Emma Norton’s Exclusive Interview about Tiktok, Songwriting & More

Emma is no stranger to the world of the internet and if you are a TikTok user, you must have come across her insanely creative videos, with more than six million TikTok followers Emma has been gaining fandom across the globe day by day, and if you’ve watched her unbelievable videos combining dancing and lip-syncing with out-of-this-world makeup and fashion, then you know she is someone who you should follow. It’s clear she’s a boss who knows exactly what she’s doing, so we had to ask her all about it. Our Entertainment Editor Fami had a chat with Emma, to find out how she has developed her imagination and creativity and turned them into TikTok success, and find out what her upcoming plans are and how she wants to jump in into songwriting. 

Your social presence is growing day by day as an influencer on the internet and especially on TikTok. What’s it like to be known for your art?
Being known on TikTok is one of the biggest blessings I could ask for. I think any artist would agree that being recognized for the heart, time, and effort put into one’s art creates the most unreal feeling. I couldn’t be more humbled by how positively people have reacted to my content.

Where do you gather inspiration for your videos?
I get my inspiration for my videos from movies, TV shows, current events, what’s trending on TikTok, and especially the flurry of ideas from my own imagination!

What’s a TikTok video process like for you, and how much time does it take you to create a single video?
When I create a make-up video, it takes me anywhere between three and eight hours to create. It depends on if I’m doing multiple looks within one video. I typically get up early in the morning and start my day off by developing my look, TikTok sound, and concept. I try to block out as much time as I can to prevent rushing anything. It’s so important to me to produce the best content possible!

You do insanely cool transitions from everyday glam to characters. Who are your inspirations on the platform or on the internet in general?
My biggest inspirations in terms of the industry are Lady Gaga and Rihanna. From a very young age, they inspired me to show the power in my work, artistry, self-expression, and gender. These two women are unapologetically themselves, and that will forever inspire me.

Where do you see yourself in 2021?
In 2021, I hope to expand beyond TikTok with my merchandise, artistic collaboration projects with fellow artists, and brand collaborations. I’ve also been seriously considering developing songs I’ve written. Beyond my profession, I intend to do everything I can to leverage my platform to support a wide variety of charities!

How did you begin with TikTok and before joining the app, what were your thoughts about it!?
I began with TikTok because of encouragement from numerous friends who pushed me to give the app a try. Originally I thought that TikTok was a children’s app. I couldn’t have been more wrong, and I’m so glad I took that leap of faith.

Till now which video is your favorite from your creations?
My favorite video that I’ve ever created is either a Harley Quinn video transition to the song “Gangsta,” a devil make-up video showing the make-up process along with a story, or my Harry Potter make-up looks inspired by Hogwarts houses!

What were your dreams growing up? And where you always into makeup and arts?
My dream growing up has always been to become a film/television actor, pop star, or famous artist. I’ve spent years training in dance, theatre, music, and singing. I was always surrounded by art, but it wasn’t until the beginning of middle school that I developed an interest in elaborate performance make-up. I only did make-up two or three times a year, especially during Halloween. TikTok gave me the outlet to embrace all my artistic passions and display them in one place!

What are your New Year resolutions?
Professionally, my New Year’s resolutions are to create a product of my own and advance myself as an actor, singer, songwriter, and artist. I want to continue to live my life constantly hungry for the next bigger and better way to improve my mind, life, and career. This is all with the hope that my art and dedication will help others be unapologetically themselves and live with nothing but kindness, strength, and love.

What are your upcoming projects?
There are definitely a couple of things in the works that aren’t fleshed out entirely yet!

Is there anything I missed out that you would like to add? And lastly what’s your message for JAMO readers?
I would like to remind readers of JAMO that as easy as it is to get caught up in the fun and silliness of social media, there are real issues within our societies that can’t be ignored. A better future is only created by consistent work toward a society where walls aren’t created to divide us, and everyone has the right to be exactly as they are without hate.

The Interview was originally published in JAMO Magazine January Issue 2021