Make-up Artist, Kim Seung-won
Hi, I’m Kim Seung-won. I started my undergraduate in 88 in Chungnam National University (CNU). My major was Department of Animal Biosystem Science, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. Actually, I chose this major to secure a stable job, followed by College of Engineering. I worked as a chairperson of the Department of Animal Biosystem Science, but my grade was 1.73 when I was a freshman. I was not interested in studying my major. I enlisted in the Marine Corps. After being discharged from the army, I became more enthusiastic and positive. I formed a Marines group of CNU students, directed athletic meetings, and finally led our group to victory.
After university, I started working for a chemical company 1995. I was the only salesperson who increased sales three times in one year and half. I relied on the director of the headquarters. One day, he said. “I have earned some money for all my life, raised my children, and I bought my house. But, there is nothing left. “I was deeply shocked and quit the company. I didn’t want to live as a salesman like him. I couldn’t believe that he was my ideal model. I decided to find something worthwhile for myself. Thinking realistically, I found that the job of make-up, the blue ocean, is my best choice. There were few male artists in the make-up mostly, but I knew that I was gifted at art from when I was a little boy. In those days there were no places to learn how to do make-up for TV personnel.
From 1997, I started as a make-up artist at YTN broadcasting station. The female announcer who I did make-up for the first time didn’t seek me again. In addition, most announcers avoided me because of rumors that my make-up skills were terrible. My pride was much marred by their reactions. Nobody wanted to receive make-up from me. So, I started apply make-up on myself.
Self Make-up
I practiced applying make-up in front of the mirror every day. I put on eye make-up, penciled my eyebrows, and I gradually became confident in the field of make-up. As there were no make-up teachers available, I thought I had better trust myself and pave my own way. In 1998, I began working with ‘Dior’, the global make-up company. However, people didn’t pay attention to make-up artists. So, I was treated as just a salesman. Moreover, I couldn’t get a normal salary for three months. But, I was never shaken because I believed in my talent. I concentrated on finding each customer’s concealed beauty, and satisfied them as an ‘artist’- not as a salesman.
As time went by, more and more people recognized my value. I became a make-up trainer in 2001, the first position of its kind the field of make-up artists. I started to lead make-up shows in department stores which provide information and experience regarding make-up. The number of customers greatly increased. So, I led the Asian Make-up Tour and the sales increased four times in a day in Taiwan.
During the Asian Make-up Tour, I became famous. A Dior branch manager in Taiwan, who became the Dior President of Asia, selected me as the first Dior International Professional Team director. I am now Number 1 in Asian International make-up. I participated in the Cannes Film Festival in 2007 as a public make-up artist as well. I am so proud of myself.
Now I’m a creative director in SEP; Enprani’s home-shopping brand. While doing this work, I’m also dreaming about making cosmetic products through my own company. There are various artist brands in the United States, France, and Japan, but it is hard to find any Korean representative brands. I’ll release the first domestic brand within five years. By forming a cooperation of Asian artists, I aim to lead the global market.
These days I’m taking fashion make-up expertise course at College of Art, the Graduate school of Chungang University. I’ve been teaching make-up courses in Chungang University for 10 years, but now is the time to recharge my knowledge. Maybe you have already seen me on TV programs such as ‘Get It Beauty’ of ‘On Style,’ ‘Good Morning’ of MBC, and ‘Star King’ of SBS.
Tips for You
Juniors! I want to say something for you. Each has a different worth. We need to find our potential and make our own worth by ourselves. I must confess that I was frustrated when I was neglected by most announcers due to social prejudice. But that was the past. Be brave and be proud of yourselves. You are the master of your own fate. You can do anything unless you abandon your adventure and dream.
Don’t seek for your own image, however. We can change our image anytime. Stop standardizing yourself. Don’t be afraid of changing your style. I want to see a new style from everyone.
By Kwon Da-sol CP Reporter
dasol422@cnu.ac.kr