HALLOWEEN SPECIAL: A Georgian Make-up Artist Prepares for Halloween
With Halloween just around the corner, GEORGIA TODAY got in touch with up-and-coming make-up artist, Tinna Shalikashvili, 19, who is gaining popularity with her horrifying makeup transformations through her private hobby-studio “Make-up By Tinnash.”
Why and how did you decide to get into theatrical make-up?
At the moment it’s more like a hobby as I’m focused on my studies at the Free University Faculty of Law, Tbilisi, which takes up a lot of my time. I really have to study hard, but the make-up side is becoming increasingly important to me- so I often study at night and practice make-up during the day. I often find myself lacking in sleep!
Have you enrolled on any training courses for make-up?
No. I don’t think it’s necessary; I would say you can learn through practice and the Internet is an enormous resource for that. Of course, it’s important to know the structure of the human face and application techniques. I’ve been drawing since my childhood, that’s why I already knew the basics of it. Youtube videos are extremely helpful and I watch a lot of them. Make-up is a hugely popular trend in the world right now, but not in Georgia, unfortunately,
What drew you to Halloween makeup specifically?
Probably my love of everything extraordinary and different… I like to do things according to my own tastes, independently. In regular make-up you are limited to the choice of the palette, whereas Halloween make-up has no boundaries and you’re free to improvise, to do whatever you would like to do. It’s very creative, but at the same time precise: one tiny mistake can ruin the look. Getting it right takes practice.
How do you see yourself in the future: a professional make-up artist or a lawyer?
I don’t know… I think make-up is still my hobby, a second profession maybe. There are so many lawyers in Georgia, and the competition is so high- you have to really be a top professional in the field to succeed. I’m often told I have to have another profession, too. For some it will sound funny for a lawyer or judge to also be a make-up artist, but I don’t think it’s impossible. I think there’s nothing shameful in having additional income.
Do you have any other hobbies?
I love painting and singing. I admire people who are extraordinary and do not allow themselves to be stuck in a box of limitation. I often go out to see exhibitions and art events.
What does Halloween mean to you?
At the age of three, I started studying English and our teacher always made Halloween parties for us kids, and we always dressed up, so Halloween for me is associated with happy childhood memories and warmth. It’s a celebration where you can express yourself, and it has nothing to do with something evil, as is often thought in Georgia.
I don’t watch horror movies at all, but I think scary makeup goes wonderfully with Halloween.
Do you have a studio?
I use my own room in my apartment, where I have loads and loads of material, a mirror and everything I need. My family is hugely supportive. I prefer buying make-up equipment and material to spending my money on clothes. I buy everything online, to be sure it’s the exact quality I need. There’s only one shop I use locally.
What would you do if you received an offer to work as a make-up artist on a movie set?
That would be great! I don’t have much experience yet, but having a chance to work as an assistant to someone would be wonderful!
Do you plan to pursue your studies in make-up?
Yes! Definitely! There’s a make-up school in Hollywood I would love to study at and my mom supports me in that. But studies first, and maybe make-up for the future. I still have time…
Check our Tinna’s Facebook page to see more of her horrifying creations!
Nino Gugunishvili