From the outside, being the Makeup Department Head on a major production might seem like a dream job, glamorous, creative, and filled with celebrity encounters. For Nesrin Ismail, that dream became a reality. We had the chance to sit down with Ismail and uncover what goes on behind the scenes. So, what is beyond the glitz and glam of the makeup industry?
Originally from Egypt, Ismail moved to the United States to pursue a career in makeup design. She quickly enrolled in makeup and FX school, determined to build a career in film and television. Ismail took advantage of every learning opportunity along the way. It wasn’t long before she was working in the indie film world, gaining hands-on experience and building a portfolio.
But as Ismail explains, the transition from indie films to Hollywood productions required more than just talent. Connections and networking were a huge part of getting jobs. She credits a lot of her success to being in the right place at the right time.
Ismail’s big break came when she was working in Atlanta and landed “The Walking Dead”. She quickly advanced and was offered the position of Key Makeup Artist for season six, before continuing her career working on incredible projects like “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Chicago P.D.”
For Ismail, no two jobs are ever the same. Each project brings its own unique challenges, requiring her to balance her personal style with the vision of the talent and production team. She shared how the atmosphere on set and even the physical conditions can significantly influence what she’s able to create.
Ismail most recently served as the makeup department head of the hit Hulu series “Deli Boys,” where the range of her makeup expertise was on full display. We had the privilege of speaking with her about the creative process behind some of the show’s standout looks. She shared how working on a woman-led set influenced her experience and empowered her creativity in unexpected ways.
To hear more about Ismail’s journey as a Makeup Department Head, and to get the unfiltered truth about what the job really entails, tune in to Volume Up by The Tease!
