How did you get into make-up?
Film has always been my number 1 interest and passion since I was a young teenager. I studied film production at college and decided that I wanted to take on one of the ‘creative arts’ departments. I dabbled in art department & props, but soon decided makeup was the direction I wanted to take; creating characters and telling a story through makeup has always compelled me as an artist.
I trained in film & TV makeup at the London College of Fashion and did further training in makeup FX & prosthetics, period hair, wigs and barbering over the years. Once I’d completed my training, I took on any and every job I could find and my career built up from there. 10 years later, I’m living and working in Los Angeles, and couldn’t be more grateful for all the amazing job opportunities that have come my way!
What do you like about the profession?
I love working with a narrative and designing the character looks based on who they are, where they live, whether they have money or not, whether they are popular or an outcast, whether they are comfortable or uncomfortable in their own skin. All these elements will quite drastically change how a character looks and I love being able to help tell their story through makeup.
What are your upcoming projects?
I am currently preparing for a top secret live immersive theatre event in Los Angeles with Netflix & Secret Cinema. The looks for the characters in the show are incredibly involved so I have 6 weeks of prep to get everything ready for opening night. We’re talking head-to-toe tattoos, endless prosthetics, contact lenses, creature makeups, mohawks, hair every color of the rainbow, wigs. It’s very exciting for me to be able to use pretty much all of my skillsets in one job.
Anything else you would like people to know about you?
My second passion after film & TV is animal welfare. When I’m not working, you will find me at the Los Angeles North Central Animal Shelter trying to make the lives of the shelter dogs a little more bearable while they wait for their forever homes. I am also mama to my own little shelter dog Pazu who, as troubled as he is from his own rough start in life, is the light of my life. You can find out more info on how you can help at laanimalservices.com
Where can we learn more about you on-line?
You can find out more about my work on my website: www.emmacroftmakeup.com as well as my Instagram page @emmacroftmakeup. On my website you will find links to my IMDb page, as well as links to some of the interviews I have done for publications such as Makeup Artist Magazine and Voyage LA.