Star Among Us AMY STROZZI: Makeup Artist
AMY STROZZI: Makeup Artist
Last Updated (Tuesday, 17 February 2009 12:14)
In the midst of this country’s most recent dramatic and historical election process, a story broke that put one of our peers right in the middle of controversy. In October, with only weeks until election day Governor Sarah Palin became the subject of much criticism over the cost of her wardrobe and the salary of her Makeup Artist Amy Strozzi. Amy was hired to work and travel with the Governor during a very rigorous schedule that had her at times traveling to several states per day. We spoke to Amy about her career, her current position working with the show “So You Think You Can Dance” and of course how she felt when her wages was made public.
YBI: How long have you been a Makeup Artist?
AS: I’ve actually only been seriously committed to makeup for the last 6 years, which I know isn’t long in the grand scheme of things. I spent a solid 3 years assisting as much as humanly possible, and thanks to amazing artists like Paul Starr and Kate Lee, I received invaluable training.
YBI: Who is your biggest inspiration?
AS: As far as my career goes, my former mentor, Paul Starr, is my biggest inspiration. We lost Paul unexpectedly this past August, and it’s a void that will not be replaced. His career was one to be envied, and his attitude towards life cannot be rivaled. I will always cherish every trick he shared, every piece of advice and support I received. I only hope I make him proud.
YBI: What is your role on “So You Think You Can Dance”? What has your experience been like on the show?
AS: I am the Makeup Department Head on SYTYCD, as well as taking care of the host, Cat Deeley. This show is a blessing in my life! I am a freelance beauty artist, so TV is a whole other animal…I am so fortunate that I have the opportunity to work in both facets of my industry. I am given complete creative freedom on Dance, which allows my team (who are amazing) and I to do some really cool makeup designs. There are so many brilliant choreographers that come up with some outrageous numbers, so we are able to push boundaries that normally wouldn’t be seen on television. It’s really exciting. Stressful sometimes, but exciting.
YBI: How did the gig with Sarah Palin come about?
AS: It actually was offered to me by one of my girls who works for me on SYTYCD, who was working with the Senator and Mrs. McCain at the time. I couldn’t imagine myself doing it when she asked, it was so out of the ordinary…but when I discussed it with my mom (my voice of reason), she really made me realize it was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and worth a shot!
YBI: The schedule must have been quite rigorous, how did you manage to stay energized and at the top of your game?
AS: I cannot even begin to explain how challenging this job was as far as our schedule went. There were days when we would fly to 5 different states, and work 20 hours a day (7 days a week). I learned to live off of 4 hours of sleep, and I drank as much water and orange juice as possible. In these situations, everyone involved is equally as exhausted, so there is a camaraderie of “we’re all in this together” and that really helps you get through the days…
YBI: Did you feel a lot of pressure working on such a high profile politician?
AS: You know, my first reaction is no, because the Governor is such a down to Earth, normal woman. There were kids running around and a real family vibe surrounding the situation. But at the same time, there is Secret Service at the door and major world business being discussed and you really start to realize the gravity of what you are involved with. Then you see how many times this persons face is on TV or being photographed, and how much this is a record in history. That’s when it started weighing in.
YBI: When the reports about your salary and wages starting come out, how did that make you feel?
AS: I am a really private person. Especially when it comes to money that I make. People in the world don’t really understand how the career of a freelance makeup artist works, and how our money is negotiated. What we sacrifice to do what we do, and how we do not have a 9-5, guaranteed stable job. Things like not having a 401K or health insurance or even sick days. And I know how hard it is for people out there in the world right now, so I absolutely understand how this came off to everyone. But I know that I am a good person, a hard worker, and a charitable person, so I feel okay about it. I just wish that me doing my job didn’t get used as ammunition.
YBI: What do you want people to know about you?
AS: Ha, that’s a funny question. I guess what I want people to know, is that I love what I do. I have made a lot of sacrifices in my life to get where I am, and I do it because it brings me happiness unparallel to anything else I’ve ever done. That’s all I wish for anyone, genuine happiness, and I hope that when I work with people, I bring a bit of that to them.
YBI: What’s next for Amy Strozzi?
AS: My blog, www.TheBeautyManifesto.com will be launching soon. It’ll just be me being the big makeup nerd that I am, talking about products and projects and cool people that I know doing interesting things. It’s also the only place that I will be telling what color lip-gloss the Governor was known for. Some secrets a girl has to keep for herself ;)
Thank you so much for being interested in me! I hope you all stay in my life!
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