Meet Kirsten Coleman of East LA/ Downtown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kirsten Coleman.

Hi Kirsten, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in a creative family. My grandparents were jewelry makers and art teachers, so I was surrounded by art from a young age. To say the least, I did all the classic art things growing up. After years of starring at the pages at Barnes and Noble, I finally bought my first Kevyn Aucoin’s “Making Faces” and I would copy the images in realistic style in colored pencil. I feel like I learned how the face and its features are shaped in different ways at a young age.

I went to cosmetology school in San Francisco and eventually landed my first gig on an independent film as a makeup intern.

After that, I just kept getting work through word of mouth, meeting people, and building relationships along the way. One job led to another, and it’s now been a 20-year career.

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?
I think most people in this industry would agree that the last six years, starting with COVID, have been some of the most challenging we’ve ever experienced. The industry has taken hit after hit, and while people in Los Angeles are especially aware of it, we’re living through a period of change in film and television that feels unprecedented and will likely leave a lasting mark on the industry for years to come.

I’m incredibly grateful for the career I’ve had and the opportunities I’ve been given, but it’s impossible to ignore how much the landscape has shifted. Many talented people have already left the industry, and I suspect many more won’t be able to return in the same way. Whatever comes next, it will look very different from the industry many of us built our careers in.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a professional makeup artist with 20 years of experience specializing in character creation for film and television. I’m probably best known for some of my more creative and unconventional makeup work on shows like Euphoria (S1), Sorry To Bother You, and The Idol.

My favorite part of the job is creating a safe and cozy environment in the trailer where actors and I can really flesh out a character’s style, look, and aesthetic. Collaboration isn’t always easy because it means keeping your ego on the shelf and staying open to different perspectives, but that’s something I genuinely enjoy. I love listening to everyone’s ideas and helping translate them into makeup that supports the overall creative vision of the project.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I also come from a music background. Starting in high school, I spent over 20 years DJing, producing music, and throwing raves and club events in San Francisco. In fact, Kirin Rider was and still is my DJ name, which has become my nick name on set now. I still dabble in the DJ/producing aspect of it whenever I can, as it’s always been a form of meditation for me and something I’ll probably never stop enjoying.

Writing has also become a growing creative outlet. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve in unpredictable ways, I’ve become increasingly interested in developing that side of myself and exploring where it might lead next.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kirstencoleman.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirinrider/

Image Credits
– one of myself sitting on ground with Emmy – Christina Gandolfo
– ones of me touching up Barbie and Tessa Thompson are all from my phone
– one of me touching up Alexa Demie – Maude Apatow
– one of me touching up Lily Rose Depp – Eddy Chen
– the last two fo me also touching up Alexa Demi are from my phone