Sonya Bertolozzi::Bio
I have lived and worked in New York City for the past 12 years, and currently reside in NY & Vancouver BC. I am an active rock climber, hiker and mountain biker and living in the midst of the beauty and nature of British Columbia enables me to pursue those endeavors on my down time.
Regarding my career: People have often asked me when I realized I wanted to be a professional make-up artist.
Actually, my career began serendipitously, and as a blessed accident …
As a fashion design student in college, I interned for Michael Kors and worked closely on design projects with other designers such as Isaac Mizrahi, Marc Jacobs, Bob Mackie, and Emmanuel Ungaro. Upon graduating from Marist College with a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Fashion Design & Merchandising, I sought employment as a costume designer on films and commercials instead of the expected path of design work on 7th Avenue.
One day, as I was prepping the wardrobe on a commercial set, I was approached by a very nervous producer who in a panicked voice asked me, “Sonya, do you happen to do hair and make up as well?” Apparently the make-up artist was terribly ill and had been sent home. I cannot recall answering the producer’s question, nor was I even given a chance; the next thing I knew, an actor was sitting in front of me waiting for his hair and make up to be done!
I have not been able to put down my brushes since!
That day, filling in for the make up artist, I had enjoyed myself so much and felt that I had gotten re-introduced to a very important aspect of my creative nature. As a child, art, sculpture and painting had always been my favorite activities. I had just rediscovered the “painter” in me, and it was absolutely exhilarating! Turning painting and sculpture into my profession was all I could think about.
I began educating myself, seeking any and all experience I could get as a make up artist and hair stylist. I began assisting such revered artists as Mary Greenwell, Fulvia Farlofi, and Kevin Aucoin on NYC fashion shows which led to more opportunities in all different areas of the industry. In fashion, I have worked on various editorial shoots and advertising campaigns. I have also worked on corporate videos, commercials, music videos, and celebrity press junkets. Some of my clients have included: Claire Danes, Whoopi Goldberg, Kyra Sedgewick, Kate Jackson, Robert DeNiro, Christina Aquilera, Ringo Starr, David Bowie, Moby, Beth Orton, The Donnas, Death Cab for Cutie, The Darkness and many others.
I have become known in the industry for my clean, natural and effortless style of application, as well as for my ability to create the image of pure and pretty skin. Clients have told me that my foundation application makes their skin “glow” and look flawlessly real. The quality and character of my work demonstrates my preference to focus on one’s natural beauty and to accent it accordingly.
Thank you for visiting my site…
Sonya Bertolozzi