Meet Brooke Shivers | Makeup Artist

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

Hi Brooke, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Looking back, it should have been an easy decision. But I was always afraid of being an artist. I found so much joy in creating images and manipulating color but never imagined I could build a life from it. The world tells us that artists starve–they sacrifice so much and gain so little in return. I know now that this narrative was the root of my fear. It would be too risky, I thought, and I’d only succeed if I was among the very best. So I made art as a hobby. Then as a part-time gig. Over the years, I was lucky enough to be hired as the makeup artist for the weddings of many friends and family members. I was a part of parties and Halloween memories. I patiently built a small but strong social media presence. And eventually I earned some approval from professionals who I admired. I gained experience, positive reinforcement, and built a whole notebook of ideas–all the tools needed to propel me into the art world. But I was still afraid. The pandemic was my catalyst.
In a way, the year of 2020 showed me–and many of us–what we were most afraid of. Major tragedies surfaced daily. The world tipped on its axis. And suddenly the fear of being an artist–of taking a leap of passion and conviction–seemed miniscule. I was ready. Last year, I moved to Atlanta to give myself a real chance of being successful in my chosen field. My time here has only confirmed that there is nothing as inspiring as working with like-minded individuals to manifest a vision. There’s still a long way to go to reach my goals, but being an artist is the most rewarding work I do.

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.
For me, makeup art is linked to many other things I love beyond description. The tactility of oil paint, the dappled patterns of a spider, or the subtle sparkle of a flower petal in the sun. The details in life and nature that we take for granted are what I am most inspired by, and for me are what make the most inspiring art. Ultimately, I aim to create a body of work that combines the rawness of nature with the passion of mythical imagery. Something that takes texture, color, and form beyond the ordinary into a realm of living abstraction and emotional expression.
As nebulous as it sounds, that is my goal. It’s something that I will have to feel and see before I can truly describe it. Thankfully, the biggest hurdle in that journey until now has been my own fear getting in my way. Because I began makeup art as a hobby, I never believed I could truly become a professional and earn a place amongst the artists I admire. With continued hard work and a leap of faith, I am overcoming that limiting belief. Now I think my biggest challenge will come in the future. It may be difficult to find a niche for this type of art I’d like to create.
In the meantime, I am lucky to find joy in all the other aspects of makeup art that come with building a career in this industry. Whether a simple beauty look or a fantastical special effects creation, there is something thrilling about the process of transformation itself. Seeing a bride smile or a zombified actor snarl into a mirror–it’s all the same. We’re telling a story–creating a vision–together.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my absolute favorite places in this city is the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University. I studied art history at UGA so having a collection of ancient art and artifacts 20 minutes away is perfection for my nerdy heart. I mention it first because it never fails to get my creativity flowing, and many ATLiens don’t know about it! Without making it too obvious that I’m very into museums, I also enjoy the Atlanta Contemporary, the Fernbank, SCAD Fash, and of course the High. I haven’t been disappointed by a museum in Atlanta yet.
Somewhere that I have deep, nostalgic connections to is the Masquerade. I’ve been going to shows there with my friends since we were teenagers. Even in the new location, there’s something so energizing about seeing live music in an intimate setting.
The food in Atlanta is also amazing–but we all know that, right? Rumi’s Kitchen, Desta, and pretty much anywhere on Buford Highway has the best food I’ve tried in this city so far.
The final special quality that Atlanta has to offer, in my opinion, is that even as a metropolitan area, there is still so much nature to explore. There are countless parks and hiking trails close by. And Tallulah Gorge is magnificent!

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?
My shoutout is dedicated to my best friend and soulmate, Rachel Cho. She has been by my side through everything–the doubts, the wins, and even some sweaty outdoor summer shoots. I am so grateful to have someone who believes in my dreams the way she does.

Website: brookeshivers.com

Instagram: @brooquecreative

Facebook: Brooke Shivers Makeup Art

Image Credits
Jonathan Lee, Dan Almasy, Lateralus Photography, Brooke Shivers