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

Hi Courtney, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think about the saying “the best things in life lie on the other side of fear” every time I take a risk. Taking the plunge can scary, leaping into the unknown and in our field there hasn’t been anyone else that’s done the exact thing we’re doing. I hate living with “what if’s” I figure if I take a risk, at least I know what the end result will be, with that experience under my belt, I can move forward and make better choices in the future. There’s a lot of pep talks with myself, talking it out with my husband and quiet moments before I hit the proverbial send button. With all that said, all the risks I’ve taken have paid off. Sometimes not in the exact way I thought but when does something turn out *exactly* how you wanted it to?

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 love bringing out the natural beauty in people. Maybe it’s a subtle eyeshadow that makes their eyes sparkle or a seemingly boring lipstick that finishes off the face. I love that feeling when I’ve done talent’s makeup, we go on set, I’m standing behind the monitor and everything comes together how I wanted it. There’s no better feeling. I’ve been doing makeup for nearly ten years and I’ve had a regular job for probably 7 of those years. But I never lost sight of what and where I wanted to be. And I’m not done yet. I think having an end goal is important to keep you on track, with other smaller goals that will accumulate to get you to reach your end goal. My overarching goal is to win an Academy Award one day, I took the leap and networked my way into working on smaller films. I took the leap and moved to Atlanta to work on more films. Everything is a step forward.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
A week in Atlanta… I love walking around, so one of my first places would be the Beltline. Starting in Ansley Park and finish at Ponce City Market, walking around PCM and get a King of Pop popsicle. As for restaurants, I think you have to hit at least one southern restaurant, my pick is usually Mary Mac’s. It also holds a special place for me because it was my inaugural dinner here in Atlanta. I literally got off the plane and my cousin took me there! I also love HAI in Decatur, the Iberian Pig, Grindhouse Burgers, Bone Garden Cantina, Ladybird for brunch and people watching and I could spend hours going up and down Buford highway checking out all the restaurants. Oh! And definitely Jeni’s for dessert. As for attractions, Centennial park for the history and museums. Downtown Decatur for it’s quaintness and Inman Park for it’s charming walkability.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be anywhere close to where I am now if it weren’t for the group of artists here in Atlanta that I’m lucky enough to call my friends. We met at a Glossible meet up and never stopped talking. Never in a million years, did I think a Facebook group would turn into something so wonderful. We text, call, visit and work together on the regular, the comfort I have knowing I can turn to these people for anything (job, personal, etc.) is priceless. Secondly, I want to shoutout the artist that are just starting out. Maybe you have a regular job, do makeup on the side and want to be freelance full time. One day you will get there. All of us have been where you are and we’re making it. Together. Sometimes youthful impatience can get the best of us but look at all the artists that are in their prime right now, none of them are in their early 20s. It’s why we have the phrase “paying your dues.”

Website: www.CourtneyMark.com
Instagram: CourtneyMarkMUA
Twitter: CourtneyMarkMUA

Image Credits
Files IMG_1391 and IMG_1396 are by Billy Kelly of Down By Five Media Group @DownByFiveMediaGroup