Bold and Extraordinary

Interview with Olga Gila

BY ROBBIE MCNAMARA

Instagram

Bold and extraordinary. Two words that come to mind when describing the work of our featured artist, Olga Gila, a prolific Make-Up Artist from Hungary.

Welcome to Zolota, Olga! Please tell us about yourself.

I always loved everything connected to beauty and art, but my career as a makeup artist started after two degrees and other professions. However, in my mind and heart I always dreamed of becoming a makeup artist. So, I found an Italian artist here in Hungary 12 years ago who came from the film industry and I started to learn from him. Then I had some opportunities to study from several great artists ... Hungarian, Russian, German, Ukrainian masters who gave their knowledge to me. I never stopped learning because there are always new techniques and products in this beautiful branch.

What inspires you?

Everything can inspire me ... a color, a texture, a building, nature, music, a model. I find everywhere something that makes my mind to be thinking about new designs all night long and the day after.

Where do you live and how does this impact your art?

I live in a small village in southern Hungary, but thanks to technology, my work can get everywhere in the world. I am mobile, so I can travel everywhere in my country to create makeup for shows, film and shootings. I often make workshops and courses for makeup lovers and professionals.

What are you most proud of?

I am usually proud of my latest design, because it indicates to me that my knowledge is improving. Every occasion seems as if it would be the first time I do it. I feel the same excitement before each shooting and I can’t wait to look at the edited photos. I am really thankful to my photographer and models, for giving birth to my visions and letting them get all around the world.

Do you have any creative projects, shows, exhibitions coming up?

I have finished many headpieces and other accessories and in the near future I am planning new shootings with them. I often work for a dancer team and I hope that in May, all the competitions can restart for them and I can do beautiful makeup for the dancers. My biggest plan for this year is a makeup show. In the nearby town, a new theatre will be opened and I hope that I can organize a great show there. All the plans ... models, makeup, dresses, music have been created in my mind, and some plans are drawn yet. I wish it could come true.

What is your big life goal?

My big goal: to get better in my profession and do makeup all in my life at a higher level.

LADY VALENTINE

Makeup Artist: Olga Gila

Photographer: Piroska Bódi

Model: Dalma Gál

Hobbies?

My hobbies: I love to do creative handwork, make home decorations, take care of my garden, ride my bike through the country and feel nature.

Any interesting stories to share?

Interesting story: There were so many interesting moments in my life but to work on a horror movie was really unusual. I had to sew the mouth of an actor for hours so I had to do tests before the shooting. How it looks real, how it will be durable … my model was my husband at home in my workroom. We were laughing a lot while he was sitting in my makeup-chair and I was working on his mouth. And at the end I could say or ask anything he wasn’t able to answer, it was very funny. I am really happy that he helps me a lot.

Life motto?

“It can be glamorous or bloody, but it has to be impressive.”