We had the good fortune of connecting with Mia Saige and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mia, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
I think about this a lot, especially as a creative. For me, the difference comes down to where the resistance is coming from. If I’m struggling because something is challenging me, pushing me to grow, or making me uncomfortable in a way that feels productive, then I know I need to keep going. But if something consistently drains me, stifles my creativity, or pulls me away from the kind of work I want to be making, that’s usually a sign to step back or let it go.

I’ve learned that giving up and moving on aren’t always the same thing. Sometimes walking away is what creates space for something better. A lot of it comes down to trusting yourself which is easier said than done, but it’s something I’m always working on.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
If I’m being honest, I think I choose the medium that best tells the story. I’m a multi-discipline artist; and makeup just happens to be my current medium. My background spans fine art, photography, and 3D animation. So I approach every new project with that mindset. I’m thinking about colour, texture, lighting, and storytelling all at once. Whether it’s beauty or a full prosthetic transformation everything I create is intentional.

What sets me apart is how I blend these influences into my work. I cycle through different mediums, from digital drawing to painting to makeup. I recently even took a commissioned illustration project, which reminded me how interconnected all of my creative skills really are. I don’t see makeup as just being surface level; I see it as a way to build characters, create a mood, and evoke emotion. Even though the nature of my work is temporary, the impact it has doesn’t have to be. On the best days, I also get to be a professional mess maker; covering people in gallons of blood and calling it my job.

Getting to where I am now definitely wasn’t easy. Like a lot of creatives, I’ve had to navigate imposter syndrome, inconsistent work, and the realities of freelancing in a demanding industry. I’ve learned how to adapt quickly, advocate for myself, and trust my instincts, even when I’m unsure. Those challenges shaped me just as much as the work itself.

Right now, I’m focused on evolving my brand. I’m in the middle of a rebrand that leans more into my personal style influences, and I’ve started developing my own merch as an extension of that identity. It’s still in the early stages, but it feels like a natural next step.

More than anything, I want people to know that my work is rooted in storytelling. Whether it’s something soft and beautiful or strange and unsettling, my goal is always to make people feel something. That’s what keeps me creating.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting, I’d plan a week that feels a little chaotic, a little spooky, and very SoCal.

We’d start with a slower day and head down to the Aquarium of the Pacific. I love places where you can wander, take your time, and just exist. Plus where else can you pet a shark?!

From there, we’d balance it out with something more theatrical and fun, like dinner at BeetleHouse LA. It leans fully into that spooky, immersive energy I love.

We’d definitely spend time exploring. Looking for bookstores, vintage shops, and getting lost in the city.

For art, I’d take them to The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture. It’s such a beautiful, inspiring collection and always worth the trip.

At some point, we’d catch a show at the Belasco because nothing beats live music in an intimate venue. We’d also have to end one of our nights at Dan Sung Sa for soju, kimchi pancakes and their delectable corn cheese!

Of course, we’d absolutely throw in a beach day somewhere like Laguna Beach or Malibu. Maybe a late night drive-thru run to In-N-Out for some animal style fries and a strawberry milkshakes.

Honestly, the best part wouldn’t be any one place, it’s the mix of everything. A little art, a little weird, a little calm, and a lot of just seeing where the day takes us.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout out the people who have supported me at every stage; my family for building that foundation, and the creatives I’ve worked with who trust me to bring their visions to life. Film is such a collaborative space, and I wouldn’t be here without the people who believe in me, trust my work, and bring me onto projects. This industry is built on relationships, and I’m so grateful for the people who have had my back along the way.

Website: https://miasaigeartistry.com

Instagram: @miasaigeartistry

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.