By Ed Avis
Gene Flaharty is well known to NCA members and others in the world of theater. In addition to 14 years on the NCA Board, he has 40+ years’ experience in the world of makeup and worked for Mehron for 26 years. Now his profile is about to get a little higher: He just published a book, “Let’s Makeup: A Journey of a Makeup Artist.”
“The book is for everyone,” says Flaharty, “Teachers can use it as a guide and reference book, as it explains how to how to teach makeup and also how to get a job as an artist. The stories are educational as they show you what to do and not do backstage. Those who have read it say they learned a lot more about the business and enjoyed the stories.”
Flaharty says he was inspired to write his book while reflecting on his career. He has held a diverse range of makeup jobs and wanted to help others who are interested in growing their makeup careers. The book is mixture of career advice and biographical stories.
“I think my favorite chapter is ‘Spilling the Tea,’ because it’s about the celebrities I worked with and the fun we had,” Flaharty says.
Gene Flaharty at work.
One of the highlights of Flaharty’s career has been working with other skilled makeup artists, he says.
“When I was working at Mehron, I was able to go the makeup trade shows and meet and watch award-winning makeup artists. That was such a thrill,” he says. “I also loved working at Starlight Theatre in Kansas City, where I was able to design shows with some very famous stars, some of which I mention in the book.”
Flaharty’s makeup career has not ended. He is the lead makeup and wig designer at Starlight Theater – in this most recent season he designed the wigs for School of Rock – and he volunteers at a museum where he interprets the lifestyle of Missouri in 1850s as a character from that period.
“I plan to get back to the education circuit to continue to teach theater and to promote the book,” he says.
You can order a copy of his new book on Amazon by clicking here.
Flaharty also feels the book would sell well in NCA member stores that offer makeup, since many clients of those stores are in the makeup business and would appreciate his advice and insights. If you would like to sell the book in your stores, contact Flaharty directly at flaharty1@yahoo.com for wholesale pricing.