Meet Gaby Macias | Film and Television Makeup & SFX Artist

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

Hi Gaby, is there something you believe many others might not?
Over the last few years I’ve had friends and peers in the TV and Film Industry advise me that I should build more on my brand. I don’t agree with this new conventional advice. Not every business needs to necessarily ¨build a brand,¨ particularly one such as myself. Yes, It has worked well for others and their businesses. My integrity leads me to follow an older school of proprieties. My unconventional character tends to focus more on the individual interactions: whether that be with my clients or coworkers. I find a way to build value by helping people in a more personal way. I help one or two people at a time instead of trying to reach thousands of followers and fans.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love and learn from a presented challenge for a makeup design on a job. When the ¨artistic juices¨ flow, adrenaline is pumping and you’re given a timetable; you can come up with great inspiration and creativity! I especially get excited to create a sfx makeup that someone will ask for on the fly. I think I work well under pressure and find the outcome of the design ends up looking better without so much pretense and severity behind it. I’ve been taught and learned from different schools of thought as far as makeup design goes. That’s the beauty of continuing education! Besides learning new textbook techniques you can also learn off of an instructors personal style. Incorporating all the different techniques from mentors and instructors will help one develop their own style and approach to their work. Dont ever stop learning, taking advice, improving or sharing what youve learned either. Remember to remain humble and know theres always room to learn something new.

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.
My sister and teenage nieces visited me last year for a few days and we all agreed we had the best time! I’ve now lived in Atlanta for 6 years, so I love when I get the chance to see the city as a tourist. Atlanta is known for being a ¨foodie town.¨ And we had to explore what some locals love and recommended. My family loved having Sunday breakfast at Highland Bakery. Their dishes are so flavorful, unique and they don’t skimp on the portions! We also found ourselves continually going back to either Sweet Hut in Midtown or Amelie’s French Bakery for an afternoon or evening snack. Part of the allure to these two sweet spots is not only their awesome treats but the ambiance too. We filled our days seeing the sights and attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta and hiking Stone Mountain. They also loved driving through the different neighborhoods to see the different architecture and foliage that they don’t find in our hometown of Miami, Florida.

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’ve got to give a huge shoutout to all the individuals that gave me the opportunity to work in my craft and industry. Its always difficult to break into an industry and make a name for yourself. You first have to find those folks that will even give you a chance. I always found it ironic when people in a hiring position would say they were looking for people with experience. I would get so frustrated in thinking how was I to gain experience if no one would give me the opportunity to prove I could do the job. I am so grateful to those people that did take a chance in giving me those opportunities! Now I pay that forward in mentoring the new up and coming artists.

Website: gabymacias.com
Instagram: @gabymaciasllc
Twitter: @GabyMaciasLLC
Facebook: Gaby Macias Pro Artistry
Other: IMDB.com : Gaby Macias