Today we’d like to introduce you to Krystal Bagorio. She is the classic iconoclast – unique and unwilling to fit into society’s square boxes. Below you’ll find edited excerpts of our interview with this amazing young lady.
Krystal, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I always knew there was something different about me since I could remember. I never fit in, was always bullied for the way I looked and acted. I felt as though I needed to blend in with the crowd so no one knew how weird I really was. Makeup was my outlet, my only way of gliding through life unnoticed. After I graduated high-school and realized bullies just suck and I didn’t need to impress them anymore. It was then I was sent to Makeup school in Los Angeles and fell in love with Special Effects makeup. I was trapped my whole life thinking I needed to be one way when in reality I could be whoever I wanted, and special effects allowed me to express myself in a whole new way. After I graduated I started working in a salon where I applied mainly beauty makeup for special events and photography. After a few years of being freelance I decided to take the next step and start working on film, focusing on my special effects. Now, I’m currently freelance and working for a makeup agency where I travel all over the Los Angeles area working on celebrities, magazines and glamorous events. It’s been 8 years since I started my path in the Makeup Industry and this is exactly where I belong. I pride myself in the fact I am a well-rounded makeup artist who is confident and hard working.
Has it been a smooth road?
Makeup Artistry is definitely not an easy job. As a freelance artist you never know how a client is going to react. I’ve had my fair share of divas, bride-zillas and just plain difficult clients. I never understood how someone could be so rude to an artist who is working on their face, but I’ve definitely encountered those who make me question whether or not I’m meant for this industry. I’ve come to the conclusion that there are people out there who will never be happy, but as a makeup artist it’s my job to turn an ugly situation into something beautiful and positive. Some of my biggest milestones are the ones where I’ve had the pleasure of being published as a Makeup Artist. Nothing is more rewarding than having your work noticed and shared with the world. I’ve been published in Tattoo and Makeup Magazines, some of my work has also been on various web-series and YouTube productions. My latest milestone is being apart of the Sharknado productions as an assistant and “Wig Specialist”.
What are your plans for the future?
Where do I start with my plans for the future, I have so many! I think what I’m looking forward to the most is creating my own company. It’s not big out here quite yet in California but in about 3-4 years I would love to start my own mobile Hair and Makeup Beauty Bus. I’m a gypsy at heart and never like to be at one work place for a long period of time so I think this is a great way to travel and do what I love. I think my biggest move/change to date is temporarily relocating to Orange County to start building my clientele and work towards being based in Los Angeles and Orange County. It’s my first step into getting my name out everywhere in Southern California!
Let’s dig a little deeper into your story. What was the hardest time you’ve had?
The hardest time of my life was realizing I wasn’t meant for a structured system. I barely graduated high school, I knew I was different and knew I wasn’t trying to fit the mold of everyone else around me. My guidance counselor asked me what I wanted to do in life and I answered “Don’t put me behind a desk and make me follow someone else’s rules” and she told me “Well, there’s not many options for you then especially with the grades you have” I’m not kidding when I walked out of that room and saw to my left a sign for early enrollment for Cosmetology school. Let’s just say my parents were not thrilled by the idea of me being a Beauty school dropout. Beauty school isn’t easy we need to know chemistry, math, geometry, textures, anatomy, and bacteria, pretty much everything you hated learning about in school you needed to know to pass state board. It was the hardest, longest, most stressful 1600 hours of my life but I can say now it was the best decision I’ve ever made.
Do you every just stop and think WOW – I’ve made it?
There were so many moments when I thought to myself my career is really taking off. Anytime I got a phone call for a production or even being published in a magazine, I couldn’t believe my name was actually starting to get passed around. Recently I think my biggest career Wow was when I was asked to work as a wig specialist on the movie Sharknado 4. When I see my name on those credits, that’s when I know I’ve made it. I’ve dreamt my whole life being appreciated and noticed for my hard work and my talent. To see my name on the big screen (even though it’s tiny print) is going to be the best feeling to date.
Pricing:
- Beauty Makeup lashes included $75+
- Character/Special Effects Makeup $150+
- Print/Photography Day Rate $50 per hour (Travel and Kit Fee Separate)
- Hair (Style and Cut) $50+ Pricing varies, consultation is a must for all services!
Contact Info:
- Tel: (925)518-5247
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @KrystalBagorio
- Website: krystalbe.com
Check out her work below:
