Today we’d like to introduce you to Thugga.
Hi Thugga, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been attracted to styles that were unconventional. When I was younger, I was a very expressive child who loved to stand out and be different.
Unfortunately, throughout a portion of my adolescent years, I went through a rough period of time with peers where I felt the need to conform to my style in order to “fit in” or go unnoticed in hopes of avoiding negative attention. I initially began using makeup to appeal to beauty trends and hide what I perceived to be “flaws”.
This was up until I stumbled upon a stage makeup class as an elective in college and thought it could be fun. I would have never thought that this class would open the door to a full-blown passion of mine for special effects. I began to experiment & do my research, (I’m a YouTube University alumni) and taught myself how to do special effects makeup.
It [Special Effects makeup] has truly helped mold me into the woman I am today; I’ve regained that confidence in self-expression and even obtained an appreciation for the person I’ve become underneath it all along the way. If I could do it all over again, the only thing I’d change is getting into it sooner!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all. I’ve had many ups and downs especially since I’m self-taught and the world of effects can be very intimidating when you’re first starting out, even later on down the road.
You’re building a new skill set for yourself, you’re learning so many things and trying to utilize all of them to the best of your ability, and you want your work to be exactly how you imagined every time.
That’s not always the case and you have to be prepared to get back up when you’re knocked down.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an MUA (Makeup Artist), who specializes in body paint/ special effects makeup.
I’m known for my bold styles and comical ways. I’m most proud of every piece of work I produce because a lot of props, prosthetics, clothing, etc. are handmade by me.
I’m also proud to be someone that people are eager to see create. I think what sets me apart from others is the relationship I’ve built with this craft. This isn’t just a hobby or stream of income; It’s truly a part of me.
What does success mean to you?
I believe success is being able to show up even when it seems the odds are stacked against you.
Even when you’re tired, even when you feel insignificant.
You may not always get the outcome you desire the first or second time but you showed up and you put the effort in and that within itself is enough to be proud of; but as long as you continue to give it your best every time you show up you’ll experience success.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/_thuggafx?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thuggafx/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTdorNdet/
Image Credits:
Terry Lee Jr. (@Man_behindtheshot)
