Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn Angeletti.
Hi Dawn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
My makeup career started in 1996, after graduating from fashion design school in Atlanta. I moved to NYC to pursue my fashion career, but instead, I found myself working at MAC Cosmetics and falling in love with makeup and a career that has spanned over two decades.
I lived and worked in Los Angeles for sa few years and then moved back to my hometown in Connecticut. I worked in the makeup department at ESPN with the on-air talent and sports legends for 18 years in addition to being Dan Rather’s makeup artist for several years on “The Big Interview”. It was awesome to make up legendary musicians like Robert Plant, Debbie Harry, and Rod Stewart and get to travel and see incredible venues and homes. And working with Mr. Rather was such a joy, I learned so much from him!
I’ve worked in large-scale and small-scale productions, for corporate shoots as well as taking private clients in the New England area. When covid hit, ESPN shuttered the makeup department and I felt this was a sign to try something and someWHERE new. My husband and I knew that Savannah had a bustling film industry and it was also near the beach, which was very important to us. The city has everything we wanted in a new place… rich history, beautiful architecture, a college for a lively arts community, a relaxing beach, and of course the wonderful Southern charm and hospitality I remembered from my time spent here in college. It had all come full circle.
We packed up and moved in March 2021 and I have been so honored to be welcomed into the film community here. I’ve been working on films in Savannah as well as productions in Atlanta and South Carolina. I was excited to travel to New Mexico this summer for a Netflix show that I am very proud to have been asked to be a part of. The film community is so terrific here!
I’m also working with a traveling bridal hair and makeup company doing weddings on the weekends I’m not working on films.
I’m always looking to connect with photographers, producers, and clients to work with on new projects. I truly love making people look and feel amazing! I feel like my life has been such a blessing, I am so truly grateful for every opportunity I’ve ever been given.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Looking back at 25 years worth of work, I am incredibly proud of what I’ve accomplished. The business of freelance makeup artists is not for the faint of heart, but I have been so grateful for those I’ve met along my path who have mentored me and helped me become the artist I am today. I have been able to raise four incredible children while working in the business, something that I know is very difficult to do for all of us in this industry.
This job will take you away from special moments in your life. I have had to miss birthdays and weddings, cancel vacations, get very little sleep, travel to crazy places and lug my kit through filthy alleys and rainstorms, freeze my butt off in 15-degree weather and swelter in 95-degree heat for 15 hour days. I’ve fallen asleep in the studio after a 4-hour turnaround time. But I’ve done it all for the love of the business, for the love of the art, and for the love of knowing that I’ve never had to sit at an office desk job wondering what my life would have been like if I followed my heart. And now I have the luxury of being able to take projects that I personally love and can feel good about working on. Unfortunately, when your job title has the word “artist” in it, people sometimes think that you’re doing this job only because you love it and are happy to work for free or “exposure”. I’m thrilled when I see the newer generation of artists knowing their worth and charging for their services accordingly. A rising tide raises all ships and I love sharing my knowledge with others.
I owe so much of my determination to my grandmother, who was my biggest fan. She died when I was 10, but she always told me she would “see my name in lights” someday. The first time I saw my name in movie credits in the theater, I could not stop crying, it was pure happiness… I had truly done it and knew I made her proud!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work in film, television, print, commercial, live events and work with private clients. I specialize in natural looks, men’s grooming (I’m particularly good with mature skin for both men and women), and soft glam. I love making someone feel like the best version of themselves.
I enjoy pampering my clients and helping them to feel at ease before they go in front of the camera or in front of an audience. I have a pretty calming presence and I’m naturally very nurturing.
I’m very proud of the fact that I’ve had so many long-time clients and colleagues and my circle has only gotten bigger since I came to Savannah. I am so lucky to be surrounded by such talented, amazing people!
Contact Info:
- Email: Dawn@dawnangeletti.com
- Website: www.dawnangeletti.com
- Instagram: @dawn_angeletti_makeup
Image Credits
Amanda Taraska and Christina Wesley
