12: Cory Taylor Bryant – Award-Winning Professional Makeup Artist

Cory Taylor Bryant - Makeup Artist

Summary

Cory Taylor Bryant is an award-winning professional Makeup Artist based in Denver, Colorado.  Cory has been a member of IATSE since 2014 and has over 20 yrs. experience. She has trained with several of the industry’s top award-winning makeup artist including Ve Neill, Eryn Krueger Mekash, Neill Gorton, and Todd Debreceni.

Cory has worked on projects in film, television, music videos, commercials, live stage events, and print and editorial.  She’s worked with celebrities, politicians, professional athletes, and music artists. Cory specializes in Beauty Makeup, Male Grooming, Special Makeup Effects, Character Makeup, Practical Makeup Effects, and Hairstyling.

Show Notes

[02:22] Curt asks about Cory’s background, where she is from, her background, and how she got out to Denver.

[05:25] After graduating high school in three years, she attended the University of Texas in Denton. At the time, was second only to Julliard as the top music school in the country, had a great tv/radio/film program.

[6:36] Cory attended makeup school after graduating with a dual degree in British Literature and Cultural Anthropology.

[08:39]  At the age of 38, after a long stint at IBM, medical issues prompted an epiphany that ultimately changed her direction in life.

[13:00] Cory talks about some of the artists she has met through IMATS (International Makeup Artists Tradeshow).

[14:47] After six spinal fusions and facing possible chronic pain and complications, Cory discusses a spiritual awakening she experienced that lead her to take the leap and become a makeup artist.

[18:36] After much agonizing over favorite names that might not have done as well with her target audience, Makeup by Cory became her primary business.

[23:44] In order to become a makeup artist, the licenses required can vary wildly from state to state.

[26:07] Although no certificate is required to be a production makeup artist, she recommends hiring someone with production experience and/or training.

[29:12] The difference between special effects makeup and special makeup effects are difficult to distinguish unless you work in the industry.

[42:44] Often, people do not understand how much it costs to do quality work.

[44:31] What does it cost to retain a makeup artist or stylist or special effects makeup artist?

[51:20] What kind of percentage does the makeup department generally receive for a film in the Denver market?

[54:49] What kind of things should someone look for in a great makeup artist?

[01:00:08] What is IATSE, and what are the benefits?

[01:04:22] What do you think could be done to create a more thriving film industry in Colorado?

[01:07:51] What is it that you love most about what you do?

[01:11:21] What are some of your more well-known makeups?

[01:15:17] Do you have any bucket lists of events or clients that you would like to experience in your career?

[01:15:17] How do you make your money as a makeup artist? How many gigs a week do you need to do a week or a year? How do you figure that out?

[01:15:17] Upcoming projects: An Eye for an Eye with Adam Bearly, A Girl Like Me with Yaritza Figueroa and Carrie Gomez (Scy Pictures), and A Great Divide (shot and takes place in Colorado)

 

Links and Resources

 

Be sure to check out podcasts with other great guests in the film and media industry on our DMP Podcast Page!

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