Meet Tyler Keye

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tyler Keye a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Tyler with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Good question! I owe it all to my faith. Proverbs 21:25 says “The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work.” Growing up in a family that prioritized hard work and always having Jesus as a foundation has also greatly influenced my work ethic. My grandparents always told me I was the “head and not the tail” and always instilled in me the importance of dedicating myself to any task at hand, no matter how big or small. Besides talent, they taught me that success requires hard work and a willingness to go the extra mile.

My work ethic has also been shaped by my inherent passion for what I do. If you enjoy the work you do, you are more likely to put in the effort and maintain a strong work ethic. Throughout challenging times, my passion for helping others feel good about themselves helped me persevere and remain focused on achieving my goals.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Glad you asked! In my “9-5”, you could say, I work as a human resources professional. In my spare time, I work as a Professional Beauty Enhancer. Instead of calling myself a makeup artist, I prefer calling myself a Professional Beauty Enhancer because I believe everyone is beautiful in some way, and makeup can only enhance that. My primary goal as an artist is to empower my clients through makeup. Beauty comes in all forms, and makeup should enhance, not mask, one’s natural features. Creating customized looks based on the unique characteristics of my clients allows me to highlight their individuality.

My journey as a makeup artist began with a fascination for YouTube makeup tutorials, which is how I learned how to do makeup. Furthermore, I noticed that there were not too many makeup artists in my area who looked like me or who specialized in makeup for women of color, which further inspired me to get into the industry. Towards the beginning of 2019, I did mostly makeup for friends and family. In the months that followed, I gradually built up my makeup kit, started putting myself out there more, and eventually took a makeup course from a celebrity makeup artist in Nashville. My career really took off in late 2020 and early 2021, which is amazing considering we were in the middle of a pandemic at the time. Still, I realize that God was the one who brought me to this point, and I am still learning.

In my work as a freelance artist, I’ve had the privilege to work with clients in a variety of settings, such as photoshoots, weddings, and fashion shows. Each client has a unique vision and desired outcome, and it is my goal to make that vision a reality.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
My journey has been shaped largely by my abilities to be adaptable, flexible, and willing to learn. For any makeup artist to succeed, being compatible with their clients is crucial. When I understand and connect with clients on a personal level, I can ensure that I deliver the makeup look they desire. Another vital quality that greatly influenced my journey was flexibility. I can’t tell you how many changes a MUA has to make at the last minute. Whether it’s cancellations, additions, or small time slots. Flexibility allows me to adapt quickly to changing demands and stay on top of things. Lastly, I believe my willingness to learn is crucial to my growth in the industry. As new beauty products, trends, and techniques emerge regularly in the industry, it is imperative to be actively engaged in learning to maintain a competitive edge and keep clients happy.

Here are a few pieces of advice I would give to those starting their makeup artist career:

1. Gain exposure to various styles, techniques, and creative processes by collaborating with different clients, photographers, models, and makeup artists. Diversity is KEY! Experiencing different preferences and requirements will broaden your skill set.

2. Learn continuously: Follow influential makeup artists on social media, read beauty magazines, and attend workshops and conferences. As an artist, you will grow and evolve as you immerse yourself in the industry.

3. Embrace feedback and criticism from clients, peers, and mentors. Your performance will ultimately be enhanced as you identify areas for improvement and refine your techniques.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
It is undeniable that the Bible has played a significant role in my development. In my experience, the Bible is a profound source of wisdom, offering nuggets of wisdom that speak directly to my heart.

Love and compassion are among the lessons I have learned from the Bible. In Matthew 22: 37-39 it says “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” This has served as a constant reminder to me of the significance of treating others with kindness and empathy. My interactions with my clients have been guided by this principle, which encourages me to seek understanding even through challenging times.

Another impactful nugget of wisdom from the Bible is the power of perseverance and faith. In the story of Deborah, for instance, resilience and optimism are emphasized, even when everyone around you is doing wrong. Trust in the Lord and do good. In my own trials, I’ve been inspired to remain steadfast in my faith, trusting that there’s a greater purpose and plan at play.

Aside from that, the Bible teaches me the value of wisdom and discernment. Proverbs, in particular, offers practical advice for everyday life, emphasizing wisdom, humility, and a teachable spirit. Because of this emphasis on wisdom, I have prioritized my own growth, continually seeking to learn and grow in understanding. My character has been shaped by these nuggets of wisdom, which have influenced my decisions, leading to a deeper understanding of the world around me as well as personal growth in the makeup industry.

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