We were lucky to catch up with Scotia Boyd recently and have shared our conversation below.
Scotia, so great to be with you and I think that many new artists are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that has held people back from embarking on their journeys forever and so we are so interested to hear about how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Overcoming Imposter syndrome is an on-going process but something that’s been a huge help to me has been reading. I’ve taken an interest in learning about the lives of artists across all creative industries and I came to realize that everyone experiences imposter syndrome.
Every artist experiences a point in the creative process when they ask themselves questions like, “Is anybody going to care about this?” “Will I ever be successful?” “Is this too weird” Or “Is it a wild fantasy to believe that I could actually pull something like this off?”
And that is what I truly admire about artists, because it takes so much courage and fearlessness to put your art out into the world in the face self-doubt. I learned that to be an artist is synonymous with being brave.
I have worked with some of the most talented people in the film and television industry – and I mean multi-award winning artists – who have said to me that they felt they did not think that they were talented enough, only to book a mega blockbuster film mere months later.
So I am not going to tell you not to doubt yourself, but do what scares you. Persevering in spite of doubt and fear is the only way forward.
This is invaluable! Thank you. Can you take a few minutes to share with our audience about who you are and what you do in the film and television industry?
I’m a film and television makeup artist in Los Angeles and I’ve been blessed to work on so many wonderful television series and feature films including Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Warner Brothers’ Titans, and Netflix’s ‘You Are SO Not Invited to my Bat Mitzvah.’ One of my most recent projects to look out for is ‘Code 3’ from Wayfarer Studios and Circle of Confusion for which I did makeup on Rainn Wilson and Aimee Carrero – a dream come true!
Thank you Scotia. With so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities one will need to develop in order to succeed in the film industry it can be overwhelming. So, if you had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The first thing I will say about working in this wild and amazing industry is to be aware of your presence. Your skills are absolutely important, but equally as important is the atmosphere that you create when you’re on set. Doing makeup is an extremely intimate experience and a crucial part of the day for performers. If you have a nervous energy it can throw them off and that is why a huge part of success for hairstylists, makeup artists and wardrobe stylists comes down to how they make the talent feel.
Inline with being mindful of the energy you’re putting out, your work ethic is also hugely important. The entertainment industry is a tough industry and despite what you might think, that is basically the case for every single person here. When you’re working for successful talent that have dedicated their lives to getting to their position, it’s important for them to see that their teams are working just as hard and care just as much. That is especially the case in Hollywood.
Last but not least, you have to constantly hone your craft. Your skill is what gets peoples attention before they know you so never take your artistry for granted.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, can you share a book that’s played an important role in your development?
There are so many great books that have influenced my journey but ‘Think Again’ by Adam Grant, ‘Blowing My Way to the Top’ by Jen Atkin, and ‘The Artist’s Way’ by Julia Cameron are among my favorites.
Adam Grant’s book ‘Think Again’ was literally a game-changer for me. While I had enjoyed many good years working in the film and television industry in Toronto, Adam Grant invited me to look at my life situation objectively and ask myself some critical questions about my trajectory. It’s all about keeping your mind open to life’s changes and its vast possibilities, and ultimately it led to my decision to move to California.
Blowing My Way to the Top by Jen Atkin is, first of all, hilarious, but she also gives some hard truths about what it takes to succeed in the industry. For those that don’t know, she is a trail-blazing hairstylist whose clientele include Gigi and Bella Hadid, The Kardashians, and Hailey Bieber. She also created her own hairstyling product lines, Ouai and Mane Addicts.
If you are spiritually inclined (which I believe is a major part of what it means to be an artist), then I highly recommend the Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. The book is a beloved classic for a reason. She will walk you through how to bring forth your own creativity, even if you don’t think you have it in you. Spoiler: it doesn’t come from within you, rather it’s about allowing it to come through you.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.scotiaboyd.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/scotiaboydmakeup
- Other: I also have a blog where I talk about creativity, my career, health and wellness, and my writing journey. www.scotiaboydblog.com
