Rising Stars: Meet Ruth Hernandez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruth Hernandez.

Hi Ruth, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers. 
I work in film and television as a special effect makeup artist and a fx lab tech for silicone prosthetic casting. I grew up in Elysian Valley, it’s where I learned what film crews are, the elementary school there always had something filming. My favorite films are by Quentin Tarantino. I always see Highland Park, Atwater, and Eagle Rock in his films. I knew I wanted to be in the movies, and it wasn’t until I ventured in that I found my passion. I started with acting school, then got very sick with Graves’ disease. It stopped me for a time, and I no longer had the desire to be in front of the camera. I recovered and started a family. I didn’t want to give up on a dream, and I found my passion in makeup artistry. I went to Pasadena City College, took cosmetology and theater classes, and found a love for special effects. I went to Mud in Burbank, got on as many independent film sets as I could, and realized I was missing a key component, and that was developing my skills further in special effects. I set out to work in an FX studio, found myself in a unique position, and became their shop supervisor. I would oversee tv shows and films, one such as This is Us. I’m currently at a new lab (Autonomous FX) and very excited for what is in store for me.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think when you find yourself on a path of pursuing your passions and dreams, it’s not going to be smooth. There’s going to be bumps, and there’s going to be stops along the way. Being from Los Angeles and being Mexican American, I’m so thankful for having so much support from my children, family, and friends; I have the strength to overcome the challenges I have faced on my journey. Many times, I’ve heard that this industry doesn’t have a place for moms, especially in a special effects lab; that has changed in the years I have started my journey, and I love being part of that change. I also see more and more Latinx in departments that were small in numbers. Representation matters behind the camera too. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in silicone casting. That is a prosthetic that is made from platinum silicone and encapsulated in a type of plastic we call baldiez. It starts with the story, and if the character needs a specific look, a makeup artist will design it and have it approved by the Production and Director. Then, with a life cast of the actor, it becomes a plaster bust of their face. The look is sculpted and made into a mold to be fitted perfectly. That’s where I find myself. I take the molds and, with many steps of seasoning the mold, release it so none of the plastic sticks, spray down with baldiez, pour silicone that has been color-matched to the character, and carefully and precisely seal the mold back. Once it is fully set, I de-mold it, and out comes the prosthetic, which is taken to be applied on set. I think what sets me apart is when I know I want to challenge myself I pursue it to the best of my ability. I believe in this craft and that those you share this passion with it’s what grows you. You are part of the bigger picture and supporting your team along the way. 

What matters most to you? Why?
My family matters to me most. I do everything for our boys. My partner and I help elevate each other, support our goals and dreams. My eldest son is my biggest supporter, he wants to know everything I do, and I have been able to take him to the labs and he sees first-hand what mom can do, our next goal is for him to see mom on set. It matters that I continue to master my craft, there are so many greats out there, just being in their presents means the world to me. I hope to one day be in their shoes and continue to as an artist working on union film sets. More representation matters, I love to see more Mexican American films and shows out there, back in the 90s we have Me familia, blood in blood out, American me. I’d love to see the new wave of films that I can be a part of. I’m proud being a chicana from northeast Los Angeles, it matters to advocate, and speak about it. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Ruthyfx

Image Credits
Emily Eizen
Mandy Moore