ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE OF LITERATURE JAN-FEB-MAR 2022 (Vol V, Issue XXV) | Article Published on: 10TH JAN 2023 | www.demodemagazine.com
MOFIN'S JOURNEY TO BECOMING A PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP ARTIST
Maria Fernanda Clavijo Torres, nickname, Mofin, works independently as a professional makeup artist in Bogota, Colombia. She recently worked on a global project for Thailand Fashion Week, in association with DE MODE, and that's how she came into the limelight. Also, her fabulous work made it to the front cover of the magazine.
Being a pro in artistic & editorial makeup, she has been fascinated with art since she can remember and has always loved creating new colors by mixing them. The fact of giving life to a drawing, adding shadows, and blending pigments were just relaxing for her. Whenever she was found painting or drawing, people asked her if she does not get tired, to which, she always responded that this brings her a lot of serenity.
She used to think she was going to be a graphic designer but it never sounded like a serious career option to many close people. So, she felt a bit lost about what to do when she finished school. During the interview, when we asked her the question “How did you decide to be a makeup artist?”, she remembered the time when she went to an event that different universities attended to show the careers they offer to the school students. Everybody was determined for something. She wanted to see which universities have medicine, also she requested everyone to accompany her to find her dream career. All of them were saying. “Ok, I will go with you,” but the interesting moment of that day was when she found a University with careers related to art. She saw a lot, but just one caught her attention. Yes, it was the makeup artist's career. She did not know this could be a career and the possibility to be able to study further in Colombia. In the end, she did not have enough money to study for a career. She felt everything was lost, but life give her the opportunity to study with a scholarship and there is where everything started. She was studying a career that mix the two topics that made her feel pleased. The beauty and the art. While she was studying, the present day was more exciting than the day before. She concluded her studies successfully, and she was one of the best students in the class. The teachers were so proud of her work, and for the first time, she felt was doing things well.
No lies, the truth is that she did not get good makeup projects the first year because of Covid. But one day, when her hopes were gone, an old friend from school called her and asked her to work for him. Then she was working for his photographer's colleagues and finally when she least expect it she was working for an important Colombian Brand and an international magazine. And she is ready for more, whatever life wants for her.
BEAUTIFUL RELATION WITH HER MOTHER
When she was a child, she remembers her admiring her mother putting on makeup. She always think that her mother was so talented. She was the only woman Mofin met using colorful eyeshadows every day, people always were impressed with her beautiful eyes, her eyebrows, and mouth. She used to ask her how she make up herself and things like that.
MOFIN'S EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH DE MODE
Q: How old were you when you became obsessed with make-up?
A: I was always obsessed with how my mother makeup herself, she was so talented. She looked gorgeous, and the make-ups looks she made, were not common here where I live. But in 2016 make-up become important on the internet and when I was 16 I realize being a make-up artist could be a profession.
Q: When did you decide “okay, this is it, I’m going to be a professional make-up artist?”
A: Since I was a child, I fancy about art, drawing, and painting. When I found a career in Colombia, I just take the opportunity and I did it before think it.
Q: What were the early days of your career like? Did you have to test a lot in the beginning to build your book?
A: Well, I finished my career in December 2019, and the covid arrive, so it was not a good beginning. But finally starting in 2021 someone believe in my talent and there everything started. I am still building my book, every day there is something new to test.
Q: Tell us what a dream job is for you?
A: Working around the world, being able to eat and live every day thanks to my job, meeting famous people and make-up artists I admire.
Q: Who are some people that have inspired you throughout your career?
A: Firstly my mother, as I told you. And talking about famous make-up artists Mimi Choi, Daniella Davy, Kirsten Coleman, Divinamuse, and Hotin Catalina.
Q: How long have you been a makeup artist and how did you get your start in the industry?
A: I do not have the experience I would like to have because it is not too much, maybe two years, but I am still 19, and there is a long way to go. I started working for photographers, and they recommended me to their work field.
Q: What do you love most about make-up?
A: The fact that you do not do the same thing every single day, you can experiment. Colors, techniques, products. Being a make-up artist is not predictable.
Q: If you weren’t a makeup artist, what else would you do?
A: I still would like to taste a lot of professions, I am young and someday I would like to learn digital art and be a tattoo artist. By the way, I am studying Modern Languages at the University because I fancy travel and working outside.
Q: How would you describe your signature look and what is it about your style that sets you apart from other make-up artists?
A: I am looking for my style, I like to try everything that catches my attention and someday decide what to do in the future. Also, I think that getting out of my comfort zone is a chance to learn something new, so I am open to learning more. Something interesting about me is that I need to have a perfect result because if I do not, I will try the times it requests.
Q: What are the three tools in your make-up kit that you can never, ever be without?
A: Actually, I think everything is really important, we use a lot of tools and products. But I will say the moisturizing cream because skincare before is indispensable. The second one is false eyelashes, I have different types of them depending on the make-up. And the last one will be concealer because we can get a beautiful look just by using it.
Q: What is the most important beauty advice that you can give to women?
A: Take care of your skin. Using make-up is more than just putting many products on. Your skin needs to be cleaned, toned up, moisturized, and protected. That is the true beauty secret woman need to know before make-up tips.
Q: What are some common beauty mistakes that women make?
A: As I was telling you, skincare should be a routine that everybody needs to implement in their lives. Mostly if you use make-up, and you want to have a good result and look pretty.
Q: What products do you think should be a staple in every woman's purse?
A: I really like the make-up no-makeup look, it is how I make up myself. I advise always taking a good concealer, a foundation that mixes you, maybe something to brush your eyebrows, waterproof mascara, and nude lipstick. Also, you could have a fixer to end the make-up and make it durable.
Q: What’s your favorite makeup brush?
A: Hard question because everyone has their function, but if I have to choose one I will go for the eyebrows thin brush because you could use them for eyebrows, eyeliner, and lips.
Q: Advice for young make-up artists.
A: I do not know if I am ready to give advice because I am still young but guys, do not be afraid of what people think about your dreams and your career. Be happy doing whatever you want.
Q: What is your favorite quote?
A: Be persistent with the things you want.
Q: How do you feel about your interview with DE MODE?
A: Gratefully and excited to show a bit of myself to the spectators of the magazine. It is the biggest goal I have done.
