Question: Industry in 1990’s

What was it like to start doing permanent makeup in the 1990’s?

Answer: Challenging

It was really hard.   You didn’t have Facebook forums,  or really any way of reaching out and asking people questions.

Most traditional tattoo artists had a strict code and would not share their secrets.   Joe was my savior. I also started going to tattoo conventions and learned a lot by watching.  

Another hard thing was the coil machines we used. They were temperamental, heavy and hard on your hands.  They were also loud and made your clients more anxious especially when doing eyeliner.

Questions: Changes in the Industry

What notable changes have you noticed in the last five years?

Answer: Better Quality Tools, Pigment & Techniques

Better quality machines and pigments,  and more sharing of information. But I’ve also noticed a trend in the training industry.

We have great trainers now, but we also have those who put themselves on a pedestal, charge crazy prices for large classes in a hotel, and basically rip people off.

But I stay positive and try to align myself with people who are genuine and have good visions for our industry.

If you are looking for an advanced trainer, make sure they are posting pics on a regular basis of their own work.  

Make sure they are active with clientele themselves, not just taking people’s money by teaching classes.

Although I teach and also have a supply business, I still see private clientele four days a week. I still take training classes from people I admire.

Question: Where is the Industry Headed?

Base on current trends and technology in permanent makeup what do you believe the future of permanent makeup will become?

Answer: Creating More Incredible Talented Artist

I feel good about the future of our industry.  I think we are just getting better and better.  

We have some incredibly talented artists that post work on social media every day. I think this encourages the rest of us to strive to be better.  

We HAVE to grow and produce better and better work because our clients see the talent out there on social media, and expect our work to be as good. 

I see my work from 5 years ago and think, “WOW” my style has totally changed…

Question:  Advice for Hopefuls

What advice do you have for those wanting to enter the industry?

Answer: Invest in Future

Don’t cut corners.

 I saw someone post on a forum the other day asking where they could take an online fundamentals class.  

Let’s see. You want to tattoo people’s faces for a living. You want to sit in your easy chair and learn how to do it.  

I don’t get it. What are people thinking?

Invest in the best training you can afford. Do your homework, interview the trainer.  If they don’t have time to answer your questions, then move on and find someone else.

Be obsessed with finding the right education, and once you take that class, go home and work your ass off.  

Draw, draw, draw every day.

Question: Advice for Seasoned Pros

What advice do you have for seasoned professionals who may be a little shy about adding more skillsets their professional toolbox?

Answer: Bring Joy Back into Your Art

Put aside your pride and be able to admit that what you’re doing may be old school.  I had to do it.

I found that there are newer techniques, better pigments, better equipment,  that has actually cut my time in half. Who wouldn’t be happy about that?

I can honestly say that I’ve never let my pride get in the way of learning.  I’m constantly asking people that I respect to critique my work.

Sometimes we get in a rut and get bored. If this happens to you, take a class. 

Become obsessed with learning something new.  It will bring joy back into your art.

Question: Most Important Take Away

What is the most important concept you would like us to gain from today’s interview?

Answer: Don’t Cut Corners

Be obsessed.   Don’t cut corners. Draw every day.   Be obsessed. Take classes, talk to people. Did I mention that you need to “be obsessed”?

Question: Learning with Terry Lively

How can we learn more about you and your glean more from your wisdom?

Answer: Free Info & Tips

I share a lot of free information and tips on my youtube channel: www.youtube.com/realterrylively

My Instagram account is where I post photos of my work:

@onelivelyterry

My (Terry Lively) work with breast cancer survivors is featured at: www.paramedical-tattoo.com

Thank You for Interviewing with us!!

Terry Lively, you’re an awesome interviewee, thank for sharing your knowledge, insight, and expertise.

We greatly appreciate you taking the time out of your busy life to help so many of us in the permanent makeup industry.  

You are a delight and a rare treasure!!

Hey there, DOn’t leave yet…

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