360 Magazine had the privilege of interviewing one of the most prominent celebrity makeup artists in the industry, Rania Zohny. Her application for Nicki Minaj to appear on Stephen Colbert and Andy Cohen was recently commended by her peers.
Where were you born and raised? Single or both parent household?
Born and raised in NYC, mostly in Manhattan and the Bronx. I have two siblings (a brother and sister) who are older than me. My brother is 4 years older, and my sister is 3 years older. Our parents were married for 38 years. My father was Palestinian, and my mother is Egyptian.
When was the 1st time you picked up color pencils, chalk, or paint brush?
Very young; probably age 3. I always loved painting and drawing and often got scolded at for doodling in my notebooks and homework. In high school, I found my love for the arts in all arenas (sculpture, painting, sketching) and started doing makeup in myself and friends. It was then I found my favorite form of art; makeup artistry.
When and where did you realize that you could handraw and sketch?
9th grade; I had an art teacher who really *saw* me and believed in me. She encouraged me to explore sections of art, and sketching became the main form for me.
Is there anyone you can attribute your gift to?
My late father and my mother. My mother was good at sketching, and I remember her drawing when I was a kid. However, I inherited most of my artistry from my father, who was a photographer and professional hairstylist.
Who | What inspires you?
I have many inspirations. My parents are inspiring, my culture, my family, and my lineage. My father’s journey is the main inspiration for me—he came to the States when he was in his mid-30s and worked from the ground up. My father always led with his heart and was always daring on following his passion of being a business owner to create for his family.
connect my network with other Arabs, who are often overlooked. To be able to exist in a space as my authentic and unapologetic self. I am a humanitarian, and my advocacy is also incredibly important to me.
List | name your most memorable moments on set and or as a professional MUA?
I can’t necessarily pinpoint one particular moment; there are pivotal moments in my career that are so important to where I am today. For instance, working for MAC, I participated in the Senior Artist challenge and made it as a finalist which encouraged me to push my artistic skills and trust in myself as an artist, working with my best friend who’s a fashion photographer and has been on my journey with me from the very start until today, and always encouraged me and sees me for where I am going and have been. I am getting my first celebrity client, my first TV production. All of my firsts, I suppose, are my most memorable.
How do you set yourself apart in a competitive and over saturated market as MUA artist?
My personality. There’s so many skilled, incredible artists out here, but my personality and passion are what lead my connections. 13 years in the industry, and as more time passes, my passion for my craft grows. My will to learn and continue to develop, grows. I’m still eager and excited to leave an impact artistically.
What are your long-term goals as a beauty expert and artist?
I want to inspire. Lead. I want to continue to create beautiful work. I want to be a free bird in my art where I am able to design looks and execute them.
How does art play a role in your craft?
When I am able to have free range to create in full, I love to combine beauty and glam with art and create untraditional eyeliners, lips, etc. I play with shapes, structure, materials.
Name some of your go to product | must haves?
A variety of items that’s imperative in my kit is Danessa Myricks Colorfix & Contour Balms, Huda Beauty powders, NARS Radiant foundation, Hauslabs foundation and blush, Tarte Shape Tape and NARS Radiant Creamy concealer, Lys Beauty cream blushes and bronzer sticks.
Skin care is incredibly important, too, so Fresh Beauty Kombucha Black Tea Essence, REN skin AHA Toner, Caudalie Elixir spray, Fresh Deep Hydration moisturizer.
What advice can you share with fellow artists | MUA building their portfolio?
Create and lead with your heart. Show up as your truest self. Be inspired; but don’t replicate. Create the work you want to book. Be your biggest advocate.
Community involvement?
I make sure, more than ever, I represent successful Palestinian/Arab artists and voices in this industry. I love being able to build and connect my network with other Arabs, who are often overlooked. To be able to exist in a space as my authentic and unapologetic self. I am a humanitarian, and my advocacy is also incredibly important to me.
List | name your most memorable moments on set as a professional MUA?
I can’t necessarily pinpoint one particular moment; there are pivotal moments in my career that are so important to where I am today. For instance, working for MAC, I participated in the Senior Artist challenge and made it as a finalist which encouraged me to push my artistic skills and trust in myself as an artist, working with my best friend who’s a fashion photographer and has been on my journey with me from the very start until today, and always encouraged me and sees me for where I am going and have been. I am getting my first celebrity client, my first TV production. All of my firsts, I suppose, are my most memorable.
