Meet Joyce Kim | Makeup Artist

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

Hi Joyce, what do you want people to remember about you?
As a makeup artist and as a human being, I want to be remembered as a safe person. The people who have had the most life-affirming impact on my life all have provided a safe space where I could show up authentically, without judgment and with a lot of kindness & grace.

I firmly believe that people are attracted to kindness rather than mastery of one’s craft: if I do a beautiful makeup but acted like a monster, do you think they’re going to remember the makeup and sit in my chair again? Kindness and safety are never overrated.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It feels cliché to say this but the transformative effect of makeup had a hold on me ever since I was a child, especially the way my mother would morph into a different character, both physically and energetically. Coupled with the Allure magazines my older sisters had lying around, I was fatefully inducted into the world of makeup.

What sparked my interest in pursuing makeup as a career was the outlandish, flashy makeup of K-Pop girl groups in the mid 2000’s, notably 2NE1. The artistic, futuristic, and dynamic looks painted on these young women reminded me, again, the fun & powerful transformation that makeup could give.

It’s funny to share this because the type of makeup that I love doing now is natural makeup, especially creating beautiful skin. There is immense satisfaction and pleasure in simply enhancing someone’s existing beauty. I’ve found it to be a (fun) challenge to apply no-makeup makeup because it requires restraint, which is difficult in any art form. Knowing when to pull back, to remove, to let something breathe is something that I’m continuing to learn & understand.

With that said, the most important lesson I’ve learned is being a good makeup artist means understanding & delivering what the client wants. Of course I’ll speak up and provide my insights if the ask is “incorrect”or will pose issues, but at the end of the day it’s not my personal project or my vision: I am there to provide a service on behalf of the client. I strive to be a true collaborator and team player, and my desire to listen is what strengthens my reputation as a good makeup artist. Obviously, I won’t participate if the request is outright racist, hateful, etc., but I also prioritize and seek to be in the company of good folks above anything else.

What I’m most excited about my career now is the pivot I’m making from TV & Film to more beauty and commercial makeup. It feels like a refresh of sorts, and I am really enjoying connecting with photographers, stylists, hair stylists, talent, etc. for various shoots. I’m also experimenting more on TFP shoots where I get to try different techniques or push myself creatively, where I can allow my ideas to flourish. These collaborations excite me because there is so much freedom to take risks, to enjoy the risk-taking, which in turn feeds my artistry and creativity.

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.
My favorite taco stand is on La Cienega & 18th St., which also boasts the creamiest, spiceful horchata made fresh.

Don’t let the tourist trap fool you- Phil’s Deli & Grill at The Farmer’s Market on 3rd St. has the tastiest breakfast burrito with fresh scrambled eggs, hash browns, and pico de gallo all wrapped up.

In K-Town, my favorite kimbap joint is The Kimbap, which also offers other Korean comfort foods, but their shrimp tempura kimbap and tuna kimbap are must-haves.

For “relaxation”, Gorilla Rx in Crenshaw is black & women-owned, with amazing cannabis and service!

Lastly, I am a tattoo-girly and hands-down the BEST tattoo shop is Common Ground Studios in Cypress Park. LGBTQ+ friendly shop and the most amazing tattooers who are both talented and kind.

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?
I can’t do this without giving a shoutout to my big family! My parents John & SunRay. My siblings Hanna, Sarah, Esther, John, Jason, Yun. And my niece, Madeleine. For their unwavering support, generosity, and belief.

The late Essie Cha, Makeup Department Head in Local 706 and 798: My real-life guardian angel who came into my life and became my mentor and friend.

Paul Cha, Makeup Department head in Local 798: My hands-on teacher & expert in navigating set life.

Hollie McTiernan: For taking a chance on me.

Stéphanie Orillard: The best, most passionate makeup teacher I ever had.

Agnès Obis: Her friendship, loyalty, and artistry have inspired me to never give up.

A’misa Chiu and Katie Bruun: Amazing artists and even more amazing friends who continue to cheer me on.

Website: https://www.joycehskim.com

Instagram: @joycehskim_makeup

Image Credits
Photo 1:
Photog: Patrick J. Park
Talent: Valentina Ruby
Agency: Women Management LA
Stylist: Raul Magdaleno

Photo 2:
Photog: Danny Kim
Talent: Jhayna Duarte
Agency: Women Management LA

Photo 3:
Photog: Déborah Néris
Talent: Amina Aurdrey
Agency: Wilhelmina Los Angeles

Photo 4:
Talent: Makaela Heard
Agency: Dragonfly Agency

Photo 5:
Talent: Saint Hart
Agency: White Cross Management

Photo 6:
Talent: Clementine Callaway

Photo 7:
Photographer: Alana Burke Colville
Talent: Monica Wiseman
Agency: Scout Model Agency
Hair Stylist: Sunny Chea