Meet Mia Saige

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

Hi Mia, what inspires you?
I’m inspired by transformation—by the alchemy of turning a face, a moment, or a fleeting feeling into something visual, visceral, and alive. That’s the magic of makeup, and honestly, of art in general.

Truthfully, inspiration, at least for me, isn’t linear. It arrives sideways, out of order, and often when I’m not looking for it at all. I study mythology and the great masters, but I’m just as fascinated by shadows on sidewalks, rust on metal, and the shimmer of oil in a puddle. Nature inspires me. Memory inspires me. A flicker of nostalgia, the drama of old films—it’s all layered and chaotic, spontaneous and strange. It drifts in through unexpected moments. I pull from media, fine art, the mundane, the macabre, and everything in between. I even keep an album on my phone full of the most random things—peeling paint, vintage ads, stills from horror films, and high fashion. Textures, colours, patterns that catch my eye.

When I was a portrait photographer, I created an entire series of work from lyrics I couldn’t stop humming. I chased stories in stillness. Now, as a makeup artist, I find that same instinct drives me. I find poetry in pigments and skin. Makeup is transformation. Disguise. Resurrection. It’s the only medium that lets me build something with my hands and destroy it in the same breath.

My inspiration doesn’t follow logic—it’s a collection of fragments and impressions, stitched together into something that only makes sense once it’s made, and if I’m lucky… it haunts you—in the best way.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started off as a fine art major—obsessed with color, form, and texture. I dabbled in 3D animation, but it didn’t quite click. Then I accidentally fell in love with film photography and got lost in the darkroom. That love for capturing light and human emotion eventually led me to makeup. It wasn’t planned—it just made sense. Makeup combined everything I loved: storytelling, transformation, and paint. Whether I’m creating clean beauty or gory special effects, I approach it with the same artistic mindset.

The beauty of my chosen medium, about makeup in general is that it’s not permanent.

I create disposable art; it’s art that lives and breathes…and then disappears. That’s what I love most. It’s temporary. It gets smudged, sweats off, and washed down the drain. I pour myself into it knowing it isn’t meant to last—and somehow, that makes it even more powerful. It forces me to be present. It reminds me that not all art needs to be permanent to mean something.

Painting has always been my first love, and anyone who’s worked with me knows my personal mantra: “I can paint the shit out of anything.” This ethos has carried me from low-budget passion projects to major productions. The road hasn’t been smooth—but that’s exactly what’s made it meaningful. Working as a makeup artist means long hours, tight timelines, and unpredictable conditions. I’ve had to think on my feet, adapt quickly, and solve problems in real time—whether that’s a last-minute script change, tricky lighting, or a melted prosthetic. I’ve also had to advocate for myself, especially as a freelancer in an industry that doesn’t always prioritize the makeup department the way it should. But every challenge has taught me something: how to move with confidence, set boundaries, and let my artistry lead, even under pressure. I’ve learned that being resilient doesn’t mean saying yes to everything—it means knowing your worth, protecting your energy, and showing up with intention.

I want people to feel something when they see my work whether that’s awe, curiosity, or connection. My goal is to make makeup feel like storytelling, not just surface level glam. Whether I’m creating something haunting and raw for a horror project or crafting a soft glowy beat for a beauty editorial my goal is always to evoke something. I want people to feel the work. Each project brings a new challenge, a new story, and a new opportunity to paint the shit out of it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d start off the week at The Huntington Library—those lush gardens and galleries feel like a living painting. Then we’d hit The Last Bookstore to wander and spark some creativity. For lunch? LaLa Rice Thai Eatery—because it’s low-key iconic and always hits. If we’re feeling fancy we’ll grab sushi and soju in Little Tokyo. We’d stop at LACMA for some art and obligatory Urban Light selfies (because come on, it’s a rite of passage), then maybe do a little shopping—either something cute and curated like Melrose Trading Post or a spontaneous vintage haul in Echo Park. Caffeine break? Horror Vibes Coffee for a Frankenstein’s latte or a Call of Cthulh-Ube latte because I love a little spooky moment with my espresso. For a dose of film history, and to tap into that Hollywood magic the Academy Museum is a must. For the perfect golden hour, we’d drive along Mulholland with good music and no agenda. People watching in Venice Beach is a non negotiable, because the best moments are equal parts curated and chaotic. and Venice is the perfect blend of locals and tourists. For dinner and late-night hangs? Bossa Nova—open until 4am and the Brazilian coffee slaps.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My support system is everything. Without a doubt, my family. They’ve always been my biggest cheerleaders even when I took an unconventional path. My parents instilled a crazy work ethic in me, but also made sure I knew that it was okay to dream big. My sibling keeps me humble and hyped at the same time, and they’ve sat through so many makeup trials over the years. I also have this chosen family of friends and fellow creatives who remind me who I am when things get wild. They’re the people I can call when I’m doubting myself and they always show up with love, truth, and usually a bit of humor. The people who have believed in me since day one, even before the credits rolled in? They’re the ones that keep me grounded and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their love, honesty, and constant support.

Website: https://miasaigeartistry.com

Instagram: @miasaigeartistry