Meet Alyssa Holbrook | SFX and Film Makeup Artist

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

Hi Alyssa, how do you think about risk?
Risk is absolutely necessary for growth. That was something that was really hard to come to terms with.

I had gone to makeup school in California 2018-2019, then after I graduated I moved back to my hometown in Utah to save some money. My plan was to go back to LA early 2020, but then obviously the pandemic hit, so I was left in Utah for quite a while. During this time, I got really used to being there, with my family and friends – I was very comfortable. I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to be in LA ever again. It’s a big city with scary people and too much traffic.

Then, in May of 2021, I decided to take the risk and move back out to LA. It was an extremely tough decision – I left my partner of three years, my family, and all of my friends. I moved to LA knowing nobody, and starting my career completely from scratch. It was a very, very tough year for me, but all of this was absolutely necessary in order to grow. Now, my career is the furthest it’s ever been, and I’m only getting started. By February 2025 I will be in the Local 706 union.

Anyone who is thinking about doing something risky but doubting it – this is your sign. You have to put yourself to the test to truly see if you’re serious about something. Without risk, there is no progression.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think something that sets me apart from others is my drive for success. From the time I was 16, I knew I wanted to work in film, and even though it’s taken me some time to get there fully – I am still so young to be doing what I’m doing. I freelance full time and support myself completely through makeup now, along with gathering my union days, and that is something I am so proud of. It has not been an easy road at all, but the only reason I am where I am is because of me and me alone. I think a lot of people in the creative industry tend to take “breaks” from their passions because it gets to be very draining at times. I am grateful that even through my “break”, I was able to come out strong and still continue my passion.

I am most excited to become Local 706. I know so many people in the industry now, even after just a year, and I can’t wait to continue to see my progression and growth. I would say how I overcame my challenges is simply just having a feeling that I am meant for this, and nothing can get in my way but me. Getting out of my comfort zone was and is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I’m immensely grateful to myself for holding on even when times were the toughest they’ve ever been!

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?
Ohhh man, I wish I could say. I’ve only been in LA a little over a year, and unfortunately I was quite the hermit in 2022. I would say Griffith Park is a cute area though! Give me like… one more year… and I’ll have a more solid answer for you.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Goodness, there are so many supportive and wonderful people in my life!

I’d like to thank Claudia Moriel – she really pushed me to get my butt out to LA and helped me gain the confidence I needed to start my makeup career. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Claudia! I wouldn’t be here without you.

To my partner Darian, who has always had my back through thick and thin – you are my favorite person and I am so happy to have you! Thank you for your endless support. I love you!

And to my mom – we have had our ups and downs, but through it all, I know you’ve always had good intentions. Thank you for helping and supporting me through starting my makeup career, and for introducing me to Claudia. Thank you for trying your best always to be a good mom. You care so much and I love you!

Website: alyssasfx.com

Instagram: alyssa.sfx

Other: tiktok: @alyssa.sfx