Sonic Sarwate, MAC Cosmetics India’s Global Senior Artist was in Bengaluru recently. He shares, with Salon India, his ideology on making it big in an industry that comes with several constraints and his passion for individuality
How did you get into make-up artistry?
Since childhood, I have had an interest in wearing trendy clothes, styling and designing, but when I enrolled into a make-up school, I realised I enjoyed what I was doing. Make-up artistry just happened. However, once I got the opportunity, I could not let it go.
Please tell us about the initial years.
As a child, I had lived in many cities, but I had spent most of it in North India. Once I realised my wish to get into the make-up line, I was told that Mumbai offered the maximum opportunities. So I headed straight to the city where within two months, I got an opportunity to work at a fashion week. My background in designing also helped in drawing complicated make-up on models. I learnt a lot at that time. Following this, I worked backstage at many fashion weeks and beauty pageants, such as Miss India, Mrs World, Pond’s Face in India, and television commercials and magazines. To me there is no particular formula that I followed or any golden rule – everything just worked out.
What are the challenges you were up against?
To be honest, I did not face any major challenge. However, for upcoming make-up artists, the big challenge lies in enrolling in an academy and kick-starting their career. It is difficult for a fresher, as there are not many agencies that hire them.
What has been your most memorable project till now?
I had an opportunity to try face painting. It was quite bizarre, as I had a limited number of paints and it was only on the face. Even while working backstage during fashion weeks, I do get several opportunities to try out extremely unusual and bizarre looks.
Have you noticed any specific change in trends?
I have seen a big change in the way people applied make-up 10 years ago and how they do it now. Nowadays, when people are attending events, they are preferring to get their make-up done by professionals. Moreover, it is not only the bride who wants to get her make-up done by a professional make-up artist, but her family and other guests, too, who are attending the function.People are experimenting a lot with their eyes and lips. In Bangalore, the younger generation is slowly trying out new things. There is a huge shift in volume make-up and people are moving towards having one focus feature to make it really strong and bold.
What have been your real achievements till now?
I worked backstage at fashion shows in Paris, which is inarguably the world’s fashion capital. To go there and design looks and do the same thing as other acclaimed artists are doing has been my biggest achievement, so far. Everybody dreams of working in Paris and New York, but I’m grateful that I had the opportunity!
Please comment on your association with MAC.
When I was freelancing, I was not sure if I wanted to work for any brand. At MAC, it was an instant connection and I immediately related to the culture. MAC offers an equal platform for all races, religions and all sexes and we believe in individuality. So whenever you walk in to any MAC outlet, you will find all the make-up artists have their own individual personality.
What is your advice to newcomers?
One must attend a good make-up school. It is not that you will learn everything at a school, but once you have the basic knowledge you can create and develop your own creativity. If your basics are not strong, you will not be able to create a good make-up look. For face painting, you need to have basic knowledge.
What do you think – how will the business be five years from now?
The business is growing. As long as you are skilled, you can make it big. About 10 years ago MAC had only one store, but today, there have 35 stores and all them are doing well. There are many other international make-up brands that are eyeing the Indian market. You want to work upon Lady Gaga or Madonna someday, as they are open to experimenting with their make-up.
What does the future hold?
I really do not like to plan and live each day as it comes. I have worked with a lot of people so far, but I still want to work with some more.
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