Meet Kassandra Jackson | Film MUA & Special Effects Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kassandra Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kassandra, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking to me is something I honestly don’t think about, I just do it, Most of the time, Im super excited to start an adventure or new endeavor. I believe and trust in myself completely when it comes to my career. I think of risks as actual short term goals, it makes it so much easier. Im not afraid to dive in. I would tell anyone wanting to become a professional makeup artist to go for it and never question yourself one bit!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Where to begin, Oh man! I feel like its been so long since anyone has asked me that question. I started out as a Beauty advisor in a Shop Rite. I took appointments based on the clients needs. Whether it was prom, wedding, or they just wanted to learn. It was a job I never thought I would take seriously. This was way back in 2012/2013 the makeup industry was different. Social media was different. Everything I had to do was pretty much text book. Reaching out to clients the old fashion way, either in an advertisement, phone call, email word of mouth, a gorilla marketing approach. It was certainly difficult to start out. I didn’t have all my resources that I have now. I had to be consistent and understand that failure was NOT an option. This is what I wanted once I figured out that I wanted to become a professional makeup artist.

From there, I gained my own set of clients and connections. I ended up with a few great opportunities one included doing makeup for New York Fashion Week and The Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. Both huge opportunities for me at the time. I remember like it was yesterday. I was so nervous but always had fun doing it.

Through the years of working as a melting pot type of artist, I wanted to find the perfect avenue of makeup that I could settle down in. Thats when I knew I wanted to work in SFX & Film. I took classes in SFX and educated myself in the art of making a cohesive character on set, with my first class being instructed by Tyler Green of FaceOFF. Meeting and learning from him taught me to go the extra mile and become the SFX artist I was born be. Through completion of Tylers classes, I was completely inspired and motivated to put a heavy emphasis on SFX within my craft.

The lessons that I’ve learned is to always be consistent, put in massive amounts of effort, go above & beyond and most of all, always trust the process. If the world could know anything about me or my story is past all the beauty and the glam, It was a lot of hard work, late nights. early days and isn’t easy. Most of the time I wanted to quit, but I knew I couldn’t. I wanted it so bad.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Any of the Art districts in NYC, Speakeasy’s, roof top bars, lounges. I love going to museums, different cafes. and Jazz clubs.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to mention where it all started for me as a makeup artist. Thank you so much to Hosway Marbak, my mentor, my friend, my entire reason I started my makeup journey in the first place. You paved the way for me in my career. I have listened, learned and practiced everything you have taught me. To being creative, how to start your own brand, and right down to building a name for yourself in this huge industry. This is all because of how well you teach each and every one of your students. I am beyond proud of you. Please Check out his Master Makeup Seminars if you are looking to start your professional career as an MUA. @makeupbyhosway on IG

For my entire career I always wanted to be a part of a team. With a group of individuals who are all working towards a common goal. I found that in Joe Fucarino and Phillip “Zain” Dias. I can honestly say I owe everything Ive done to these guys right here. I was just starting out when I met them. They have single handedly taught me so much about film. They are the family I never knew I needed. They took me under their wings and I learned so much about running a successful Buisness and the ins & outs of film. Thank you so much for all that you do and STILL do for me, our team and the community. You guys are truly an inspiration.

Website: kassmuastudios.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kassmuastudios/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KassJ15

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCd4w0yI4_Vm-3mIp7HX05jg

Image Credits
Photographer – @IamZainMagazine and with @JoeFucarino_ Assistance.