Today we’d like to introduce you to Genesis Andino.
Hi Genesis, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Ever since I could remember, I’ve been obsessed with the art of transformation. I’ve always viewed my face as a canvas and I can design whatever I wanted on it. I remember being in 7th grade and teaching myself how to wing my eyeliner. When I finally got it down, I felt like no one could tell me anything. It went from that to experimenting with eyeshadow and eventually my canvas was being transformed every day of the week. It took me a long time to realize that I don’t need an event to do my makeup, I can just do it for fun because I feel like it. That was when my page started. Thanks to a big push from all my friends telling me I needed to share my art with others. I started my page in 2015 and I love to see how much I’ve grown in terms of my artistry level. Everything I know today I learned from watching videos and practicing in my bathroom for hours. Once I see something I want try for myself, I’ll do anything to be able to achieve it. Even if that means doing it over and over again. There’s a bittersweet satisfaction that happens once I’ve completed a look or an idea comes to fruition. I realize that I am capable of creating beautiful and at times complicated looks, but it also hurts to have to remove it. The beauty of that is I can just start over with something fresh and new, which is why I love makeup so much. There’s so much to learn and there are endless possibilities of what you can create.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have definitely been ups and downs when it comes to my makeup artistry. My two biggest struggles along my journey have always been self-doubt and consistency. I wish I could shut off that voice that convinces me something I do isn’t good enough. It’s gotten a lot quieter over the years, but it’s still there. I’m not a perfectionist, but there’s a certain level of expectation I have for myself and sometimes I hold that standard too high to the point where it seems almost impossible. Inevitably, I’m convinced I didn’t try hard enough. I believe that’s something a lot of artists struggle with. I try to combat that feeling by looking back to Genesis in 2015 and being proud that I’ve even made it to this point. What I once thought was just a hobby has now become the foundation of a career I can build for myself. Consistency is definitely something I’ve struggled with. Especially now with social media, in order to stay relevant within your niche, you have to create constantly, follow the latest trends, and provide something new to the table. There’s a lot of pressure to stay consistent and it requires you to create even when you don’t really feel like it. The way I’ve dealt with that is to create in bulk on the days when inspiration hits me. That gives me days in between to do other things I enjoy like working out, hanging out with friends, writing, etc. As much as I wish I didn’t have to deal with any struggles along this journey, I’m learning a lot about myself when I face those issues head on. My passion is worth more to me than any struggle I have to deal with.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Latina makeup artist and a content creator. I love teaching others tips and tricks on how they can perfect their makeup skills while also recommending products that I truly enjoy using in my day to day looks. At this point people really recognize me from my graphic liner looks. With some of my more detailed looks I’m often asked if I use a stencil or if it’s a sticker. I pride myself on the fact that I can freehand so many different designs on my eyes. I always try to push myself to do intricate looks as much as they scare me to do. I literally don’t breathe when I do my liner and I’ve always been that way. To me, an everyday makeup look is full of vibrant colors. I love expressing who I am through my art and I always try to motivate others to be as free as they want to be when it comes to self-expression.
What does success mean to you?
My definition of success has changed so much over the years and still changes to this day. I used to believe being successful meant making a lot of money and achieving a higher status socially. Having that mindset made me feel anxious, as if not achieving those things meant failure. Over the past year or so I’ve been reprogramming my mindset and I truly believe that if I’m happy doing what I’m doing, then I’m already successful. Success really isn’t about the destination or the outcome. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to be a well-known makeup artist and make tons of money from following that passion. However, I’m convinced that there’s things to celebrate every single day while you are on your journey. I’m starting to fall in love with the process and to really appreciate those everyday moments when I create in my bathroom or when I get the opportunity do someone’s makeup. When I start stressing about the future, I always remember that I’m exactly where I need to be on MY journey. It’s very easy to get caught up on how someone else in your same field or niche is more “successful” but they are also on their own journey. I really trust God’s timing with everything and I know that whatever is meant for me will come in time.
Contact Info:
- Email: genesisandino19@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gennylooks_/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOsVqz1E2pza13cvCYGaJdw
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/Gennylooks_/_created/
Image Credits
Genesis Andino, Jackie Valenzuela
