We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Angie Shell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Angie below.
Hi Angie , thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
I perceive imposter syndrome as something to be managed more than something to overcome. While it may not completely go away, by reflecting on your mindset and truly looking within, you truly can minimize the feeling that you aren’t deserving of your achievements. I always like to embrace my strengths in my work and the techniques I utilize that separate me from other artists. It isn’t uncommon for artists to feel this way, especially in Los Angeles, but your resilience, mindset, and work ethic will always determine how far you go.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’ve been working professionally as a make-up artist for film for about 4 years now, and painting professionally for 2. I’ve always held a deep passion for art and cinema, and in 2024 that truly has not changed. Ever since I started painting full-time for Immortal Masks I’ve wanted to integrate the skills I’ve gained from silicone painting and transcend them to onset makeups and personal projects. My focus has been heavily invested in working on projects that I connect to and scripts that have echoes and inspiration of movies that inspired me to be in this business in the first place. I adore dark comedies and horror that have a bit of camp to them as well, which has always made sense to me considering how much I enjoy making people laugh. I think there’s something really interesting about the way you can sense the writer or director’s personality through a film they were clearly passionate about.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Of course, learning silicone painting at Immortal Masks was one of the most impactful skills I could’ve developed this early on in my career. Jumping into intensive training truly was a game changer for me, as the skills I learned transitioned into different mediums I practiced as well. Airbrush painting is truly a language, and I could see it being a curriculum all its own because of how meticulous it is. It’s truly something at the forefront of my passions as far as art goes and it’s a personal dream of mine to be able to paint silicone for film as well as do makeup. Learning to sculpt was also a skill that helped my personal growth as an artist. Not only does it make you well-rounded to be able to sculpt your own appliances and masks, but it also improves your painting abilities and knowledge of anatomy.
I would also like to emphasize how pressing it is to do personal projects, even if it is simply a 30-minute sketch or magazine collage. Something completely in your control that is a reflection of you, helps make your art into a form of self-care as well as something to help you grow. And if you start early on, this will benefit you in a myriad of ways throughout your career.
Developing these skills is also imperative, and finding the tools that work for you specifically is equally as such. I highly recommend tuning into Battles With Bits of Rubber, a podcast hosted by Stuart Bray and Todd Debreceni, it has been extremely insightful and helpful when I’m in need of guidance or inspiration. If you’re a new prosthetic artist and haven’t been recommended it yet definitely pick up the Special Effects Guide of Real Human Wounds and Injuries because it will save your life time and time again, and it also makes a wonderful coffee table staple.
Finally, in any medium of painting, I will definitely say some of the best advice I have ever been given was to know when to step away so you can return to your work with fresh eyes. It makes a difference, trust me.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am always open to new collaborations! I love to lend a hand in any way that I can whether it’s working as an assistant make-up artist on set, or helping out in a life-cast or pre-painting. I love it when I find passionate, like-minded individuals who are equally as passionate as I am. I enjoy working with people who value teamwork and collaboration to reach a common goal, I think I do my best work when I feel truly heard, seen, and respected and that’s all anyone can ask from an environment being utilized for creativity. Never hurts when someone’s weird side matches yours. You can book with me through email, ashellhamer1999@gmail.com, or through my Instagram or TikTok- @monstersbyang. I’m always willing to jump on set or work in a shop.
Contact Info:
- Website: angieshellhamermakeupartist.weebly.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monstersbyang/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/
- Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@monstersbyang
Image Credits
Eric Anderson Caleb Czuszak Ben Wilson Deverill Weekes
