Mortuary makeup artists aren’t very common among young makeup artists, but 20-year-old Song Jia Wen became interested in the job while she was in secondary school. She has since joined the funeral industry and has devoted herself to putting makeup for the deceased.
At 15 years old, Jia Wen, who lives in Johor Bahru, watched a film about a Taiwanese artist who does makeup for the deceased. The artist’s journey impressed her and she has since been attracted to the profession.
At that time, Jia Wen’s brother worked for the funeral industry in the sales department and because of her brother, she managed to study funeral marketing part time while in secondary school. Gradually, she started getting involved in the industry.
After graduating, Jia Wen decided to train to become a professional mortuary makeup artist and was able to complete her training this year.
“It is meaningful to be able to let the dead rest in peace and satisfy the family (of the deceased) with my hands,” she told Sin Chew Daily.
Jia Wen then shares that her parents have given their support to her profession.
“My mother did not agree with studying funeral marketing part-time because I was still studying at the time. After I decided to be a body makeup artist, my parents didn’t have much opinion and thought it was a great and sacred job,” she said.
She also shared that she has to be on standby 24/7 and that she cannot take any holiday. Whether she is out with friends or playing sports, she must ensure that her phone is always with her and that she can hear it when it rings.
“Sometimes I get a call in the middle of the night. In short, I’m always on the go. My parents are more worried about the safety of driving in the middle of the night,” she said.
Jia Wen is now planning to further her studies in Taiwan to improve her skills as a mortuary makeup artist. Despite the heavy workload, she is full of gratitude.
“When a family says “thank you”, all the hard work is worth it,” she said.
You go, girl!
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