Tran Trung Hieu - make-up artist
Hieu Tran Trung, known as ‘Ny’, originates from Ho Chi Minh City where he trained as a hair and make-up artist working for a range of clients both on and off stage. His work is documented in magazines such as "Tiep Thi & Gia Dinh", "The Gioi Van Hoa", "Phong Cach", "Her World". Singers, actors and models in the Far East are familiar with Ny’s innovative approach to make-up, beauty - his skills have been employed his for film, television and stage work.
In 2006 Ny opened his own beauty salon named "Ny". Following a successful year in business, Ny cooperated with Miss Vietnam pageant for two years running, 2007 and 2008. He later progressed his career by working with the film industry and in 2009 he joined the set of "Nhat Ky Bach Tuyet", a blockbuster hitting cinemas all over Vietnam. Ny moved to Europe in 2010 and lives between Zurich, London and Milan.
(Please refer to the bottom of this page for links useful to a Make-up Artist career)
Accademia Apulia UK has asked Ny the following questions:
At what point in your life did you realise you wanted to be a make-up artist and why?
At 19 I studied Fashion Design and collaborated with the production of fashion shows. I realised then that often the hair style and make up did not suit the clothes. There was far too much emphasis on the dress, but little attention to the model's face/hair. Consequently, I decided that I would train to become a make-up artist.
What are the obstacles and challenges that you have faced in your field since you began?
I would say men are at disadvantage at first as women laways had the upper hand in this field. To begin with, they can experiment and practice make-up skills on their own faces, something boys don’t/can’t always do. This means men need to observe and learn from a ‘distance’ at first before they fcan actually train to learn the tricks of the trade. I think that I was lucky enough to have had a few girlfriends to practice my skills on - they were so brave!
For the benefit of aspiring professionals, please describe a typical day in the life of a make-up artist?
It depends where the Make-up Artist works. Still, no matter what field, it’s hard, but very exciting work. One needs to have determination, great energy and, above all, immense passion for the job. You need to be flexible too - one never knows when it’s time to go home.
What is your favorite aspect of being a make-up artist?
Knowing that you have done a good job gives a great feeling of satisfaction - you feel happy, and it's even more so when clients are appreciative of your work.
Is there a special make-up artist that you admire?
I like the "style" of Dior and Givenchy.
How would you define 'beauty'?
A natural look which is elegant and sophisticated at the same time.
How do make-up techniques in the Far East differ from those in Europe?
In Asia make-up artists like to use very strong colors; in Europe we prefer more natural tones. Obviously, the physiognomy of European and Asian models is different, therefore techniques should reflect this difference to obtain better results.
What do you find to be the most common mistake women make with make-up?
Often women are inspired by styles used by models as seen on TV or magazines, not realizing that this style is done to contrast issues of lights, temperature, dress, etc... So, every-day make-up can’t be the same as that which is used for a stage or film scene. Right now Asian women use a style more appropriate to Western make-up. This is especially so regarding eye make-up, they use a technique which makes the eye smaller, almond shape. It may make the eye brighter, but aesthetically is not particularly attractive.
You have recently moved to Europe - how did you find this transition?
Like all things in life, at first it was difficult.
What are the difficulties that you have encountered so far?
Living in new surroundings, new friends, a new language, a colder climate compared to Vietnam, are all a challenge. But with the passage of time, I will get used, but, more importantly, I am eager to let my professional skills known in Europe.
What do you like best about Europe?
I can challenge myself here - there is so much going on in Europe. I can easily travel between the fashion capitals of Milan, Paris and London and be inspired on the way.
What the least?
In the little time I have been in Europe, I find that the place is not as ‘open’ as it should be. As the world changes, here you have the tendency to maintain the "status quo’. As far as my professional is concerned, I notice that employers are hesitant in giving opportunities to talented professionals originating from other continents. That's a shame, because I believe that Europe would benefit from it.
What is you message to young artists around the world?
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Useful links for the profession of Make-up Artist
Training & Colleges
Grease Paint School of Make-Up
London College of Fashion
Delamar Academy
Great advice on Make-Up careers from STAGE
Make-up Professional
Connects hair and make-up artists,
fashion stylists, photographers and other people from the industry.
