10 Questions For: Megan Wylie

Armed with an equal dose of talent and determination, this young Cape Town-based make-up artist is making her mark in the majestic realm of body painting

1. How would you describe what you do for a living?
I am a make-up artist. I have a lot of fun doing my work, but because every job is so vastly different from the next, it’s difficult to describe exactly what I do. You can sum it up into categories like make-up or production design, but if you ask me, it’s art.

*Tip: look carefully at the image above to spot Megan's amazing body painting work.

2. What is your most vivid childhood memory?
My most vivid memory is of my fear of the Kreepy Krauly in our pool. I would rather find the largest bucket around, fill it with water and lie in it than get into the pool.

3. If you could invite any three people, dead or alive, for dinner, who would they be and why?
Salvador Dali – I want to pick his brain and find out about everything his art leaves me questioning. B.B King – this man would always be welcome in my house! And then Édith Piaf – she is my hero. This little lady had balls of steel!  Not to mention, she would be a lot of fun to have around. I think this would be my dream dinner party…it would be rather surreal.

4. If you ever found yourself auditioning for a music reality TV show, what song would you sing and why?
Well, I get stage fright, so that’s a very unrealistic scenario. However, I do have a nervous go-to song and it happens to be the Spice Girls’ ‘Wannabe’, sung in my best Russian accent.

5. How would you complete this sentence?
The South African cabinet should include a Minister of ___________. 
…Tequila.

6.  What would you say is the biggest misconception about you?
That I’m a natural redhead.

7. What is your (honest) opinion of Cape Town?
Cape Town has become my home over the past few years, and it has given me so many opportunities. There is such a variety of vibrant artists from all walks of life here, and if you just keep your finger on the pulse, there are many gems to be found. I have immense respect for this city and the people in it. This way of life isn’t for everyone, but I love the balance that Cape Town helps to create between work and life. It’s a healthy one.

8. What's the greatest fear you've had to overcome to get where you are today?
When I left university and realised that I had to somehow make a career out of this complicated industry. I was scared and often not very hopeful, but I quickly realised that the deep end is the best place to start. My hero and good friend Jim suggested that I compete in the 2015 World Body Painting Competition in Austria. I agreed and entered the amateur open category. Trying to build my concept – and the anticipation – almost killed me! I have never felt more stressed, intimidated and downright doubtful in all my life. It was definitely the most challenging experience in my career so far. But in the end, I ranked 11th out of 700 global contestants in my category and I found a new confidence in my abilities as an artist.

9. What's the one thing you'd like to achieve before you die? 
I’d like to see a real chicken in a KFC chicken nugget. Just kidding. I’d love to work in Australia for the world’s most elaborate theatre shows, particularly How to Train Your Dragon: The Theatre Extravaganza. That or run my own body painting business. On a smaller scale, I would love to host an evening at an art gallery that showcases live body painting. I think the world needs to know a little more about this wonderful art form.

10. Which well-known South African personality would you, without a doubt, be able to beat in a street fight and why?
When presented with violent confrontation, I become the world’s fastest sprinter...I like to think it’s the work of evolution.

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ABOUT #CapeTownMag10Q:

CapeTownMagazine.com’s 10 Questions project gets to know some of the Mother City’s most creative and inspiring people. From television personalities and musicians to politicians and entrepreneurs, we find out more about well-known and up-and-coming Capetonians. You can follow #CapeTownMag10Q on Twitter and Facebook to track recent interviews or read more here about our other awesome 10 Questions candidates. 

A FEW OF OUR OTHER 10Q CANDIDATES:

10 Questions For Performer Umlilo

10 Questions For Writer Tecla Ciolfi

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It's okay to lose your mind to connect to emotions and spirit at the Mind, Body Spirit talk by Brett Simpson.

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