Brushstrokes of creativity: an interview with Key Makeup Debbie Vandelaar

My training started over 25 years ago with Jack Medhurst Theatrical Makeup School in downtown Toronto. Having knowledge of stage makeup is a great foundation for makeup artistry. From there it was workshops, courses, self-training and working with other makeup artists that helped to fine-tune my techniques, skills and abilities in this field of work.

I have worked on countless productions here in Alberta, Vancouver and abroad. I love what I do and feel very blessed to have a career that does not feel like work at all.  I have a wide range of experiences that encompasses meeting and working with over 100 people every day on set. I am able to apply my creative abilities, be a therapist, see many beautiful places, connect with people, make some life long as well as short term friendships that will never be forgotten.

Amongst my many wonderful experiences in my career is being part of the award ceremony for the Emmys, and although I did not win one I am still so very grateful to have been nominated for Best Makeup for a Mini-series. I was also awarded an AMPIA, which is Alberta’s Motion Picture Award, for Best Makeup, again a great experience and memory.

Photo: Debbie Vandelaar on the set of She Has A Name in Thailand with actor Giovanni Mocibob

How did you get your start in the industry and what keeps you in it?

After high school I worked in a couple of factories in southern Ontario and realized that that was not what I wanted my future to be like. There wasn’t any post secondary schooling at a college or university that I was interested in. However, makeup piqued my curiosity and I enrolled in a makeup course at John Casablanca’s in Hamilton, Ontario. I thought that was great and ventured on to a course in stage makeup at Jack Medhurst’s. From there I got a job with Estee Lauder in retail but learned pretty quick that I am not a sales person. I loved the hands on approach and so I left that company and have been freelancing ever since. I’ve heard it said, “Find what you love to do and you will never have to work again.” Well I’ve found what I love to do and the passion for the art and for the people keeps me going.

What drew you to work on an indie and to travel to Thailand with She Has A Name?

I’m not going to lie, I wasn’t drawn to working on an Indie, it drew itself to me. Let me explain, I have a friend who is also a makeup artist and knew who the Kooman brothers were and since she was already working on a project she recommended me to do the job. I had never set my sights on Thailand and when they asked me to go with them to do makeup on their film in Thailand, I was a bit hesitant. I had some personal issues going on at that time and didn’t really want to leave home, but an inner voice got the better of me when it said “It’s not about you Debbie”. That was enough of an attention getter and off to Thailand I went. Am I ever glad I did!

Photo: Between takes, Debbie Vandelaar on the set of She Has A Name with actresses Deborah Fennelly and Vanessa Toh

What was one or a few of your highlights from your time on location with the film in Thailand?

Some of the highlights of Thailand for me while working on this film are:

• Meeting and working with Malina the Director for The A21 Campaign for Asia and hearing about some of the atrocities of Human Trafficking
• The kindness and patience of the Kooman brothers and Donna and Shari our two other producers
• The hard working crew
• Witnessing the traffic and how well Thai people drive, the way they drive is like a dance
• The beauty of the countryside
• The 70th anniversary of the bombing of the bridge over the River Kwai

What advice would you give people who want to work in Makeup in the film industry?

My advice for aspiring makeup artists are love what you do, immerse yourself in it, accept constructive criticism and be kind to everyone.

Who are some of the artists, creatives or mentors that you’ve learned from and who inspire you?

I have worked with a lot of talented people, some artists and some not whom I have learned from and who have inspired me. One of them is my first teacher Jack Medhurst, and another John Caglione, he taught me that it doesn’t matter how great of a makeup artist you are, always be humble and be grateful for all those who help to bring the look together. There have been quite a few other makeup artists whom I have worked with over the years who have greatly inspired me and continue to.

Learn more about Debbie Vandelaar’s work on IMDB.

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