This week, Signature share more about Nicky Weir, a highly successful makeup artist whose clients include the prestigious, Prada and Miu Miu. Throughout the blog, Nicky explains how she first became interested in becoming a makeup artist, having been surrounded by creative people throughout her upbringing. As well as this, Nicky shares her communication methods as a deaf makeup artist on set.
Be sure to carry on reading to find out more:
- Hi Nicky, could you introduce yourself to our Signature viewers.
Hi! I’m Nicky Weir, a makeup artist with a passion for creativity and self-expression. I’m excited to share my journey and experiences as a deaf artist in the beauty industry with you all.
- Please can you tell us about your journey to becoming a makeup artist. Was it always a passion of yours?
I grew up surrounded by art- my mother was a fine artist, and my father was a photographer, which inspired my love for creativity. I initially thought I would pursue art until I saw a makeup artist working on one of my dad’s shoots. That was my lightbulb moment. Being deaf made it challenging to break into a predominantly hearing industry, so I often didn’t disclose my deafness, working twice as hard to prove myself. It wasn’t easy, but it made me who I am today.
Here is some of Nicky’s work:
- How did you find navigating school as a deaf individual?
As the only profoundly deaf child in my hearing family, I relied on lipreading, which made it tough to keep up with conversations. In school, I split time between hearing and deaf classes, struggling in the hearing ones and challenging my energy into sports. Sports became my outlet to prove I could achieve something significant.
- How have you adapted your communication style as a deaf makeup artist on set?
I rely on lipreading and focus closely on my clients to ensure I understand their vision. Over time, I began sharing that I was deaf, which often surprised people because I communicate through speech. The one-on-one nature of makeup sessions works well for me since we are face-to-face, allowing for clear communication.
- Is the beauty industry becoming more inclusive and accessible for deaf professionals?
Change has been slow, but after 20 years in fashion and beauty, I am finally seeing progress, especially in film where deaf and hearing crews now collaborate. I believe it’s essential for hearing teams to receive deaf awareness training, which makes for more inclusive, understanding work environments.
- Outside of your work as a makeup artist, what do you enjoy to do in your spare time?
I love cooking and hosting intimate dinner parties, which allow for great conversations. Being half Vietnamese and half English/Irish, I enjoy exploring different cuisines. I am also drawn to foreign films, documentaries, and interior design- anything visually inspiring that teaches me something new.
- Please can you tell us about a memorable project that stands out to you.
I have had amazing experiences, but one highlight was a fashion shoot in Kenya, where we worked in breath-taking locations like jungles and beaches with wild monkeys around us. Another was working with Amy Winehouse for three years- an unforgettable time in my career:
- What advice would you give to aspiring makeup artists, especially those who are deaf or have other disabilities?
Start by assisting other makeup artists to gain experience. The industry is growing more diverse and inclusive, with greater openness to deaf awareness. Don’t hesitate to be yourself- your unique perspective is an asset.
- How has your deafness influenced your perspective on beauty and self-expression?
Being deaf makes me highly visual and detail-orientated, which has enhanced my work as a perfectionist. I draw inspiration from art, fashion, nature, and film, blending these elements to express beauty in unique ways.
- Do you have any upcoming projects or future aspirations you would like to share?
I recently founded Wonderment Beauty, a non-profit supporting deaf creatives in fashion and beauty. Our mission is to foster an inclusive industry and offer resources that were lacking in my own journey. Through Wonderment, we aim to raise deaf awareness and open doors for deaf talents to thrive.
Here at Signature, we would like to thank Nicky for sharing her journey to becoming a professional makeup artist for some of the biggest names in the beauty and fashion industries. It has been great to learn about her passion as well as what she enjoys to do outside of her profession. We wish Nicky the best of luck for the future and in her new venture with her non-profit, Wonderment Beauty.
