greetings type.liters! today we’ve got a brand new spot.lite for you and we’re soooo excited about it. we bring to you priscilla of priscilla francine makeup, a dear friend who we’ve had the pleasure of seeing in action many times. besides sharing her talent on her blog, priscilla has worked as a makeup artist for modcloth, as well as doing up lucky brides all over the bay area (and thensome) who’ve needed the perfect look for their special day. we’re busy girls who like to look presentable, and she’s helped us with some of her best secrets for girls on the go. below, her q&a session. enjoy!

{top photo: pfsmakeup blog; bottom photo: Ashley Maxwell photography}

how/when did you start your company/business?
I have worked in the cosmetic industry for 7+ years, experiencing as many aspects of a makeup artist as possible. Over the years, I would occasionally take weddings on the weekends when I was able to get time off from my retail job. Three years ago, my girlfriend Taylor encouraged me to start blogging, and that’s really when things took off for me. I work really hard, spending anywhere from 5 to 6 hours a day blogging, instagramming, and replying to clients…on top of trials and photo shoots during the week and weddings on the weekends. I LOVE what I do, and these past 2 years have blown my mind… I recently just quit my day job (I was working 7 days a week) so that I can commit 100% to Priscilla Francine Makeup, and am so excited for this new chapter in my career.

where do you come up with your ideas/concepts?
When I work with a photographer, a company, or a bride… I dig deep and ask a lot of questions. What is the overall feeling they want to achieve, what is the color scheme, what is their favorite feature, and so on… after I gather this information I take in to consideration the models skin coloring, and face shape. Than… I begin my artwork and I let the moment guide me in the right direction. If it is my own photo shoot I have set up, I normally am itching to try a new product/color, so I will create a story board (searching for images online/pinterest) for what I am looking for.

where do you gather inspiration (for anything)?
A lot of inspiration comes from my friends… I have some super creative and successful entrepreneurs in my life.  Some of my gals include photographer Ashley Maxwell, fashion blogger Taylor Price (Warren), hair stylist Danielle Derksen, and pastry baker Rachel from Sweettooth Confections. All of these women are extremely talented in what they do, but I admire their determination and passion most of all. They have encouraged me in some way to succeed in my business as a makeup artist and I am so thankful for these ladies to be my inspiration.

if you could pick someone to be your #1 fan, who would it be?
My #1 fan is my husband. I call him my PR agent…I’m more humble and quiet about what I have created for myself, so he is the one who brags and spreads the word about my business. He believes in me and is my motivation to keep going and be even better than the day before.

advice for others? best advice you’ve ever received?
Work to live, don’t live to work. While I have put in many, many, many hours to keep my business thriving, I NEED a balance in my life. I created my own business so that I could spend more time with friends, and be present in my family’s lives. Take as many vacations as you can, go on dates as often as you can with your partner, and make time for your girlfriends!!  All these things will energize you to deliver the best when you are at work.
The best advice I have received was from Janice Daoud-she recommended that I start a portfolio, which helped me develop my aesthetic as an artist. Once I created a portfolio, I figured out what type of client I wanted to work with.

{Ashley Maxwell photography}

is there something obscure you know about more than the average person?
Probably color theory…I see undertones in peoples skin and am able to create a unique foundation color on the spot. I don’t measure or remember what I did…but it always comes out perfect.

current obsession?
My current obsession is the color raspberry! It could be clothes or makeup…but if it’s raspberry than I’m all about it!! My obsessions change monthly…so check into my blog for next month’s obsession!

currently on rotation on your ipod?
Ahhhh!! I am embarrassed to say that I accidently fell in love with the song “As long as you love me”. I had no idea Justin Bieber sang it until I shazamed it…shhhh don’t tell anyone!

favorite blogs/websites?
I love Emily Weiss’ blog, Into The Gloss. I like that she goes behind the scenes with people in the fashion industry. I always like to see other people’s medicine cabinents and makeup bags.

favorite food?
French Fries. Steak Fries, sweet potatoes fries, parmesan and truffle fries, nacho fries, curly fries!! Anything that ends in Fries!

favorite type.lites product/scent?
Vanilla Sugar and Nectarine Mint candles!!!! Hmmm I love sweet scents! They smell good even when they are not lit!

keep up with priscilla and her beauty adventures:
http://pfsmakeup.blogspot.com
twitter: @pf_makeup
instagram: @priscillafrancinemakeup
facebook