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Shane Cyrus

In the latest episode of our podcast, we sit down with Auckland-based makeup artist Shane Cyrus to explore his fascinating career journey. From his early days as an aspiring hairdresser to becoming a trusted name in makeup artistry, Shane’s story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.


From Hairdressing to Makeup

Shane's transition from hairdressing to makeup artistry is a compelling journey of reinvention. He shares the motivations behind this shift and how it shaped his career path. With a foundation in hairdressing, Shane found a new calling in makeup artistry, driven by the desire to explore the creative possibilities it offered.


Makeup Education and Early Career

Shane recounts his experiences at makeup school, revealing the pressures of perfectionism and the challenges of finding his stride in a competitive field. His entry into the professional world with MAC was a pivotal moment, marking the beginning of his journey into the realm of high-profile makeup artistry.


Retail Experience: A Comparative Insight

With international retail experience under his belt, Shane compares the client interactions and artist communities between Melbourne and New Zealand, and between major brands like MAC, Mecca, and Sephora. His insights into these differences shed light on how diverse environments can shape an artist's approach and career trajectory.


Transitioning to Freelance: The Joys and Challenges

Shane discusses the significant transition from working at MAC to freelancing. He reflects on how this shift impacted his personal and professional life, revealing both the joys and the challenges of this new chapter. The freedom and creative control that come with freelancing are balanced with the realities of self-management and client relations.


The Role of Instagram and Diversity in Makeup Artistry

In today’s digital age, Shane highlights the crucial role of Instagram in building a business and maintaining a presence in the beauty industry. He also emphasizes the importance of diversity in makeup artistry, sharing his experiences and thoughts on how to create inclusive and representative beauty work.


The Art of Test Shoots and Fresh Collaborations

Test shoots and collaborations are an integral part of Shane’s creative process. He delves into the art of test shoots and the excitement of fresh collaborations, offering insights into how these experiences contribute to his growth as an artist.


Freelance Rate Strategies and Invoicing Woes

Setting freelance rates and managing invoicing can be challenging. Shane shares his strategies for determining fair rates and navigating the complexities of invoicing as a contractor. His reflections on these aspects provide valuable advice for other freelancers in the industry.


Shane Cyrus’s journey from hairdressing to becoming a renowned freelance makeup artist is a captivating narrative of growth, adaptation, and creativity. Tune in to our podcast to gain a deeper understanding of Shane’s experiences, insights, and the dynamic world of makeup artistry.


Contact Shane

If Shane Cyrus's journey has inspired you, we’d love to hear from you! Rate and leave a review for our podcast to help us continue bringing you engaging stories and expert insights from the world of beauty and makeup artistry.

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