Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara “Philly” DiPatri.
Hi Sara, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
My name is Sara but as an artist, I go by Philly. I freelance as a makeup artist in Jacksonville.
I have always been involved with the arts from a young age, it was rare to see me without a pencil and pad at any given time. I was lucky enough to go to art school from 5th through 12th grade. After realizing college wasn’t for me, I went on to get my cosmetology certification and esthetician license.
For over 6 years, I have been with Sephora really trying to learn all I could from the amazing artists that were around me and to really appreciate the beauty in all forms.
For me, doing makeup is very special because the client is sharing their insecurities and trusting me to make them feel confident. There can be such an intense vulnerability to doing makeovers that has to be respected.
When I was 16, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. It caused me to lose all my hair, confidence, and to some degree my identity. At that time makeup really helped me feel more like myself and I soon found myself trading my canvases for faces. I really wanted to help others feel more like themselves even when they felt their worst.
As of now, I am a licensed beauty advisor at Sephora, am on the makeup team at 13th Floor Haunted House, and an executive makeup artist for a local makeup brand Jackalope Cosmetics.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest struggle I’d say was being open to criticism and willing to grow.
When you think you have nothing else to learn, you are stunting your growth and success. There will always be someone else who you may feel is ahead of you but that just means there is something you can learn from them and vice versa.
You can never have too much knowledge so embrace the mistakes that you can learn from and never stop growing!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My passion is to learn all styles of makeup from the everyday look to bridal to special effects. I’ve never really had a set style or medium because I dabble in everything. I never say no to the opportunity to try a new style or technique, always wanting to try everything at least once.
I love to embrace the personal connections made with people and curate a look specifically for them. I specialize in color theory in reference to the complexion of all skin tones and types. It is very important for me to be completely inclusive and accessible to everyone.
I really identify with the Mom n’ Pop business mentality, to be affordable and adaptable in any situation. I’ve been fortunate enough to work weddings, photoshoots, special effects, airbrushing, body painting, and everything in between.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The future of makeup is in the evolution of gender identities and self-expression.
It has become a more inclusive art form that is usable to everyone. As the world progresses on its views of gender norms, it’s allowing people of all gender identities to express themselves with cosmetics.
It is a beautiful moment to help someone see themselves as they feel on the inside for the first time.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Phillythemakeupartist/
Image Credits
JACKALOPE Cosmetics Kory and @ktorjussenphotography
