One Happy Artist

It’s a little known fact that artists are rebels at heart. I remember in my college days when I was always so amazed by these cliques…some were legions of some gothic world, some were frustrated musicians, some were avant guarde fashionistas, while some were just plain scary. But whatever their quirks were, I’ve always admired their creativity which I hope is their only drug of choice. And their weapons?...the mighty pen, paintbrush, and perhaps some tailor’s chalk and a pair of shears.

Take it from Happy Andrada, a full-fledged artist who works her magic wherever she can. Fashion design, make-up artist, fashion stylist, boutique and beauty salon owner, and event planner….are just some of her “abilities”. And of course, an artist with such many characters to play, needs an appropriate headquarters of some sort…but not like how a bat cave or a secret hide-out is to a fantastic superhero but more like a hip shrine to pay reverence to unique Filipino talent. That place would be, F*Art (Fashion Art) store –a 2-level, boutique-cum-art gallery in Kamuning, Quezon City.

I think that apart from Happy being a multi-talented virtuoso of art, it is her passion to help other aspiring designers showcase their work, that makes her truly outstanding. F*Art has become a melting pot for fresh Filipino talent…it is a profusion of visual art in all its disciplines. Eye treats include not just couture fashion (cocktail wear, debutante gowns, bridal packages, children’s wear, corporate uniforms, and RTW) but paintings, sculptures, installation art, digital art, lomo photography, etc.–all offsprings from Manila’s young breed of creatives.

So hats off to fashion artist Happy Andrada who celebrates her artistic freedom and in doing so, spruces up this sometimes gloomy city, one funky piece of art a time, while selflessly sharing the creative stage with fellow artists. Romina Tobias

Visit Happy Andrada’s boutique and see more of her art. Click here for contact information and list of services.

Make-up Magic

A Chat with Freelance Make-up Artist

Jasmine Mendiola

A born thespian, Jasmine Mendiola has always been a surge of creative energy. Her animated quirks and vivacious personality without a doubt make her stand out in a crowd. This life of the party however is now channeling that colorful persona of hers as a freelance make-up artist.

As the current Fashion & Beauty Editor of Total Girl Magazine, Jasmine shares her journey towards potentially becoming one of the country’s premier make-up artists

How did you learn doing make-up?
I majored in Theater Arts in Ateneo de Manila. Makeup and prosthetics was one of the topics for Technical Theater, one of my major subjects. Our teachers for that semester were Marlon Rivera and Ricci Chan of Propaganda who saw my potential and encouraged me to apprentice with them.

What inspired you to do it professionally?
My interest in doing make-up only began when a friend complimented my work on my own graduation photo and several makeup plates I was required to do for technical theater. I officially became a makeup artist in 2003. My first clients were friends, particularly Jean Madrid. I was a contributing stylist and make-up artist for Chalk, Youngstar and YES! Magazine. I also had a stint with Citrus Productions for a Ragnarok ad. As for bridal makeup, which is now my forte, my very first client was Che-Ann Manongod.

Any memorable experiences as a wedding make-up artist? What are the perks of being a make-up artist?
A lot of memorable things happen in weddings! Besides the fact that I’m a big fan of weddings and romance in general, a lot of my brides become good friends afterward. I enjoy seeing their radiant faces when they gush after seeing my work. You can really see how confident they become as they shed off their last minute jitters and when everybody raves on how they’re just glowing.

One of my favorite moments is seeing the groom crying happy tears when he sees his bride more beautiful than ever.

What should a soon-to-be bride look for in a make-up artist?
I always say that aside from the artist’s skill and professionalism, it’s a matter of finding the one you're most comfortable with. Because no matter how skillful an artist is, if the two of you aren't on the same page when it comes to the vision of the look you desire, it won’t work out.

Do you give workshops/seminars?
I’ve done several workshops on Basic Makeup application for Robinsons Land courtesy of Marie Claire Magazine. For GMA News Room I gave one-on-one seminars to over 40 newscasters on how to do TV makeup for their job. Other clients are Citibank courtesy of Cosmopolitan Magazine, counter consultations for Beauty Bar (collection launches for Smashbox, Bloom, Pout), Sugarbaby and Lancome. Since I also do personal makeup coaching for individual clients, I’m launching classes around February of this year for that. Romina Tobias

To get in touch with Jasmine, or to be updated on her upcoming classes, see Jasmine Mendiola's ad profile.