Meet Terri Tomlinson | Makeup Artist & Global Makeup Educator

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

Hi Terri, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
I’m happiest when I am creating. As an artist this sounds obvious of course: “I’m a makeup artist therefore I create amazing, transformative looks and apply them with precision and great skill – to the amazement of all!” But that isn’t who I am as a makeup artist or as an educator. I don’t create amazing makeup looks – I’m more of a problem solver. I enjoyed doing makeup as a career when I was working in the production industry, but I never felt like I made a difference. When I started Makeup Training Academy in 2010 I realized that being creative for me is not just applying makeup, it was figuring out steps, techniques and applications so that I could teach someone else how to apply makeup. I found my groove as a creative when I started problem solving my craft. Later, in 2017 when I “reinvented the wheel”, launching The Flesh Tone Color Wheel™, I blossomed as an artist and am more creative now than I have ever been. I’m constantly finding new ways to apply the science of color theory to makeup and skin. It is great fun! Exciting! I’m able to bring this to schools, my students, brands, regular people and other artists. It makes me happy because I’m able to use many of my gifts to innovate and create something that people want and need. Color Theory and my wheel have given me new life in the beauty industry, given me a way to adapt to these changing times and continue working. I feel very fortunate. (And I have to say, my makeup work has never been prettier or more fulfilling.)

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a working makeup artist with over 30 years in the beauty and production industry. In 2010 I opened Makeup Training Academy in Addison TX to provide professional training, makeup services and a community center. With The Flesh Tone Color Wheel™ I have created an innovative way to work color theory in makeup. This method has taken me from local makeup teacher to global educator and color expert. The challenges do not seem difficult when I’m on my creative path and being true to my art, my voice. I find that I struggle when I try to be something else, or compare myself to what others are doing or “getting”. Focusing on what needs to be done now, taking the next step and connecting to creating has been huge in my success.

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?
Gosh, I hardly go anywhere!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give my shoutout to all of the makeup artists in this industry who work so hard and inspire me, they have supported me as an educator and voice in the world of color. I also appreciate and love my DFW based makeup community who supports me and Makeup Training Academy. This career is about HUSTLE and COMMUNITY! .

Website: https://thefleshtonecolorwheel.com / https://Makeup101.com
Instagram: http://instagram.com/territomlinsonmakeup
Facebook: http://facebook.com/territomlinsonmakeup
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TerriTomlinson/
Other: TikTok: territomlinsonmakeup Portfolio photo by: MikeMyersPhoto.com (please include this!!!!)

Image Credits
“Replicant” photo courtesy of MikeMyersPhoto.com Models: The Campbell Agency Makeup: Terri Tomlinson Hair: Anastasia Strattan