From Florida to California: Inside the Mind of Hair and Make Up Artist, Kelly Hunt
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself: (where are you from, how did you land in LA, what are your passions, etc.)
I was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and grew up mainly in South Florida. I moved to LA after having a very REAL and eye-opening heart to heart with my talented friend and mentor Julianne Kaye. I was out here in LA for the summer nannying for one of her friends at the time and she brought me on a few jobs to shadow her because she knew I was trying to make it as a makeup artist in Florida. She told me if I really wanted it bad enough I needed to pack up and move to LA and she would take me under her wing and show me the ropes. A week later I returned to Florida, bought a one way ticket, and shipped my car. I only knew one person, Jules, and she was honestly the one person that opened all the doors for me. Moving cross-country not knowing if I'd succeed was definitely terrifying but if I had to do it all over again I wouldn't change a thing.
2) How do you navigate working as a freelancer while living in LA? Is it hard?
Being a freelancer in LA is definitely not for the weak. There are times when you are so booked up that you have only a day or two off in a month. Then, there are other times where you only work a day or two a month. Its hard to find a balance, especially in the beginning. But, eventually you have enough clientele and you can keep a steady flow. You're out here in this huge city with thousands of people trying to do the same thing as you, so you have to try and set yourself apart from them. I would say there is A LOT of soul searching that goes along with being a freelancer. Also, there is no such thing as TGIF in this world. More often than not you'll be working on the weekend. You just need to make sure you surround yourself with like-minded people and friends that understand your plans with them are never set in stone because you might have a last-minute booking.
3) What is the best thing about your job? What is the worst thing?
The best thing about my job is that it's always different. I can be shooting in Mailbu at a beautiful estate on the beach one day and the next day on the Universal backlot filming on a sound stage. I've had to do makeup on a plane before and in the back of my car. You're always working with new people and talent and it never gets old. I always get excited before a job because it's honestly like a grab bag…but with people and locations. The worst thing for me would have to be setting up and breaking down. The worst is when you have your makeup kit, your hair kit, your set bag and your personal belongings. You have to load it in a pass van and get to a set, then lug it up into the trailer, then bring everything out and set it up. Then, when you leave sometimes you're rushed because you have to move to another location and you have to clean and sharpen things, put it all back where it belongs and lug it all back to your car. Thats why I always try and stay very organized so my set up and break down goes fast. What I need to do is downsize my kits but I just don't have it in me to part with anything yet. So, I guess I'm my own worst enemy.
4) What are some tips you would give to aspiring stylists/hair/makeup/manicurists on breaking into the industry?
Don't be scared. This industry is intimidating and I remember calling my mom crying saying that I wanted to go home and she would just tell me "No." Don't give up, I'm glad I didn't. Find artists that inspire you or who you would aspire to work alongside one day and e-mail them. Ask them to assist. E-mail the agencies here in LA and ask to get on their assistant roster; it's a great way to form not only a working relationship with the agency but with their artists as well. Test!!! Find photographers and contact them about testing. Build your book up. Make a website for yourself. Get active on social media. There are so many things you can do to break into the industry but make sure your personality stays in check. Nobody wants a diva or a negative nancy working with them. Remember to stay gracious and humble no matter how big you get, because without a good attitude that can all be taken away.
5) What do you do for fun? Tell us some of your favorite LA digs?
When I'm not working I'm normally just kicking it with friends. I like going out to dinner and drinks, I love this mexican place on 3rd called Mercado, or I'll just walk across the street in Franklin Village, where I live, and hit up La Poubelle or Franklin & Co. Also, Messhall in Los Feliz makes a great Moscow Mule. I love going to the Echo Park Park and just lounging or even hitting up the Santa Monica Pier because that ferris wheel ride never gets old. Also, if I have a Sunday off I'll try and hit up the Melrose trading post.
6) What is trending for summer for hair or makeup?
Healthy skin was trending for summer. I feel a shift coming. We are steering away from masks of foundation and heavy contouring and heading into the BB creams. Get yourself a good moisturizer and some SPF. Also, blue and green eyeliner. Whether it's cobalt blue or mint green, girls are having fun with these shades. You can line the inside of your eyes or create a fun wing. Also, simple hair is on trend. Normally we see girls rocking the beachy waves around this time (which I will forever love) but I think we are going to see a lot of middle parts and straight hair with a slight bend. Even though I wear a topknot 95% of the time I think it's out. I see girls starting to embrace the mid/high ponytails now which is unfortunate for me because I look terrible in a pony. Also, braids…always on trend. The braid craze is not over yet and its an easy hairstyle that looks cute but took minutes to do.