. I had a couple of offers, but decided to go with Reload. I think I just clicked with my booker and owner Katie. I am really happy there and the girls are all really down to earth.
Q. What tips do you have for getting your work noticed?
Do lots of it and do it well, this way people will soon hear about you. Don’t rely on just knowing people and having good connections. At the end of the day, you still have to be really good at your job as well as networking and your work should speak for itself.
Also, I think there is so much help now in the form of social media. You can show your work to so many people without having to do as much legwork anymore.
Q. What mix makes for the perfect portfolio?
I think it’s very important when putting your book together, that you realise it has to be good enough to show to clients. The creative stuff is good, but the majority of your book should show really clean, perfect make up. Don’t re-touch too much and remember less is often more, clients get scared if they can’t see that you can be trusted to follow a simple brief without going overboard.
Q. Does the majority of your work involve editorial, runway, advertorial or TV and film work?
Most of my work is either fashion, beauty, editorial and fashion advertising. I do some shows, but it’s not the bulk of my work. I don’t work on TV unless it’s for something specific, like a celebrity, but I do often work on commercials. In general, TV and editorial are quite separate areas of the industry. Having said that, we are quite isolated here in Australia and it’s important to be adaptable in yoru skill set.
Q. Who have you most enjoyed working with?
I honestly enjoy all of my jobs. My favourite, however, would have to be when I get the chance to shoot beauty. I love shooting really close up and getting creative.
Q. Who are your beauty icons?
There are so many women in history that I admire from every decade a few of my favourites are Coco Chanel, Twiggy, Marlene Dietrich, Marilyn Monroe and Joan Crawford.
Q. Which makeup products do you always carry with you?
Mascara, sunscreen, Lucas Paw Paw and dry shampoo.
Q. What is your current favourite look?
I always love a nice bright strong lip with little else.
Q. What’s left for you to achieve in your industry?
Oh there is always so much more to do!
Q. As an Australian makeup artist, how has this country and its street style/scenery/climate/beauty icons inspired you in your career?
Australia is a country like no other, with outstanding natural beauty. Our beauty icons are renowned for glowing natural beauty, which always inspires me to try to do the most flawless natural and sculptural make up possible.
Rachel showcased at the Sydney International Spa & Beauty Expo in her main stage performance Colour Perfect, where she took the crowd through her hottest techniques on how to be bold with and intensify colour, plus signature shading, highlighting and blending techniques to create amazing results.
Contact: www.rachelmontgomery.com