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The Makeup Insider

The Makeup Insider

By: Vanessa Barney
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About this listen

The Makeup Insider is a fortnightly one-on-one podcast exploring the life and career of makeup artists, hosted by freelance mua Vanessa Barney.. Finding your community of other likeminded mua’s – the creative, artistic, talkative, flexible, adaptable with a good eye for colour kind-of-people, can often be daunting. Like, where do you start? The Makeup Insider is designed for just that. To build a collaborative online community of artists to build their confidence, connections and help drive their career to the next level.If you’re just starting out or have been in the industry for a long time, tune in now, check out the key takeaways in the show notes and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Find Vanessa @vanessabarney @the.makeupinsider

© 2025 The Makeup Insider
Art Career Success Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • PR 101 for Creatives: What to Know Before Reaching Out
    Jul 14 2025

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    In this episode, Vanessa chats with experienced PR consultant Ebanny, who shares how creatives from makeup artists to photographers can catch the attention of PR agencies and build lasting relationships in the industry. You’ll learn how to pitch yourself, why engagement matters more than followers, and how to approach PR gifting with creativity and professionalism.

    What You'll Learn:

    • How to pitch yourself to PR agencies
    • What PR reps really look for
    • The importance of authentic content
    • Why engagement matters more than follower count
    • How to build a community that brands want to partner with

    Links & Mentions:

    • Ebanny's brand: Edie

    @the.makeupinsider

    Rates Guide
    Pro Artist Discount Kit List
    Follow TMI on IG
    Follow Vanessa on IG




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    35 mins
  • Losing Instagram, Finding Clarity: Penny Antuar’s Career Without Social Media
    Jun 30 2025

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    In this episode, Vanessa sits down with renowned makeup artist Penny Antuar to talk about the unexpected moment that reshaped her career: losing her Instagram account. What started as a digital disruption quickly became a powerful catalyst for realignment, reconnection, and redefining success.

    Penny shares how stepping away from social media allowed her to rediscover the joy in her artistry, rebuild her work-life balance, and create space for more meaningful, offline relationships. From manifesting her dream career to navigating the fast-paced beauty world with presence and purpose, Penny’s story is both grounding and inspiring for anyone feeling burnt out by the pressure to stay constantly “on.”

    In this episode, Penny shares:

    • What happened when her Instagram account was unexpectedly deleted
    • How the loss helped her reconnect with her passion for makeup
    • Offline strategies for building a dream career in beauty
    • Why networking in person still matters (and works!)
    • Her views on manifestation, energy, and mental health in the industry
    • Practical steps aspiring artists can take to join Fashion Week teams

    This episode is a must-listen if you:

    • Feel overwhelmed by social media as a creative
    • Want to build a long-lasting career based on authenticity, not algorithms
    • Are looking for tips on balancing artistry, ambition, and wellbeing
    • Dream of working behind the scenes at fashion shows or high-end campaigns

    @the.makeupinsider

    Rates Guide
    Pro Artist Discount Kit List
    Follow TMI on IG
    Follow Vanessa on IG




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    1 hr
  • How to Land a Spot on a Fashion Week Team with Andrea Damyon
    Jun 10 2025

    Send us a text

    In this episode of The Makeup Insider, we sit down with Andrea Damyon, a multifaceted makeup artist whose path to Fashion Week was anything but linear. From her beginnings in film and special effects to a pivotal role at Make Up For Ever, Andrea shares how a combination of skill, perseverance, and relationship-building helped shape her career.

    We dive into the real logistics of Fashion Week—team coordination, last-minute curveballs, and navigating the industry’s financial grey areas. Plus, Andrea offers grounded advice on how to build your career without losing your individuality.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Why genuine connection is your best career currency
    • The value (and limits) of product sponsorships
    • Navigating backstage etiquette and social media rules
    • Learning to trust your timing and your process


    @the.makeupinsider

    Rates Guide
    Pro Artist Discount Kit List
    Follow TMI on IG
    Follow Vanessa on IG




    Show More Show Less
    55 mins

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