Fashion Personality: I enjoy make- up job because it is versatile — Temisan

Temisan Isioma Etsede, Nollywood make- up artist, a graduate of Mass Communication from Delta State University. He was introduced into the movie industry by a childhood friend of his whom he also understudied for three years. In this interview, Temisan spoke on his challenges so far and wish to become a potential director in the near future

What inspired you to become a make-up artist?

The job of a make-up artist is an interesting one. It's an enjoyable profession because it's versatile, it is make-believe though sometimes stressful. I enjoying what I'm doing right now as a make-up artist in the movie industry. I got into it in 1998 after I graduated from the Delta State University as a Mass Communicator. A childhood friend of mine, Ogifa (a make-up guru), introduced me to it after seeing the potentials in me. He was certain I could do it so when he wanted to go solo, he needed an assistant and he confided in me, and so we got into the job.

I joined the industry and I started seeing people that I've been seeing on screen. I was so excited. I understudied him for about three years which was not too easy for me because one would travel for some days leaving parents and siblings behind only to return home with about a thousand naira. The money was not really worth it because people think that since you are now into the movie industry, you should be making money. But I thank God because if they want to rate the top make-up artists in the movie industry, I'm one to be reckoned with.

What kind of people do you normally work with?

I work with everybody. I do normal wedding make-up, character make-up in a movie and so on. In the movie industry, I've worked with virtually everybody that you can think of. From Pete Edochie, Ramsey Nuoah, RMD, Kate Henshaw, Desmond Elliot, to mention but a few.

How do you feel in the midst of women during your job, do you feel intimidated?

Not at all. In fact, they are the ones that are intimidated because a man is doing what they are supposed to do very well. There was an open audition that I was invited with two other people from the industry and three from outside. At the end of the day, myself and one other man were shortlisted, and the ladies all felt ashamed of themselves.

What are the things you like about women?

They are beautiful people. They brought us to the world and we must give them kudos for that. We have the good ones and the bad ones, but if you meet the bad ones, it is never pleasant at all. I work with most of them a lot but whenever I have a production with them, I try to give them a call, to tell them how I want them to look, their hair and their face, so as to make the job much more easier for me.

What about the guys?

I must tell you, it's easier to work with the guys. I give big kudos to people like RMD, Desmond and a host of them. As for my clients, I love working with Emem Isong. She is a prolific writer any time, any day. She calls me for her jobs and I love working with her. Also, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen (The Governor), Charles Novia, Fred Amata etc. They are all wonderful people to work with.

What are the challenges you have encountered so far?

Location hazard, that is one of the biggest problems in the movie industry. You can even witness it today because you have been following us for about 40 or 50 minutes now looking for location to shoot a scene. The location managers are not helping matters. The reason is that most of the location managers are brought in not by merit but through their brothers who, probably, are the directors of the production or the producers. So, these managers don't really know what and how to put a location ready for scenes to take place. Also, sometimes when you are brought in as a make-up artist by the producer, if the director does not want you, may be because he wants his own person to be there, he will make every effort to get you out of the production. So those are some of the problems we encounter in the movie industry. But, thank God I learn from every challenge.

How do you unwind?

I make good use of every free time I have. I try to rest as much as I can because, sometimes for days, we shoot through the nights so whenever I have any free time, I take it. I was even sleeping when you came. I go clubbing sometimes or just stay back home and rest.

Have any secret to share with us?

It's good to be good. Get closer to God, know Him, serve Him and believe in your instinct. I am a naturalist, I believe in the truth and stand by the truth.