Vancouver Fashion eZine - Online Fashion Magazine | Melanie Neufeld

It took a while for her to realize it, but Melanie Neufeld's future direction was clear from a young age. "I was one of those girls who did everyone's makeup." This talented Make-up/Hair artist has worked in the industry for 13 years now splitting her time between the MAC Pro Shop on Robson and professional assignments. Her resume includes an impressive list of editorials, advertising, photographers and personalities. It is easy to see as we talk that she is still passionate about her work.

"I was always big on make-up. When I was a kid we had a red Doberman with 3 legs named Sheba and I put purple eye shadow on him". School held very little interest for this artistic teen so she headed downtown and worked for several years in the restaurant industry. The money was good, but the environment was not. After an incident one night her boyfriend, Cory, encouraged her to try another direction and offered to help. It was a pivotal moment. She decided to study at Blanche Macdonald and found her natural flair for make-up an asset. By the time graduation arrived she had already experienced her first fashion show - Bike to Work Day on Granville Island.

MAC was her first stop. Neufeld had always known she wanted to work for MAC and the relationship has proved a strong one. They support her outside professional work and have provided with her some amazing opportunities such as doing make-up for the opening ceremonies at the Olympics in Greece. Another crucial step was the partnership she formed with photographer Candace Meyer. "We worked our way up doing model tests which is a great way to get started and gain experience…When I met up with Candace it was one of the best things that could have happened because that is where I made all my connections." The model testing she did for Lizbell Agency also paid off in referrals and when they began to represent artists a few years ago she was thrilled to sign on.

Make-up is a profession not for the feint of heart. You often arrive on set with little idea of what you will be facing. Neufeld finds this exhilarating! Her inspiration can come from anywhere. There is one particular photo in her book - a beautiful close-up of a model with a flower in her hair. "When people ask me what inspires me I think of this shot. We were going to BC Rail for a shoot and I was driving. It was autumn and there were beautiful yellow and burgundy brown leaves. I was so inspired and came up with the make-up while looking at the leaves falling in front of my car." While she is best known for her natural make-up, variety is always something to look forward to. Hair shows can be a great change-of-pace. "The make-up is over the top and you can work 9 hours without a break". There is a downside. "One of the trickiest things about being a make-up artist is how color reads. So many times I will go in and do a beautiful pink neon lip or bright orange lip and it will read as red."

The spontaneity, creativity and variety in her profession all combine to assure Melanie Neufeld will continue to be on the scene for a long time. And yes, Cory is still there to support her. To see more of her work go to http://www.lizbellagency.com/artists/345.htm. For bookings phone the agency at 604-683-9696.