Today we’d like to introduce you to Karyna Martinez.
So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
To start, I’ve always been inspired by makeup, but when I was younger? It was Ms. Doubtfire. That movie gave me such a wild thrill watching the “artists” in the movie change and transform robin Williams to such lengths that it stuck with me even till this day. Now, the horror genre? Definitely added onto the inspiration in my later days but originally it was robin Williams and his cohort of artists in that film that will always be my tried and true answer as to what really inspired me to get into this crazy industry and start my story. I then had the chance to pursue that avenue of work after graduating high school and wanted to see where it might take me. I ended up genuinely falling in love with craft more as I researched and got into classes. I studied at the Joe Blasco branch in Orlando and then trained under Rick Gonzales who I have to credit so much of my knowledge and passion for. From there, I worked under several shops hopping around and gaining as much information about different aspects of mold making as well as makeup itself. I moved to Atlanta two and a half years ago to further my career and was lucky enough to find my first work at fright fest. Thanks to Chris Black who is head of makeup, I got my airbrush work down and learned SO much from him. Currently, im processing paperwork to join 789 up here!
Has it been a smooth road?
To say it’s been a rough road would be an understatement. I want to say that things in this industry (really any industry) are never easy. But hard work is always rewarded. At least that’s what my parents AND reading various inspiring books with strong lead characters have informed me. It’s hard, really hard. But I promise that the days of getting tight on money, the days of barely getting by just because you sacrificed a little bit to get to certain gigs… they are always so worth it. It sounds cliche but the passion I have for this has validated me as a person and artist to do what I love doing. It’s not going to be fun, but I’ve gotten this far and I tell and encourage up and coming artists to do the same thing. It’s a long road ahead of you but I’m talking to the people out there reading this. You can do it, even if it seems too much at points in your life, I promise it’s workable. This is coming from a person who for the first seven years of my life couch-surfed and lived with many incredible people and friends who were nice enough to charge little to nothing in rent. YOU can do it, and keep going. Sorry, this is a long-winded response, haha, but I want to be as encouraging as possible to anyone seeing this ESPECIALLY young women!, I can’t tell you how many times my inbox has been pinging because people have come to me for advice or to ask how to do certain things.
I’m always an open book, so for anyone and everyone, I always try to help. Artists have to stick together. Just don’t give up yet, and work together, network network network. Be kind to all your crew, it pays off I promise!
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
This is heavy, doc (I had to fit a quote in there somehow), I want to say that I specialize in everything. I learned early on that I genuinely needed to put as much knowledge about every aspect of makeup possible. I kind of hit the ground running when I was finished with school and immediately interned at a big studio that did work for Universal/Disney and various film productions. From there, I worked under several names honing my skills in mold making and set work. I think that’s pretty much what sets me apart, whenever I talk to any gig, they get thrown off when I mention I can do not just makeup but various parts of it. At least, the last few times that’s happened, I’ve gotten overly pleasant reactions that they could hire someone that has that knowledge!
But when it comes to what I REALLY love and what I’m known for, it’s my applications and paintwork. It’s honestly my favorite part of any makeups if I get lucky enough to land a gig that acquires some kind of application. Not all films need it, but it’s my strength, and what I’m definitely most proud of.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Loaded question. I’ve been in this position asking other artists the same thing. It’s wild to be on the opposite end after all these years. Best advice, its all about who you know, so when you’re green and trying really hard to be noticed or get a gig, network. And learn your color wheel. That is SUPER important and not all artists are comfortable with their colors! okay, thats the technical advice.
The real nitty-gritty? Be strong. We are in a male populated industry which is totally okay.. but don’t let things get to you when you are deep into a gig. Don’t throw in your towel, I know money can be fluctuating constantly in our industry but try to find a job that is open and willing to work with your schedule. Luckily, I did, and you can too. It’s out there. And most importantly, don’t let the hunger die! so many friends of mine just dropped off of it, but if you love it enough, it’s possible. Cliche’ again, but it’s so true.
I believe strongly in the magic of film, and something I do is pop in one of my favorites and sink into it if im filling defeated. It helps inspire me and takes my mind off. Movie magic is very real and incredibly helpful, I promise!
Contact Info:
- Email: karyspfx90@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/hellkatfx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellkatkary
Image Credit:
Rick Gonzales, Karyna Martinez, Two rubbing nickels productions
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