Meet Alixandra Kos | Makeup Artist

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

Hi Alixandra, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I feel that finding a good work life balance is a struggle everyone has. When i was younger i had an all or nothing approach to most things in my life. If i wasn’t working towards something full force then i didn’t think it deserved my time or attention. Now that i’m getting older i’ve shifted my way of thinking. I’ve realized how important it is to have multiple things in your life that bring you happiness. The more I have tapped into my ability to multitask & juggle things the more joy has come to me in my life & career. I find taking a step back from my work as an artist allows me to appreciate it more. It also allows my mind some space to feel re-inspired & come up with new concepts and ideas. Sometimes when you are working on one thing your mind & your judgement can become clouded. I think taking time with friends & family, getting out in nature, traveling to a new place or reading a new book is an important part of becoming a successful entrepreneur & avoiding burn out. Taking time to fulfill yourself in multiple areas of your life might feel like its not the most efficient way of accomplishing your goals but if you want to have longevity in any career balance is key.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started my makeup career at Vancouver Film School. I studied Makeup design for film & television for one year. I learned so much in the program, but the most growth I’ve had as an artist was after I graduated. I started working on student films, most of the time only getting paid a kit fee. Then I eventually made more connections in the industry to the point of working on bigger budget projects. The last six years, I’ve built my career up to the point of having a portfolio and resume that I can be proud of, but my journey is just beginning. I’ve got many dreams and goals yet to fulfill.

My journey definitely hasn’t been easy. There is never a clear path for an artist to follow and it takes a lot of trial and error and mental grit to keep going. I started out for the first couple of years struggling to find work and when I did find work, often the pay and working conditions were less than ideal. I’ve gotten my hopes up for jobs that I ended up not getting. I’ve worked 20-hour days with very little pay. Artists get taken advantage of a lot and it has taken me a while to learn to stand my ground and know my worth. The one thing that has helped when I’ve been struggling is my true love of storytelling. Whenever I’ve been out of work or I’ve lost out on opportunities, I’ve done creative projects to remind me of my “why”. I truly believe that the cream always rises to the top and if you’re relentless in your pursuit your time will come.

I think what sets me apart from others in my field is my willingness to learn new styles and techniques. I was told a long time ago that “you need to find your niche as an artist” but I have definitely gone against the grain and have embraced makeup in all its forms. I’m far from predictable and I like to think no one really knows what makeup I will create next. I don’t set any rules on the looks that I create, my brain is full of too many ideas.

I’m proud of many of the film projects I have had the opportunity to work on, but I think I’m most proud of my portfolio. I constantly try to challenge myself as an artist and have created some truly unique and elaborate concepts with many photographers I admire. The looks I produce each year for my Halloween series are some of my favorites.

I’m most excited about working on more film sets in the new year. I have so many projects I’m eager to be apart of. I have more drive & ambition then ever before.

I want the world to know more about me through my art. If you can see my work then your are understanding a very large & important part of what makes me, “me”. I know my work isn’t for everyone but if i can make someone feel something or grab someones attention for even a moment then i’m doing something right. I am a perfectionist at heart and i put a lot of attention & detail into everything i create. I hope one day my art can reach people from all over the world & impact them the same way my favorite artists have impacted me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The list of things to do in LA is endless. But these are some of my favorite finds so far.

Best Brunch/Breakfast/Lunch:
Great White in Venice
Butchers Daughter
Erewhon Market
Shutters on the Beach
Blu Jam Cafe
Hugo’s
Olive & Thyme

Best Dinner:
Ysabel
Bacari W. Third
Nobu
Chateau Marmont
Shutters on the Beach

Experiences:
Hollywood Blvd.
Live Music at the Hollywood Bowl.
Abbot Kinney in Venice.
Griffith Observatory.
Hike Runyon Canyon.
Go to a comedy club.
Poolside at the Roosevelt hotel.
Halloween stores on Magnolia Blvd.
Melrose.
Santa Monica pier/Beach.
Take a drive to the O.C.
Abbey & Tom tom’s for a night out.
Proper hotel in Santa Monica for a spa/pool day.
Outdoor movie at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Universal for the day (especially if its halloween horror nights)
Academy museum.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
If i could credit anyone for the support of my career it would be my parents & my husband. Their support is the reason i’ve been able to keep moving forward in my career. My parents have helped me by paying for my education & by providing emotional support when i’ve felt like giving up. My husband has always been encouraging when it comes to my career & has sat in the makeup chair countless hours so i could practice my work. I know I wouldn’t be where i am today if it wasn’t for them. You need people in your corner when you chase after any goal or dream because there are so many days when you don’t believe in yourself.

Website: https://www.alixandramakeupfx.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alixandrakos_makeupartist/?hl=en

Image Credits
Maya Holt Anastasia Walker Shimon VfreeVisuals Lisa-Marie McGinn