Name: Aitana Shough
Year: Freshman
Major: Biology
Hometown: Haiku, Hawaii
How did you get into doing stage makeup/face paint?
I got into doing makeup and face paint because of my interest in cosplay and makeup in general. I follow a lot of cosplayers and artists on instagram. I got really inspired and one day decided to try out a look! It was a lot of fun and I loved how it ended up, so that’s how it came to be.
How often do you practice?
I practice whenever I’m feeling creative and want to try out something new. Or if I’m planning on going to a convention and putting together a cosplay. Unfortunately, it’s not too often, especially with classes and work.
Do you use special supplies or regular makeup?
I use regular makeup! Literally the most basic stuff because I am too cheap for fancy things, haha. My mom actually got me a big set of face paints for volunteer work, so I also use that.
What occasions/events do you get to use your makeup skills?
I mainly get to do makeup at conventions where I dress up like specific characters! Halloween is also fantastic and one of my favorite occasions. Those aside, I’ve also been at several events where I volunteered to paint kids’ faces.
Do you have a preference for specific type of design?
I love doing fantasy designs! The first look I ever really did was fawn makeup which what transitioned me into doing all this. It was super fun. I would love to get into trying horror, though —using stuff like liquid latex and all the specal effects makeup seems really tricky, but fun!
Do you have a favorite “face” you’ve done?
I love all of the “faces” I’ve done, but I always look fondly onto my deer makeup. I’m always looking to improve it and I love seeing my progress and changes to the look as time goes on.
What your favorite aspect about your art?
I guess it would be my ability to pick things up. Before this I never really had used makeup and it was completely foreign to me. I was somehow able to get good at it in a really short amount of time, which I think is super useful and probably the best thing about it.