Professional make-up artist in Cochrane shares story about work, teaching, and Alberta's burgeoning film industry

Although she may have her hands full working in the film industry, local professional make-up artist Amanda Tozser always takes the time to share knowledge about her skills and the world of make-up with schools around Cochrane, Airdrie, and Rocky View County.

Tozser is a Disney artist who also worked in education before moving into the realm of theatrical make-up, which led her into the film industry as a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees 212 in Calgary.

“I do work on films, theatre, and opera, but on the other side of things, I do face-painting and I teach make-up for schools as well – many of which are RVS division schools” Tozser said. “I come in as a guest speaker and I do demos, because a lot of kids have questions like, ‘How do I get into make-up or get involved in the film industry?’”

Through answering questions students have about the film industry, Tozser said it helps them gain a deeper understanding about what goes into making Hollywood blockbusters, but also the impact it has on the local economy.

“Alberta is staring to boom again in the film industry, and I’d like to share that knowledge because one film can bring hundreds of jobs to Cochrane and surrounding areas,” she said.

Tozser’s journey with cosmetics began after she had four daughters. With her background in art, Tozser started off with face-painting, but started to explore different realms of art.

“That eventually went into body painting, doing body art for a living, Statues Canada, and then that went into going to conventions, workshops, learning make-up effects, and that eventually led into the film industry,” Tozser said. “I thought I’d be an art teacher my whole life, and now here I am doing make-up for films.”

As a former educator, Tozser said the teacher in her still loves to share the skills and knowledge she's amassed over the years with kids and budding artists.

“I always like it,” she said. “Inspiring kids or lighting a little fire under their butt to get them moving into something they love is something I like sharing, because that’s what kids need to know – that they can earn a living with something you love to do.”

This includes teaching kids about make-up effects, safety, and application, which she sees particularly important for young girls especially.

“They’re seeing all these instagrammers and influencers, and they’re putting on make-up that is so heavy, thick, and over the top, and that’s not the way to do make-up,” Tozser said. “Let’s enhance your natural features, keep your skin healthy and not go crazy.

“They can all play [with make-up], but for a 12-year-old to be putting on an incredible amount of make-up, I just want them to learn at the right pace.”

Recently, Tozser has applied her skills and make-up in Alberta-shot TV productions like Under The Banner of Heaven, Fargo, and the recent HBO series The Last of Us. But the professional film world still does not stop her from visiting places like Windsong School in Airdrie or helping out Bow Valley High School’s performing arts department.

Tozser even spent time at the recent Calgary Comic Expo, where she offered make-up services and even spoke at panels to reach cosplayers and enthusiasts who hope to develop their skills.

“It’s crazy busy, but it’s so much fun,” she said. “A child seeing a character painted as the Hulk or even someone dressing up as Batman or Spiderman, and the child being like ‘Oh wow!’ because they are three or four [years-old] and they see the character before them, it’s just a lot of fun.”

Although Tozser cannot disclose what productions she’s working on at the moment, she hints with summer around the corner, the film industry will make communities like Cochrane very busy in the coming months.

For anyone who may be interested in Tozser and her services, she can be reached via Facebook or Instagram @amandaamazingmakeupart.