The Artist

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I am a Southern girl from a small town in North Carolina, who dreamed of one day living in the “big city.” Funny enough I never imagined it would happen and I would be paid to do what I love as a professional makeup artist!

As a child, my absolute favorite thing was to do a complete makeover on every friend or sibling, male or female. I was queen of all things “girlie”… makeup, fashion and floral arrangements. My mom often says she did not know what to do with me since she never wears makeup and has no interest in it. Even in college I took as many painting and color theory classes as I could fit into my schedule and graduated from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Communications with a concentration in media studies.

carla_scarfAfter a decade in the corporate world I discovered a hidden secret, I could make a career doing what I love. Since that day I have not looked back. I credit each person I have met along the way with helping me get where I am today as a business owner and artist. One of my favorite days was when I finished Tony Bennett’s makeup and hair for a FOX HD television shoot and he touched my hand and told me, “You are a true artist.”

Today I see beauty everywhere I go, in every face I see, in every single soul.
— Kevyn Aucoin

I often feel as if I am Alice from Alice in Wonderland (my favorite fairy tale/fantasy of all time) and spend my time exploring New York City. The city is such a fun playground with exciting and interesting people and things. Inspiration comes daily from everyone I encounter! One day it may be the middle aged lady at the grocery store in a tutu at 3pm with the most beautiful makeup, and the next day the 18-year old model strolling fresh faced in amazing 6 inch heels down the historic cobblestone streets of the Meatpacking District on her next go see. To this day, faces are still my canvas of choice because everyone is so unique and special.

The beauty of life is in the details.

If people knew how hard I worked to get my mastery, it wouldn’t seem so wonderful after all. —Michelangelo

I have had the fortune of mentoring with amazing and talented print, HD TV and celebrity makeup artists over the years. And there has been no better compliment than for people I truly admire to compliment my work and achievements. Now through the years I have made the craft my own and continue to learn daily.

When I am not working, exploring the city or traveling, I prefer to be cuddling on the couch with my two loves…my gorgeous husband David and our little fur baby Maui.

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Carla Ligon-Miller is a Makeup Artist based in New York City working in Manhattan, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, DC, and Worldwide for Television, HDTV, Editorial, Commercial Print, Red Carpet, Events, Beauty, Advertising, and Weddings (per request).