We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Karina Gonzalez-Velez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Karina below.

Hi Karina , thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

From the moment I began to envision my career path, I knew I wanted to pursue something creative. I’ve always been passionate about movies, television, and live performance, and I was determined to find a creative outlet within those worlds. Like many others, I thoroughly enjoyed watching beauty influencers such as Manny MUA and Glam & Gore, spending countless hours immersed in makeup tutorial ranging from beauty to special effects.
That’s when it all clicked: why not combine my love for film and television with my passion for makeup?

I began experimenting constantly. spending hours throwing on makeup just for fun and begging my friends to let them be my canvas. Every opportunity became a chance to create and explore different looks. From that point forward, every step I took whether it was the jobs I accepted or how I introduced myself was aligned with that goal. I was a makeup artist, and everything I did was in hopes of becoming a makeup artist ranging from event and print to film and television.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

At my first job, I worked next door to a Sephora and would often find myself wandering in to explore new product launches and admire the artistry of the employees. I envied the way they effortlessly talked about makeup and their wide range of product knowledge was inspiring. From that point on, I knew I wanted to be apart of that world. The moment I turned 18, I kept my promise to myself, at exactly midnight on my birthday, I saw a job listing and applied to Sephora immediately.

Not long after, I found myself working two beauty related jobs, one at Sephora and the other at a local spa. I was lucky to work under supportive management who encouraged me to explore my goals and refine my craft. It was during this time that I started offering makeup services through Sephora & the spa I worked at. I was Finally doing makeup services that weren’t just for my peers but for all type of people in the small town I lived in. That hands-on experience solidified that this is exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

Makeup allows me to help people feel confident, beautiful, and seen. I love watching someone’s energy shift when they look in the mirror and feel good about what they see. I also love the human connection & getting to know clients, hearing their stories, and making each experience personal.

That connection is what led me to fall in love with makeup for film and television. The opportunity to use makeup as a storytelling tool. I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built along the way and the dedication I’ve shown in pursuing this passion, no matter the challenges. Makeup is more than just a job for me, its where I express my feelings and help others feel beautiful. The journey so far has shaped me into the artist I am today

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I believe one of the most important things society can do is actively support the arts and the use of practical effects. Hiring painters, sculptors, makeup artists, and other creatives for storytelling and design keeps these industries alive and thriving. In a world where AI is becoming so prevalent, it is important to invest and support artistry. Supporting artists not only preserves these industries but also ensures that creativity, emotion, and authenticity remain at the heart of the entertainment we consume today.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to connect with others and bring their visions to life. Whether it’s witnessing a client light up after seeing themselves in the mirror or watching a director’s vision come alive on the monitor, it’s those moments that make my work and everything I did to get to the place I am today worth it. What truly sets this industry apart is the constant creative collaboration I’m able to have with so many different types of people. I’ve had the privilege of working with so many amazing and passionate people and there’s always something new to learn or explore. With the constant evolving nature of this field, there’s never a dull moment and that energy keeps me inspired and motivated to keep pushing through everyday.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/karinartistries