We recently had the chance to connect with Angela Cervantes and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Angela, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Embracing solitude and finding comfort in your own presence is a profound gift. Life’s true mastery lies not in escaping loneliness, but in cultivating the art of being alone—whole, content, and energized. When you learn to cherish these quiet moments, you unlock a wellspring of creativity and serenity that nourishes your soul. Let yourself thrive in this peaceful space, where inspiration blossoms and self-discovery flourishes. In solitude, you are not isolated; you are empowered, grounded, and free.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Angela, known as @ptvlooks on Instagram—a 22-year-old makeup and SFX artist based in Los Angeles. I absolutely love what I do, and I believe the art I create reflects that passion in every stroke. My journey has never been dull; it’s filled with meeting incredible people, discovering new places across Southern California, and diving headfirst into the work I genuinely enjoy. For me, this isn’t just a career—it’s a calling that never feels like a job because my heart is fully invested in it.
I grew up in Sacramento, a city that shaped my creativity from a young age. No matter how much I tried to set aside or diminish that creative spark, it always found its way back to the surface. I truly believe I was meant for this path—a life devoted to creativity, embracing every challenge it brings, and continuously learning how to express myself authentically through my craft.
Now, in my second year as a professional makeup and SFX artist, I’m proud of how far I’ve come, yet I know there is still so much growth ahead. When you hear “ptvlooks,” I want you to think of freedom, creativity, love, and adventure. This brand embodies more than just my artistry—it represents who I am at my core. While being an artist is a significant part of my identity, there is so much more to me beyond that title. I want everyone I encounter to feel the genuine love and devotion I have for my work, and to understand that this passion is what drives me every single day.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I truly believe my mom saw my creativity from a very young age—long before I understood it myself. She never once tried to stifle my self-expression or held me back from discovering who I was meant to be. There’s a photo of me at two years old, sprawled on the bathroom floor, wearing all of her makeup—lipstick smeared across my face, hands, and clothes. That image feels like a glimpse into the future, a clear sign of the path I was destined to follow.
Growing up, my mom encouraged my wild imagination and enthusiasm for special effects makeup, even when some of my creations were downright outrageous. I would play with her makeup, sometimes knowing full well she didn’t approve, yet she never said no. It’s funny because my sisters had a very different experience—they weren’t allowed to wear makeup until they were eighteen. But with me, there were no such restrictions. Looking back, I’m pretty sure my mom knew I would find a way anyway. Sorry for the trouble, Mom—I love you more than words can say. You’ve always been my best friend, even when I made your life a little chaotic.
What means the most is that she never once told me I couldn’t create or pursue what I love. That freedom has shaped who I am today and fueled my career. As a mother, her greatest wish has always been to see her children happy. Even though I didn’t follow the more traditional paths my siblings took—working in medical finance or law—I am doing what fulfills me, and my mom has supported that wholeheartedly. Even when my special effects looks startled her or my Halloween costumes pushed boundaries, she made me feel safe and accepted, without judgment.
To be loved and supported by your parents just as you are—that’s an incredible gift, whether you’re a creative soul or simply trying to find your way in the world. And I am endlessly grateful that my mom gave me that gift.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could offer a kind word to my younger self, it would be this: embrace joy freely and never allow your circumstances to define your worth. Even amidst the weight of depression and anxiety, remember that you have the incredible power to rise, to bloom, and to transform pain into strength. These challenges may seem like daunting shadows at first, but they do not have to dictate your life. Feel the hurt, yes—but then stand tall, create boldly, and keep moving forward.
Never silence your passions because of others’ opinions or fear of judgment. Those voices fade in comparison to the unwavering truth that authenticity will always be your greatest compass. Living truthfully, wholeheartedly, will propel you far beyond any superficial mask or act designed to fit in. There simply isn’t enough time to live anything less than your genuine self.
Cherish and honor yourself first, for no one else can fill that role for you. Self-love is not just a gift but a necessity; without it, genuine connection and fulfillment remain out of reach. You are your own greatest champion—capable of both the harshest self-criticism and the most profound self-compassion. Embrace this beautiful responsibility. Be the one who lifts yourself up, nurtures your spirit, and leads your heart toward boundless hope and possibility.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest misconceptions in the makeup and special effects industry is the belief that there’s not enough room for you—that it’s oversaturated and fiercely competitive. This narrative paints the industry in a limiting light, but the truth is far more empowering. Competition isn’t a barrier; it’s a universal part of every human endeavor. Whether you’re a doctor, a musician, an artist, or a creator of any kind, competition is inevitable. The choice is yours: let it overwhelm you and stifle your spirit, or ignite that fire within and watch your finest work bloom.
There is space for every artist because no two are the same. Each brings a unique passion, a distinct voice, and an individual spark to their craft. Talent can take you far, but how you treat those around you—the clients, the collaborators, the community—will leave a lasting imprint far beyond your artistry. Being exceptional at your craft will open doors, but kindness and integrity will carry you through them.
Yes, some creative fields are crowded, but that’s precisely why standing out is crucial. Discover what makes you different, what makes your heart beat faster, and pour that into your work. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison—measuring your progress against others—but remember, no one knows your journey like you do. You know the dedication, the late nights, the passion that fuels you. If you truly want something, you’ll chase it relentlessly.
Real artists recognize this fire in each other and celebrate it. That mutual respect and admiration cultivate connection, lifting us all higher. In this vibrant, ever-evolving world, there is infinite room not just to survive, but to thrive. Embrace the challenge. Let your light shine unapologetically. Your time is now.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
From a young age, I felt a deep calling—a sense that I was meant to do something creative and meaningful. I remember telling my family, my friends, and my peers that I wanted to work with makeup. Back then, I didn’t know the term “makeup artist,” so I would simply say “cosmetologist.” That was my dream. My second passion was animals, and even today, I still feel drawn to that world. I envisioned becoming a veterinarian, but looking back, I realize that was more of a path suggested by the unspoken pressures around me—the message that creative careers rarely lead to stability, that success demands a degree and a steady 9-to-5 job.
That message, I believe, comes from fear—fear rooted in misunderstanding the possibilities of creative professions. But I know now I am exactly where I am meant to be. I’ve only just begun my journey, with so much more to learn and accomplish. Being a makeup and special effects artist isn’t just a career; it’s an expression of who I am at my core. In the last two years especially, I have never felt so free, so alive, so deeply in love with my art. The gratitude I feel is immense.
I’m acutely aware of how fortunate I am. I’ve had the support of my family and community, who have given me opportunities that many creatives never receive. I know firsthand how challenging it can be for people with creative dreams to pursue them, often juggling 9-to-5 jobs or struggling to make ends meet. That makes me cherish my blessings even more.
If you find yourself trapped doing what you were told to do rather than what you were born to do, please reconsider. Don’t give up on your dreams. I’ve witnessed people from my family and culture stuck in jobs that provide financial security but no fulfillment. Yet it’s possible—truly possible—to love your work and achieve success in it. Many have risen above limitations, finding not only financial stability but richness in life, love, and career satisfaction.
Pursuing what you love is a privilege, no doubt. But with resilience, passion, and support, people from every background can break through barriers, thrive creatively, and live a life that feels authentic and rewarding. I’m living proof of that, and I believe you can be too.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
@jimmy_canon
@shotbyace302
@ashleyrobertsphotos
