Welcome to Industry Insiders! There is an unbelievable amount of work that goes into each and every one of our projects, and we’re taking some time to highlight the people who make it all possible. First up is Tameeka Walker.

Tameeka started working with us about five years ago and her work in Hair and Makeup has been featured on a number of projects including the work we’ve done with Hilton Hotels, FreeStyle Libre, and Bomb Pop - just to name a few. She’s incredibly dedicated and has a wide variety of skills that makes her the perfect choice for just about any job.

Because Tameeka is generally the first person talent sees when they arrive on set, she has the chance to set the tone for the day. And without fail, her unique ability to be a steadfast and positive presence almost immediately puts everyone at ease. She makes them feel taken care of and sets the entire cast and crew up for a successful day. And not to mention, her talent as a hair and makeup artist is incredible. She works seamlessly with all members of the production team and creates excellent looks for our talent to meet the needs of every project.

We asked Tameeka some questions about her experience as a hair and makeup artist - read on to see what she’s got to say!

Can you tell us about your journey to becoming a TV and commercial makeup artist? What inspired you to pursue this career?

I’ve been involved in a number of areas in the beauty industry: working in salons, working with performers, and most recently working with bridal and creative shoots. As a result, I have a lot of experience with different hair textures and a wide variety of skin types and shades. I’ve been able to build a large knowledge base and am always excited to learn more.

What inspires me to be in this particular area of the beauty industry is being able to use what I’ve learned to make everyone feel safe, confident and cared for within the beauty industry.

How do you stay current with hair trends and techniques in the industry?

You can’t help but to stay current with hair and makeup trends because information is so accessible now. To be honest though, while I am always refining my skill set, I am not necessarily following trends. Everyone I work with is unique, so they may not fit the mold of what’s most popular. My priority is making each individual look and feel their best - if that fits within the trends of the day, that’s great. And if not, that’s equally as great. At the end of the day, it’s not about the trends but about the person in my chair.

How do you approach selecting hairstyles that complement the overall aesthetic of a project or character?

It’s really important to me to approach each project or individual client with thoughtfulness. When it comes to clients, I want to know what they love the most about themselves so that I can highlight that while staying true to the specific hair needs of the day. With projects my main focus is to respect the vision while also implementing my expertise in a collaborative way.

What would you say is the best strategy to make sure you have a cohesive look for production?

Consultation and communication with the producer, project manager, artist, or client are key to ensuring everyone is on the same page. I’ve found that there is no suggestion that isn’t worth mentioning and no question that isn't worth asking. The work you put in before the actual event or project is just as important, if not moreso, than the work on set.

How do you ensure that makeup and hair withstand the demands of long shooting hours and various lighting conditions?

I always start with skin analysis. Giving skin and hair its proper preparation is key. And then for the hair and makeup itself, I always make sure I use longwear products to solidify the look.

And it’s important to note that the camera will catch things that the naked eye just can’t see, so having a light hand with makeup application and having the right products on hand for different settings makes a big difference.

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What does a typical day on set look like?

A day on set can look different depending on the project, but I typically spend the bulk of my time executing various looks as efficiently as possible. You can also definitely find me running to the set base to jump in to adjust, maintain, or create effects on the fly.

What are the essential hair and makeup products and tools that you always have in your kit?

I have so many favorites that I have with me at all times, but I do have a few musts for makeup and for hair. For makeup I always need a great moisturizer, a concealer palette, translucent powder, a bronzer palette, a mascara and a setting spray. For hair I love having a hair pomade or styling mousse, heat protectant serum, flat iron, blow dryer, and hair spray of course! What is on the top of my list though, is clean tools, brushes and cleaning agents.

What do you find most rewarding about your work in the TV and commercial industry?

I find the most rewarding part of my job is being someone who can be trusted with something so personal. I have worked really hard to have versatility in Hair and Makeup, and I am humbled and grateful every time that I can help bring others’ visions to life.

What advice would you give to hair & makeup artists who want to expand their skills to include TV and commercial work?

Learn the art of connecting with people. I am not the best at social media, but I am really good at connecting. People will remember how you made them feel on a job even more so than your work. It’s always important to do your best work on any job no matter the size, but it’s equally as important to focus on any connections you might make and foster those relationships.