Meet Gabrielle Chamberlain | Actress & Freelance Makeup Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gabrielle Chamberlain and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gabrielle, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I am also a trained actress, Working as a Freelance Makeup Artist aligns perfectly with my acting goals, and gives me lots of freedom and flexibility. I am an artist, and have always loved makeup. Early on when I chose to attend CSU Theatre, I understood I also needed a profession that I would love as I worked towards my acting goals. I work as a Freelance Makeup Artist as I apply and audition for tv and film, If I don’t get cast I can always find a spot as MUA Crew.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about.

Anyone can buy and use makeup, but not everyone can master makeup. I am very confident in how I achieve the very best visual for my client. I am never phased by a challenging complexion, as I am able to perfectly correct and color match all global skin tones. I love the client’s approval and reaction when they see their naturally flawless appearance or transformation.. The skills to work on camera are very different, set lights and color intensity has to be expertly managed for the shot, I work and review through the monitor, the talent could never go out in this makeup. Seeing the Director’s excitement at getting a great shot is truly rewarding.

How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy?

I am a naturally talented artist, diligent and hard working. I have also had great art and makeup training, and top tier makeup mentors. Most of all, I am always ready. My kit is always ready to go, brushes cleaned, everything sanitized, You never know when the scheduled MUA is going to no show., so be ready, because that’s your shot, so bring it. This happened to me when I was 21, soon after I trained. I was home in Telluride, I got the call from a top tier NY magazine, they couldn’t find a local MUA at for their Mary McCartney shoot, so they took a chance on me because of my credentials., Those credits and my published work are what launched my name. From there it was David Yarrow and so on, to where I just wrapped as the Key MUA on Mocha & Mistletoe, a Gemelli Films’ movie, filmed in Evergreen CO. I heard about the Brooke part late in the process, I applied as an actress, but they had just offered Brooke, but they asked to see my MUA Resume and offered me to join the crew. It was a blast, crazy hard work, but a fantastic cast and crew made it so much fun. It was hard because I put in the work to my best ability among top tier professionals with high expectations, it was easy because I was confident, because I was practiced, prepared and ready! It’s about opportunities, you have to be ready to grab every one.

If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way

I have learned that everyone’s story and path is different, and that is okay, this is our journey so be good to yourself, roll through the falls, and just keep going. Admit mistakes, apologize, own self esteem, set your tone and boundaries, and have a plan to navigate around any problem, you can’t just use lip service, only bring integrity.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I am young, 24, and this may confuse those who relate skill and talent to seniority, but I bring it for every client or on set. I am very well trained and experienced, plus I learn super fast, I read the room quickly and flow with it. On Mocha & Mistletoe I was the Key MUA, I was alone creating visuals for a cast of 15 actors through 14 hour days. I was so nervous to start, but I not flinch under pressure, I am an actress afterall, and soon it was normal, I get the job done, I don’t complain, I keep calm and naturally uplift people around me. Before M&M I thought I hit the ground running, but since my confidence is brimming, I can take on anything, and I am ready!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am English, I emigrated aged 7, and grew up between Telluride CO and the UK. I attended CSU and have lived between Denver and Fort Collins since College. I am now downtown Denver based. I have friends and family coming in from all over a few times a year. Growing up every trip to Denver involved the Zoo and Kids museum, so I recommend. I am a Brit and need a regular Fish & Chips fix, you have to try Steuben’s on E 17th, their fish and chips is the closest to the real thing. I love art and Meowolf at Convergence Station does it for me and is fun for all age. I am working or a home body, but when I pull up it’s for EDM at Temple or Dub Step at Redrocks. I love golf, proper golf and top golf, lots of courses and two TG locations. I drive at least once a month to Fort Collins to eat/take out at/from La Creperie & French Bakery, and Australian pies from the Waltzing Kangaroo. Winter I ski Copper and summer I float with friends on my 12 person island at Horsetooth Reservoir Fort Collins or Cherry Creek Reservoire. I like Cherry Creek, Park Meadows and Ikea for shopping.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom Karen Marshall, her drive and strength is remarkable, whatever I did or wanted to be, she was right by my side, she sees the long game and always finds the right path for me.

My childhood piano teacher ‘Piano Bob’, a brilliant and kind man. Bob made piano fun. He educated me in the arts, science and spirituality, and I was there for piano. Bob is a world class pianist, a loved Telluride legend.

Leah Heidenreich, Director at Telluride Young People’s Theatre, Leah cast me as Mary Poppins for my Senior TYPT. Leah developed me as a young actress. The approval and joy I felt through that senior experience. I knew I wanted to act professionally.

Scott Barnes’ absolutely took my natural art and makeup skill to the next level, through Scott’s personal coaching I learned to see the face as an artist with a canvas, I am deliberate with color and the interplay of light on facial features.

Website: https://gabriellechamberlain.com

Instagram: https://gabriellechamberlain.mua

Yelp: Gabrielle Chamberlain Makeup Artist

Image Credits
Headshots Aaron Lucy – Denver Headshots. – Me in Green and Orange top.
Me in Black Jacket – Becca Hassel – Hassel Free Photography
Set Shots are mine/Gemelli Films
Me in the camera is mine re AEC Studios