My Creative Process & Teamwork
Good makeup isn't just paint on a face. It’s a mix of mood boards, messy setups, and constant collaboration with stylists and photographers to get the lighting just right.
What goes on behind the scenes of a body painting shoot? Here's a look at the application process for the red body paint and how we worked on set to get the final shots.
A candid moment on set, doing final touch-ups for the white lace and feather look. Teamwork is essential for getting every detail right.
This video shows our outdoor makeup setup for the 'Siren of the Sea' shoot. Working on location has its challenges, but the results in natural light are always worth it.
The process versus the result for the 'Aquatic Allure' shoot. You can see me creating the wet-look hair and applying the pearl details before the model steps in front of the camera.
A glimpse into my time at SMA Makeup Academy in Bangkok. This shows me working on my final fantasy exam piece, which was an amazing learning experience.
From joining the academy to winning the 'All-Rounder' award in Bangkok. This reel shows the journey and the final fantasy creation I'm so proud of.
A shot of me in action, carefully painting the intricate details on the model's face for my fantasy exam project.
The beginning stages of the purple fantasy character, applying the base color evenly before starting on the detailed line work.
A video showing a dramatic, colorful eye look I created during a class at SMA Academy. It's always fun to practice bold techniques.
The final result of a creative eye makeup demo. The blend of green, blue, and white creates a beautiful, peacock-like effect.
About The Process & The Team
People see the polished final shot, but the real work happens in the 3–5 hours before the camera starts clicking. I’m often layering barrier creams and latex, or coordinating with the photographer on how specific pigments react to their studio lights. If we're shooting outdoors in Bengaluru, I’m also adjusting my kit to handle unpredictable light and heat, which is a different challenge entirely from a controlled studio environment.
It’s Always a Team Effort
I don’t just show up and start brushing. Whether it’s an editorial beauty portrait or a full-body fantasy character, my process starts long before the shoot day. I spend time aligning on mood boards with the stylist and the photographer. We need to agree on the texture, the intensity, and exactly how the makeup fits the narrative. If the photographer is planning a specific shadow play, I need to make sure my highlighter isn't going to clash with the rim lighting.
Why the Prep Matters
A lot of my work involves structural elements—rhinestones, feathers, or liquid latex for 3D textures. These aren't just stuck on; they are built. For a fantasy look, I’m often blocking out eyebrows or using theatrical sealers like Ben Nye Final Seal to make sure the paint doesn't transfer onto the costumes. I’ve learned the hard way that if the prep isn't solid, the final product won't survive a 6-hour shoot.
The Practical Reality (And The Pain)
Let’s be real—high-concept artistry is a marathon. Standing for hours applying thousands of rhinestones means my back and feet take a beating. That’s why I always build in time for touch-ups. If I’m not staying back for the full duration, I prepare a dedicated touch-up kit (powder puffs, adhesive, lip samples) for the model, so the look stays crisp from the first shot to the last.
Shreya Makam
I’m Shreya. I thrive on the messier, more experimental side of makeup, from editorial graphic liner to full-on character transformations. When you hire me, you aren’t just getting an artist—you’re getting a collaborator who’s just as invested in the final frame as the photographer and stylist.
Looking for a different look?
Explore other editorial and fantasy makeup styles I've worked on.
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