We were lucky to catch up with Diego Orosco recently and have shared our conversation below.

Diego, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

When I first started learning face painting, YouTube was my main teacher. I watched almost every video I could find at the time—which honestly wasn’t very many back then. As I continued growing, I began connecting with other artists in the field and eventually took classes from some of the best in this niche, including award-winning artists. Those experiences helped me refine my skills and see new possibilities in my work.

Looking back, one thing that would have probably sped up my learning process is believing in myself sooner. Early on, I listened to people who downplayed my craft and what I was building. I heard the classic question a lot: “When are you going to get a real job?” Hearing that can create doubt if you let it. If I could go back, I’d remind myself to trust my passion and believe in my work from the beginning.

Another obstacle was honestly my own creativity. When you grow up feeling like you’re in a bubble and finally find a creative outlet, the ideas can come flooding out. I didn’t just throw spaghetti at the wall—I threw the spoon, the sauce, and the pot too. I had so many ideas about how to improve things and try new directions that I had to learn how to focus that creativity. Once I did, it became one of my greatest strengths as an artist.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I was born and raised in Arizona, and I’ve been face painting since 2014. While my journey in this field started then, face paint itself has existed for centuries as a form of expression across many cultures. That history really resonates with me because it shows how powerful art and self-expression have always been for people.

I actually started face painting when I was working as a preschool teacher. I loved the creativity and the joy it brought to kids, but over time it became something bigger for me. What keeps me doing it today is my mission: to be an example for kids, young adults, and even adults that it’s okay to express yourself through creative outlets. It’s okay to be yourself.

I’m very dedicated to my craft. I practice every single day—even if it’s just ten minutes. I even carry a small version of my kit with me wherever I go so I can keep improving. I’ve also taken classes from some of the best artists in the field because I believe you should always keep learning and growing.

Through Aura Face Painting, I provide professional face painting services that are designed to create a memorable and enjoyable experience for every client. I want people who book with me to feel confident that they’re getting something special—something professional, fun, and unforgettable. I’m also very careful about the products I use. I only work with hypoallergenic paints and cosmetic glitters, and all of my supplies are thoroughly vetted to be as safe for skin as possible.

One thing that sets my work apart is my love for color and creativity. I truly believe color brings joy and energy into the world. After all, a rainbow without any color is just a plain bow.

Art is powerful, and face paint can make people feel powerful too. Think about why people wear makeup—part of it is to feel confident, to express who we are inside, or simply to feel good for the day. Face painting does the same thing, but in a really unique way.

What I love most about face painting is that it’s temporary. Because it doesn’t last forever, it invites us to be present in the moment. It gives us permission to express ourselves, celebrate, and just have fun without worrying about permanence.

What I’m most proud of is being able to use my art to create joy and confidence in others. Whether it’s a child seeing themselves as a superhero for the first time or an adult reconnecting with their playful side, those moments are incredibly special to me. At the end of the day, I want people to remember that creativity belongs to everyone—and sometimes all it takes is a little color to bring it out.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of my very first gigs was about 35 miles from my home—something I didn’t realize at the time because I hadn’t yet learned to look up addresses before agreeing to a job. Back then, I had a director’s chair—which I actually still keep as a memory—and what I called my “makeup kit.”

I also didn’t have a car. So I took the city bus to get there because I couldn’t afford a taxi either. Yes… a taxi.

The event ended up running about twice as long as expected, and right as it was finishing, it started to rain. In Arizona, the only serious rain we usually get is during monsoon season—and that’s exactly what it felt like. By the time I left, it was pouring. There were puddles everywhere, and I was trying to carry my chair and my kit through the rain.

Since this was before Lyft and Uber were really mainstream, my only option was to wait outside for a taxi—in the rain—and it was charging weekend rates. By the time I finally got home, half of my paints were literally gone and the rest of my supplies were completely soaked.

I remember feeling really upset in that moment—but not for very long. Even though I made no money that day and lost a lot of my supplies, I realized something important: I had found my passion. Even after that experience, I knew one thing for sure—I had found something I truly loved, and I wasn’t going to give up on it.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

If someone is showing you their heart, believe them. As artists and creatives, we don’t get the luxury of looking away or pretending we don’t see. The “issue” is that we do see—and what we pour into our craft reflects that care, love, and dedication. When you pay an artist, you’re not just paying for the work you’re about to receive—you’re honoring the time, effort, and passion they’ve already invested.

One of the best ways to support artists is to share their work. Post a piece or a photo, tell a friend or coworker about your experience—whether it’s with a painter, illustrator, designer, makeup artist, or a chef. Sharing your experience helps creatives reach more people, and it’s one of the simplest, most meaningful ways to show your support.

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