JOSELYNE MUHIMPUNDU is a make-up artist who specialises in special effects make-up (SFX). She first ventured into the creative industry in 2018 and is the co-founder of ‘The Mystique Art’ based in Gatenga Sector, Kicukiro District.

The 23-year-old spoke to The New Times’ Delphine Maombi about her experience in the industry. 

Briefly describe to us what special effect make-up is. Also, why did you specialise in it?

Special effect makeups are illusions or visual tricks used in theatre, film, television, video games, and simulator industries to simulate imagined events in a story or virtual world.  Special effect makeup is an art that involves creating something different through prosthetics, sculpting, molding, body painting, hair, and costume to make an actor transform into a character and look like a deformed zombie or bruise effect.

When did you know you wanted to be a make-up artist?

I wanted to be an artist my whole life, I went to Ecole d’art de Nyundo, where I learnt basic knowledge but I needed to go deeper into the arts. I fell in love with the artistic world, I began to document myself on different platforms, I already have basic skills in sketching and painting so that encouraged me later. I enjoyed doing beauty make up for students we were in the same fashion club (in secondary) with so after my studies, I began thinking of how I should make money from what I have learnt. I figured that makeup, particularly special effects makeup, is something we need in the movie industry as a growing sector and everything needs to be seamlessly in place.        

How do you go about your craft and what tools do you use?

As a specialised makeup artist, I use different tools including applicators, brushes, swabs, powder puffs, and sponges. I need a palette for mixing colors and modeling compounds. I also need a Bruise and abrasions wheel that contains makeup of several colors suited to creating bruise effects. With different procedures I first make a sketch, then I apply those different fabrics one by one depending on the effect that the clients need.

 What has been your experience working in the industry?

I love being surrounded by creative people who also believe in the beauty of nature in the aspect of the creative industry but also as a business. What I value most about this industry is that it keeps me busy in my artistic world. I am growing, learning new skills and most people are inspired by how the art world is really attractive. I have worked on many different projects and it pays off if you put in work because people notice it and appreciate it. It also creates a network with people who are interested in special effects makeup.

Where do you buy your tools from?

I get most of the materials I use are from East African countries, others are from our country Rwanda. Some people have had a wrong perception that we don’t use materials within the country to serve our services but this is not true. 

What projects have you worked on recently and what experience have you had working on them?

From 2018 I’ve worked with many people and companies, I worked with some movie directors like Serge Girishya in movies like ‘In Duty’, and other movies such as ‘What’s Behind the Dreams,’ and notably ‘The 600’, among others. I also worked with Juno Kizigenza in his song titled ‘Nightmares’ and I am currently working on a spoken word (poem) titled ‘Dear God’ and many other projects that are going to be released soon. I had a great experience working on these projects while earning, I am also growing up and getting bigger. I’m planning the expansion of The Mystique Art and this will give job opportunities to some people after I train them. 

Do you see yourself staying long in this market?

Yes, I think that the Rwandan society is becoming aware of the beauty of visual effects make-up. It’s a growing industry and many brilliant make-up artists are joining in, bringing in new and strong ideas and skills as well. I am also looking forward to offering training for the people in need, particularly the youth.

What challenges have you encountered in your career so far?

The first challenge I face is that movie directors and people in movie careers are not yet aware of the special effect make-up, some of them even don't know how it works or how they can use them. Another challenge is the materials which are too fancy for me to afford.

What is your message to Rwandan youth?

If you love something or have a dream and you want to make it your career, do not hesitate, do not be discouraged by the insufficient knowledge about it or anything. Rather than worrying just go for it, learn through different platforms, they contain a lot of knowledge.