Today we’d like to introduce you to Bianca Appice-jarvis
Hi Bianca, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started really admiring makeup effects when I was 13 years old. My dad and I would watch different horror films, and I was fascinated by how everything was made. Previous to that, I wanted to be a singer. But once I started preforming, I realized I wanted to be behind the camera – instead of on the stage. I started researching what makeup artists worked on some of my favorite films and realized that I could actually do makeup as a career! Luckily, my father who is also a musician in the entertainment industry, was very supportive over me wanting to have an artistic career. He also shared my love for Halloween.
When I graduated high school, I toured a couple of makeup schools with him and we decided that Joe Blasco Makeup School was going to suit me the best. Then I went to Esthetician school at Golden West College in Huntington Beach because I wanted to make sure I had a back up trade, just in case I needed it. I also wanted to learn about how the prosthetics I would be applying would affect the skin.
After my schooling, I started to intern with a makeup artist named Ralis Kahn. He had his own shop at his flat in downtown LA, and he helped me really learn what it meant to be a film/TV makeup artist. He did beauty makeup and prosthetics, which he taught me was going to make me more desirable as an artist because of how many skills I would have if I did both. He taught me that if I just kept pushing, I would make it. He also taught me that some lessons are hard so that you’re a better artist in future. He gave me my first job, which led to the many others jobs I would continue to have in my career. It also led to me getting to hire him on some really cool projects. Sometimes the people that are hard on us in the beginning of our career are the most influential.
After interning with Ralis, I got my first makeup effects shop job as a runner, which led to being a shop tech, which eventually led me to working on sets applying makeups and department heading indie films. Which then led me to joining local 706 7 years ago. 13 year old me would be so excited that we made it. We’re an Emmy nominated and guild winning and shop owning makeup artist. It has not come without struggle, especially in the recent years. And my career is still not exactly where I want it to be, but I didn’t give up, and I still continue not to give up. I wouldn’t change anything that’s led me to this point. And I can’t thank the many artists that have mentored me throughout my career enough. They all have had influence and continue to do so as we work together.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
100% it has not been a smooth road. It’s been a very windy road. But that makes it fun and exciting. The worst of it has been enduring covid and the unprecedented strikes and fires here in LA. And wondering if we will have jobs in the future because of AI. But I still feel so grateful to get to work with the people I get to work with and getting to work with my husband as well is so nice. He also does make-up FX and we own our makeup FX shop together.
Another struggle I battle with is if I’m good enough. I feel like when there is a slow time in anyone’s career it makes you contemplate your self worth. But finding work/life balance with such a demanding career can help with this.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I do Makeup FX for TV/Film. I typically specialize in heavy character work and makeup FX, but I also do beauty makeup for events and bridal as well. I’m most proud of the challenging makeups I’ve gotten to do and most recently, winning a makeup guild award. I think what sets me apart is that I’m very motivated and determined. I’m also hard working and strive to be a better artist everyday because I love what I do.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I was a singer from 5 years old until 15. I sang the National Anthem for a Boston Celtics game at 12 years old, and also made a pop demo at the same age. I decided not to pursue singing because of my love for art and makeup effects. Sometimes I wish I kept music going and still sometimes think maybe I will again one day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.biancaappicemakeup-fx.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biancaappicemakeup/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/fantomxprosthetics/
