Pop Culturalist Chats with Godless’ Tarra Day

Life can take unexpected turns…and sometimes they lead you down a path you could never have dreamed of. Take for instance, Tarra Day. She moved from Albuquerque, New Mexico to California to pursue a career in comedy and theatre, but hit a few bumps along the way. It was a chance encounter during an acting class that led her to discover her passion for makeup design, and well, she hasn’t looked back since.

PC: Did you always know you wanted to do makeup design? How did you discover this passion?
Tarra: I didn’t! I grew up doing theatre and then I got into some sketch comedy and standup in Albuquerque, New Mexico where I grew up. I left to go to California to pursue that career, but there were a couple of bumps in the road that prevented me from continuing in that direction. By a fluke, I met someone with whom I was taking an acting class that knew a makeup artist named Harry Blake. Harry was Johnny Carson’s makeup artist for a long time and then he retired. He introduced me to a man named Maurice Stein, who owned Cinema Secrets for a few years while I took classes and little by little, I started getting into it and found out that I really loved it.

PC: What is your creative process like when you’re working on a new project. Has it evolved throughout the years?
Tarra: There’s a learning curve when you first start. You have to learn how to break down a script and figure out what’s the best route to go in. The more you do it, the more you learn, and you pick up tricks like with any other skill. It’s a collaborative process with the director, costume designer, and the head department hairdresser—you work really closely with all of them. The director sets the tone and then you have to incorporate the actors. If it’s a period piece, you incorporate all the research you’ve done on trends of that particular time. Prep is such a gift when you are able to have that time.

PC: Do you have a favorite project that you’ve designed for?
Tarra: That’s a hard one! I’ve been so fortunate in my career. Taking over Breaking Bad was great. When I came in, the characters had already been established, but I brought a fresh eye to it. Getting to work with Bryan Cranston, Anna Gunn, Aaron Paul, and that entire cast was such a great experience. That one is definitely up there. I also just finished a movie called Green Book, which should be out in November. It has Linda Cardellini and Viggo Mortensen. Also, Godless as a whole is in my Top 5.

PC: How do you choose the projects that you want to be involved with? Is there a particular genre that you’re attracted to?
Tarra: Anything that challenges me, like period pieces. You don’t always get a choice because you usually take the job that’s in hand. I’ve been fortunate that most of the work that I’ve done, especially in the last ten years, has had substance and meaning. I like to tell a story. If I’m lucky enough to have a choice in that, I will always go towards a period or a storytelling piece.

PC: What’s been the most surprising part about your career?
Tarra: That I’ve fooled everyone and myself into thinking I know what I’m doing. [laughs] I’m sitting in my office right now and in my office, I have my EMMY-nomination certificates. I’m looking at my award for Best Makeup for the 706 Guild Awards for Breaking Bad, and when I look at that, I’m like, “who is this person?!” I’m surprised I am where I am because I feel like I just go to work every day and do my job. Being recognized is really humbling.

PC: If you could give your younger self a piece of advice, what would it be and why?
Tarra: Don’t take yourself too seriously! Relax and always stay true to your gut. Get out of your head. Sometimes you need to navigate with what your heart tells you and not always with what your brain tells you.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Tarra: Grace and Frankie

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Tarra: Hamilton

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Tarra: I’m an ’80s child. I love ’80s music.

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Tarra: Bloodline

PC: Hidden talent?
Tarra: Oh gosh! All my talents, the few that I have, are all out there. Actually, I’m a good photographer.

Make sure to follow Tarra on Twitter and Instagram.

Photo Credit: Ursula Coyote/Netflix