We had the good fortune of connecting with Jilian Rose MUA and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jilian, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Ever since I was young I was always very intrigued by the makeup industry. It was something I wanted to try but was a bit fearful to. The kind of makeup I do is not very common, so I had a bit of fear stepping into it. I remember reading the quote “your comfort zone will kill you” and that has suck with me everyday moving forward. I finally dove into what I was so passionate about, and now I get to call it my job. I am very lucky to have the supportive people around me who have cheered me on and encouraged me to pursue my dreams.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started special effects makeup when I was fifteen, I would sit in my room and paint myself in the mirror. I started to make a portfolio that led me into working in the haunted house industry. After I started to establish myself a little bit more, I started to get some incredible opportunities. I started doing makeup demonstrations for live audiences and traveling, I fell in love with it. With the incredible opportunities, it was a bit challenging balancing school and makeup together. There were very long nights, but the exhaustion I felt definitely paid off. After I graduated high school, I left my hometown in Illinois and came to Arizona. Moving across the country was definitely a change, but a great one. Shortly after moving I got to be the makeup manager at a local haunted house. As of recent I have been doing photo and film shoots, music videos, and many other projects that I hold close to my heart. Special Effects makeup is always such a joy for not only me, but everyone involved. It is a complete transformation process happening before your eyes. While applying the prosthetics and makeup products, it all comes together as a piece of live art. It is definitely a surreal experience with every makeup I do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would definitely take them to the Superstition Mountains, it is absolutely stunning. I love the desert and I think it encapsulates the beauty of Arizona perfectly. If we were looking for something delicious to eat, we have to go to Booty’s Wings, Burgers & Beer. Their wings are amazing and it’s always a great experience. I love to shop, so Old Town Scottsdale is a definite must. One of the most fun things I have done was the Pink Jeep Tours. It is a beautiful and extremely fun little excursion that anyone would love.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I could not do my job without the people who have always cheered me on. I am so beyond fortunate to have the people I do in my life. I would love to thank my absolutely extraordinary fiancé, my incredibly remarkable parents and brother, along with friends and family who have all supported me. Without them I would not be doing what I love to do. They have been so extremely encouraging and supportive. I am appreciative beyond belief for all them.

Website: jilianrosemua.com

Instagram: @jilianrosemua

Facebook: Jilian Rose MUA

Youtube: Jilian Rose MUA

Image Credits
Photo taken by HauntedIllinois.com, Adam Drendel Logo created by Makayla Mohajer-Iravani

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