I caught up with Kampala’s Make-up artist Zipper Atafo the very talented man with
the Midas touch who is responsible for the many flawless faces that we see on
Kampala's social scene. You will find him backstage and behind the scenes transforming many faces that we know and love into screen ready, show stopping confident
personalities. How does he do it and
what makes him tick? Jozy would like to know.
Zipper Atafo - Celebrity Make-Up Artist
Jozy: What inspired you to be a Make-up
artist?
ZA: My mother is my earliest inspiration. She
taught me about the power of lipstick and glamour from an early age. She’s
always been an encouraging and inspiring force in my life. Within the industry
Ronnie Mulindwa was the first person to hire me work with his girl band the
“Obsessions” I ended up working with them on a regular basis. He taught me all
about this industry, both the creative and business perspectives.
Jozy: Have you got any formal training?
ZA: I have not been trained formally trained as
a Make-up artist but i seek all that I need to know about my chosen craft and Make-up
every day. I educate and empower myself all the time. I learn on the job, it’s
endless.
Jozy: Name a few of your celebrity clients?
ZA: I’ve worked with a number of Kampala’s
starlets in the Entertainment and Fashion industries including Irene Namubiru, Judith
Heard, Jackie Chandiru, Sharon Salmon, Desire Luzinda, the list is endless but
i embrace everyone they don’t have to be celebrities.
Celebrity Judith Heard
Jozy: Any perks of the job?
ZA: I mainly enjoy the following perks;
Experimenting: I get to experiment
with different products. I like seeing what happens when i mix this colour with
that. What happens if I move my contour
line up just a pinch? Does this setting powder work best with the foundation?
Part of perfecting my craft includes experimenting with various products, skin
types and tones. The classic winged eyeliner and red lip didn’t happen by
accident, after all. It took a lot of testing before they eventually gained
huge popularity and took their places as classic Make-up looks. Who knows what one
could discover next?
Bridal make-up by Zipper
Meeting New People: I get to meet a lot
of amazing people every day be it Brides,
Theatre Producers, Socialites, Actors, Musicians, Celebrities, Politicians or
those not in the Public eye. Sure,
you’ll have the odd grumpy client whom you’d rather forget but you also make
long lasting friendships. I have built up a list of loyal and repeat clientele
this way. Many of my strongest friendships were formed on the job.
Zipper on TV set
Travel: I am often asked to travel to different parts of the country for photo shoots such as
advertising campaigns, beauty and fashion shows, weddings and private ceremonies or
parties. Travel throughout the country and to foreign countries
is common since many projects use sets located in various places. I don’t mind
it as long as my travel costs are met. I have been to places and cities I would
otherwise not have visited which I find rewarding.
Celebrity Akankwasa Esther
Flexibility: As a Make-up artist,
I decide what hours I work and what jobs I take on. This is very handy and can
fit nicely with someone with other commitments i.e family life or other jobs.
This way of working is perfect for me as sometimes am busy with other things
but always I am able to make it all work. Most of my Make-up gigs are booked
for weekends which allow me time to pursue other interests. Make-up artistry is
a fairly easy career to make a smooth transition from another career.
Bridal make-up by Zipper
Jozy: Favourite brand of Make-up?
ZA: I do not have a favourite brand simply because
different brands do different things. For example, I find that Sleek
makes the best pencils and Mac has the best eyeshades. It’s all about mixing brands to achieve a
perfect look.
Jozy: What are your top tips for creating a
day and night look?
ZA: The basic tip for a day or night look is the
eyebrow. If you have a well filled in neat eyebrow you are ready to rock both
looks. For a little spicy, spanky and sexy look I recommend a matte, dark
eyeshade.
Jozy: Any advice for those wishing to become Make-up
artists?
ZA: For those hoping to enter the industry, I’d
say… be creative, be patient, you must maintain an artistic flair at all
times. Also, get an Education/Training because I’ve
heard some Make-up artists say you don’t need an education but I disagree. Sure
you can learn the skills over time by trial & error but why take 20 years
to learn what you could in a week from an industry professional? Education is very important. I’m not saying
you have to go to a Make-up school but you need to take classes on a regular
basis. Look for classes that give you a business insight and perspective too.
You can be a talented artist but without the business know how it’s difficult
to make this a career. The right classes can take you to the next level and
help you earn a decent income.
Musician Dezire Luzinda
Jozy: Any
future plans?
ZA: I’d like to continue to work on a freelance
basis taking my services to clients’ doorstep. I’d possibly work with major
clients including television, film and members of the public for instance,
individuals who need special looks for weddings or
other special occasions. I dream of heading my Make-up crew covering backstage
at some International Fashion Week like New York.
Zipper's Bridal Client
Zipper's Bridal Client
Jozy: Who's you dream client?
ZA: Anyone who feels they can trust me with
their face is welcome for a “face beating”. The beautiful looks which result
from all the hard work make it all worthwhile. I would love to work on you Jozy
though...LOL.
Jozy: Aw!
What a charmer. I would gladly get my “face beat” by the Master Zipper Atafo any day and I’ll
hold you to that.
Contact
for appointments:
Facebook:
facebook.com/zipper.atafo
Twitter:
@ZAtafo
Instagram:
@star_atafo.
