Today we’d like to introduce you to Mikaela McLane.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Throughout my whole life I loved to write. Other than that, I never had a creative bone in my body. Writing, yes. I was interested in photography, but drawing or sculpting? Absolutely NOT. However, life took a turn for me and my outlet ended up being beauty and SFX makeup. I ended up really getting into the idea of wondering how movies and TV shows created creatures, wounds, blood splatters, etc. As I continued to explore the creative outlet, I realized this is a JOB. Real people are behind the scenes creating monsters like Ghostface, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, the wicked witch of the west from Wizard of Oz, etc. I told my mom I wanted to do that and she helped me find Academy of MakeUp Arts in Nashville. I attended around Covid and specialize in beauty makeup, wig making and styling, and SFX makeup. With the connects I made through the school, I was able to land a job for a company creating character costumes and animatronics. After about 2 1/2 years there, I am now at a company creating props. On the side, I still do fun wig work, SFX makeup, beauty makeup, website building, making press on nails and I just started dabbling into photography. I love constantly being on the move and teaching myself things. I consider myself a jack of all trades.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Yes and no. It was smooth in the aspect of my support system. My mom is my number one cheerleader and she has been so excited with the opportunities I would gain from going to school. Since being in this industry, it is a lot of hard work and it is an incredibly male dominated field still so making myself known, confident in my abilities, and teaching myself all of the knowledge I can to be in the running as an artist has been a lot of work. Not to mention, if you have a project that needs to be done, you can have up to a 14 hour day easily or even work two months straight.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My regular 9-5, I am a SFX Artist. From sculpting, to mold making to casting I can do it all. Whether its makeup prosthetics or props. I also do side gigs of wig making/styling, making press ons, photography, and website building. I love being able to have creative freedom every single day.
I am most proud of my ability to learn and adapt quickly. I am currently a Lead Scenic Artist at the company I work for in just the 5 years I have been in this industry. I am proud of myself for being able to build my confidence in this industry and to lead a team of people to create fun things and to push boundaries on mold making.
My ability to lead a team and make firm decisions, but to also listen to those around me to hear if there’s another way we can make something happen. It’s not my way or the highway, being an artist there’s multiple ways to do something and it is so important to listen to how something can be done in an easier/more efficient way and then to make ths executive decision on which route to take.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is what you make it to be. Some think that having a big house, an Instagram worthy life, a nice car, and designer things are successful. It can be. However, I believe success occurs when one is at peace with themselves and they are truly happy. To come home from work and be content with what you did for that day. Success is when you strive to wake up the next day, be the best version of yourself, and to show love to those around you. To me, success is coming home and being with my animals and my significant other at the end of the day and being at peace. The bills are paid, we have a home and success is what we have created for ourselves.
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