Meet Shannon Van Horn | Professional Makeup Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shannon Van Horn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannon, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
After graduating from college in Florida, I made the decision to move to Los Angeles to pursue my career. I decided to leave everything I knew behind – family, friends and everything that was familiar. It was extremely challenging at times; starting a new life in a big city at 22 was definitely scary. But it was easily the best and most important decision I could have made for my career and for my life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been a professional makeup artist for 20+ years at this point. I work mainly as a “personal appearance” makeup artist for actors and musicians. Additionally, I enjoy doing editorial photoshoots when I want to lean into the creativity and play with color and texture, or get together and just create with a team of artists that I admire.
At the moment, I’m working on a cosmetic line with a friend and fellow makeup artist. It’s something we have always wanted to do, as we think there is a definite need for what we hope to bring to the industry. We have learned so much in the past year, and have so much more to figure out on the road to becoming a brand. We are so excited, and know that we are on the correct path, but it has certainly not been easy.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I absolutely love Southern California and it has always felt like “home” to me, so I always enjoying playing tour guide to friends and family when they visit. Some of my favorite areas to spend long weekends are Hollywood, Malibu and Santa Barbara. Whether I’m entertaining friends, hitting the beach, or wine tasting on the coast – I can always find something fun and interesting to do.

For the sake of this article, let’s focus on Hollywood, since that was the first city I lived in when I moved to LA at the beginning of 1998.
For me, a weekend trip to Hollywood means checking into to Mama Shelter – a whimsical, chic, boutique hotel with one of my favorite rooftop spots for dinner and cocktails. One thing I love to do is find rooftop dining and views wherever I go, so when I discovered Mama Shelter, I fell in love. For nightlife, a trip to Hollywood wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Tramp Stamp Grannies. Beautiful 20’s decor, live music and a singing waitstaff? It’s the most fun you will have in the area. Another must for the perfect weekend, is a fabulous brunch. The Griddle in West Hollywood is a staple, as is the Beachwood Cafe, nestled under the Hollywood sign.

There are a million other neighborhoods and places I could choose from that are all fabulous, but Hollywood will always hold a special place in my heart. It is where I spent most of my 20s and is full of memories for me, including where my husband and I were married. Catching a glimpse of the Hollywood sign will always be magical for me.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have been very fortunate throughout my 20+ year career to have been supported and mentored by so many brilliant artists, friends and family members. Each phase of this journey has been filled with so many memories, lessons, relationships, failures and successes – and I am grateful for them all.

But my original support system, the one that gave me the courage to move to Los Angeles at 22- without knowing a soul – all started with my mom. She is the person that instilled in me my strength, courage and drive. She taught me how to stand on my own two feet and to be independent and fearless. She taught me to always be humble, to never stop learning and to always be there to help others along the way.

She has always been my biggest fan, my cheerleader, and the voice of reason I can always come back to whenever I’m struggling with something. I am beyond Blessed to have her as my mom, my confidant, my compass.

Website: www.shannonvanhorn.com

Instagram: @makeupbysvh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makeupbysvh

Other: I am represented professionally by SW Artists https://www.swartists.co.uk/shannonvanhorn

Image Credits
1. Close up female face: Photographer: Phu Nguyễn @choufu22 Model: @moniquevictoria 2. Model with long black ponytail braid Photographer: Alexis Hunley www.alexishunley.com Model: Kristin Nelson @kristin_nelson 3. Shirtless male model with leather hat Photographer: Daniel Jae Oliva danieljae.com Model: Jon Herrmann @jon_herrman 4. Female model with sunglasses Photographer: Bailey Mingo www.baileymingo.com Model: Payton Gisel @payton_gisel 5. Female model blowing bubble Photographer: Bailey Mingo www.baileymingo.com Model: Hannah Hunter @hannahhunna 6. Male model in long black trenchcoat Photographer: Daniel Jae Oliva danieljae.com Model: Kyle Kleiboeker @kylekleiboeker