Meet Blythe Tierney Dever: Professional Makeup Artist – IATSE 798

We had the good fortune of connecting with Blythe Tierney Dever and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Blythe Tierney, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I think for me a huge factor has been following the path that the universe lays before me – I’ve never tried to force myself down any certain path, or fit myself into any specific narrative. I just let opportunity open up and followed my feet. For me this guarantees that I will never be somewhere that I don’t truly belong & I find a lot of peace in that. Also, being confident in yourself as an individual & all that you specifically have to offer. Your journey is yours. Don’t compare yourself or try to copy anyone else’s. Someone wise once told me “Success is when preparation meets opportunity.” I find this to be an incredibly clear & true definition of the word. In that same vein, I truly believe the feeling of “personal success” is reached at the intersection of your passion, opportunity (self made or given) & a lot of hard work.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Professional Makeup Artist & a proud member of IATSE Local 798. I primarily work freelance or contract work – which allows me to keep my work really diverse. Being able to bounce in between Film, Theatre, Ballet, Opera, Commercial or Music Videos keeps me on my toes. Making every day fresh & fun – considering the differing specific needs of each medium. Honestly, I’d have to say I am really proud of where I am. I mean, I am 27 & I reached a huge milestone this last year by being accepted into the union. Something that some artist wait years to do, I was able to achieve at a fairly young age for the industry. It’s not lost on me how blessed I am, but it takes SO MUCH WORK to be in the industry. It’s so easy to get bogged down thinking about all you haven’t achieved or all the things you still wish to accomplish, but it is important to – take a breath – & appreciate all you HAVE achieved & HAVE accomplished. It might be easy for someone to call themselves a “makeup artist” but to actually be a Professional takes an extreme amount of work, time & even investment. As far as lessons I have learned, I’d have to say – Passion isn’t enough, you have to be ready to WORK. You have to be ready to fight for your spot. You have to be prepared to make your own opportunity when one isn’t handed to you. You have to be yourself.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
(in no particular order) 1. My apartment. I LOVE MY APARTMENT. Decatur is a great place to live. 2. “El Ponce” – I’m a texan & LOVE Mexican food – but it’s hard to find places that do it to my high Texan standard. But they do it EVERY TIME. 3. “Ponce City Market” – just walking around is fun & the rooftop is amazing. 4. “The Botanical Gardens” – are beautiful for a stroll. 5. “Little 5 Points” – for some thrifting. 6. “THE JUICY CRAB” (it is a chain – but my parents are full blooded cajun, so that spice has to be just right & IT IS SO DELICIOUS. 7. “The Fox Theatre” – not only do they have great shows come through there, but the theatre is gorgeous & full of SO MUCH history. I love when I get to work there. 8. “The Atlanta Ballet” – I frequently work with the Ballet & I am constantly in awe of that company. They are all phenomenal dancers & captivating performers. I’m really lucky to get to work with them & call them friends. I got to design the Makeup for their new “Nutcracker” in 2018 – so I’d definitely invite & encourage people (& all of ATL) to see that show. 9. “Alon’s Bakery” – if you haven’t tried their bread or macaroons you haven’t lived. 10. “The Majestic Diner” on Ponce – been there since the 20s, open always, good food. 11. “Paris on Ponce” – they always have fun stuff to buy 12. “Decatur Estate & Wayback Antiques” – my favorite antique store in the city

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to my mentor, Sally Lynn Askins. She was my professor at Baylor. She is an Associate Professor of Costume Design & Makeup Design. If there is anyone on this earth that is an ARTIST through & through with any and every breath – it is her. She has more creativity in her little finger than many people can hope for in a lifetime. She truly is an inspiration to me in every way possible.