Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Castellanos.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jessica. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve been a professional makeup & hair artist for 15+ years. I have always loved makeup but didn’t begin to do it as a career until after college. I have my B.A. in Radio/TV/Film production. I worked in that field for about a year after I graduated before deciding to go to Makeup Designory in Burbank, CA where I took The Journeyman Program: Beauty & Character Makeup, Hairstyling, and Airbrushing. I felt like I needed to be more creative and turn my passion for makeup into something I could combine with my degree. My goal was to do makeup and hair within the entertainment industry.
Simultaneously, throughout my life, I have always been involved in and had success with acting, print modeling and voice-overs. Attending Howard Fine Acting Studio, Brian Riese Acting Studio, and many other commercial workshops. This is important because I have also used my acting experience in my artistry. My entire background has made me a well-rounded artist. I understand all angles of what the craft entails: makeup/hair skills, lighting, artistic direction, talents point of view, production expectations, etc. I began as an artist by freelancing, doing odd jobs for free or very little pay, and assisting other artists on their jobs while working a regular job to pay the bills. I did not have social media to showcase my work and because I didn’t know anything else, I made sure to build solid relationships with people and make sure I was professional, trustworthy, and competent in my work at all times.
Through the years, I take a lot of pride in what I’ve accomplished and continue to strive for in this industry. I have been fortunate to have worked on some amazing projects and met wonderful people. My resume includes Celebrity Glam, Red Carpets, various TED Talk Conferences, TV Shows, Films, Live Concerts, Album/Record Covers, Online Campaigns, Makeup/Skincare Campaigns, Tours, Commercials, Print Campaigns, Morning Shows, Bridal work, and Award Shows that include:
The Oscars
People’s Choice Awards
SAG Awards
Premios Juventud
Latín AMA’s
Latín Grammy’s
Latín Billboard Awards
Premios Lo Nuestro
Premios De La Radio
Premios BandaMax
I feel grateful that I have had and continue to have the opportunity to be a part of so many projects. I continue to work on my art & skills in order to better myself daily. It is important to me prove myself with every job by not only being the best artist I can be but by also being an authentic, sincere, and good person. I have so much more that I want to do and I look forward to what my future holds for me in my career.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Some of the struggles I’ve faced as a freelance artist are job stability. Sometimes, work is slow and that can be challenging financially. It is important to learn how to balance your life accordingly.
On that same note, negotiating pay has also been an obstacle. You want to maintain your integrity and get paid what you are worth however, it’s not that easy sometimes. Sometimes budgets don’t allow for a certain amount or you will be low balled for others. It’s stressful because it’s your art but you also have to survive. Through the years, I’ve learned how to better navigate these situations. It’s never easy and it can be extremely stressful. At this point in my career, my experience and skills are very developed so, I have better leverage. Some jobs are better paid than others and that is ok. You need to learn when and how much you can be flexible to make all parties content while maintaining integrity in your work.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Whether I’m on set as a makeup artist/hairstylist or auditioning/acting, I am most proud of the person I feel that I am. I try to be the best person that I can be. A good human being. I am sincere, loyal, flexible and an extremely hard worker. I care about people, animals and the world. It sounds cliche but I really do want the world and people to be better.
These are the things that I feel set me apart from others. It’s one thing to be a great artist or any other profession but, if you aren’t a good person, that doesn’t matter. At least not to me. And, as a makeup artist, I feel like no amount of makeup can cover up an ugly soul. Eventually, that facade wears off.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I hope to combine my love for makeup with my love for the camera and start to put myself out there with some video content. Maybe tutorials for women like me who are balancing work and life (real and attainable looks)? I’d love to incorporate and somehow connect my other passions like saving animals, recycling, and paying it forward. We’ll see…my mind is working on this! Lol.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @jessyykatt
- Facebook: Jessyykatt
Image Credit:
Terrence Bishop (Bishop Photograpy); Dano Perez (Dano Photograpy); Francis Bertrand
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