Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Martinez.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Joshua. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Born and raised in San Antonio Texas I fell in love with makeup and hair by watching my mother, grandmother and aunt while they got ready for an event, and I notice how these subtle enhancements could change someone’s mood and how they felt about themselves. I began to experiment with makeup during my junior year of high school, I was working as a certified nurse’s assistant in a nursing home. One day I asked the nurse in charge, “am I able to apply makeup on the patients? after all they do have a salon day and I think it would be nice add on.” she replied ” sure if the patient has cosmetics you are more than welcome to.. lightly!” super excited I waited till my patients next salon day, I continued on my daily duties got my patient up and ready to head to the salon as soon as she was done with her hair I brought her back to her room and proceeded to apply a light amount of makeup ( just some blush and lipstick) my patient suffered from dementia and was accident prone and had to be secured to a wheel chair, after I completed I wheeled her to the mirror and left her while I fixed her bed, it was then I noticed her blending her lips together and adjusting her hair and really looking at herself in the mirror, it was as if for a split second she remembered who she was and was ready for the day. I always knew I wanted to help people and it was then I realized that I could with the power of makeup, bringing out the inner beauty, helping someone see a different side of themselves or just allowing someone who forgotten who they were remember themselves even if it’s just for a second. I continued to apply makeup to my patients while employed at the nursing home, my senior year I started using my sisters as my models, most of the time it was trial and error when I was trying to recreate a look I had seen on America’s next top model. Sutan Amrull a makeup artist on the show was one of my idols, I loved his ability to really transform the contestants in to someone or something else, his creativity drove me to continue to experiment with makeup. I also began researching other great makeup artist, Kevyn Aucoin and Pat McGrath. After seeing what makeup could do I used myself as a canvas attempting new techniques, transforming my features to create a new person. I continued my senior year practicing, doing makeup for friends for homecoming, prom, family parties and a cousins wedding. In 2007 I began working for benefit cosmetics inside of Macys that to me was my start working in the beauty industry for a cosmetic line. I still had some clientele and always practiced when I could. 2008 was the birth of drag, I loved playing with makeup so much that I continued to apply it on myself trying to outdo what I did the time before. Since then I have had amazing opportunities to work for some amazing brands, Ulta beauty, Smashbox, studio gear, Nars cosmetics, Dior, Laura Mercier and MAC cosmetics. In 2010 I was invited to attend the Ryder Makeup Labs and was under the instruction of James Ryder in LA that gave me the opportunity to work alongside a celebrity makeup artist as well as some of the best in LA. I came back excited to take on the world, continuing my employment with MAC cosmetics and really push my creativity. I jumped in head first to the life of photoshoots for portfolio building and possible publications, continued to beautify my wonderful brides and any other events my clients needed me for. During that time I met one of my good friends and colleague hair stylist Dominic Alonzo, we pushed each other creatively and gave feedback when needed. In 2013 I was promoted from part time to full time artist with Mac cosmetics and relocated to Dallas, Texas, and continued to work my way up in the MAC world. I was given some awesome opportunities, train new artist, be featured in our training manual, travel to different locations during big retail events, and work alongside some amazingly talented individuals. present day, In June of 2016 I decided to take a risk and venture out on my own and be a Freelance makeup artist, on location for whatever my clients need, I’m still with Mac cosmetics but as a freelance artist, since my departure I’ve had some pretty cool events and I got to work on set for two local commercials as the lead makeup artist. I continue to strive for perfection in every makeup application I complete as well as continuing to ensure that everyone my brushes come in contact with feel their most beautiful.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Oh no, I think that every adventure towards your dreams are paved with bumps and sometimes bruises. my biggest struggle would have to be not following my grandparents dream of going to college and getting a degree, makeup artistry was a considered a hobby not a career, after years of perseverance and drive I’m proud to say that they are probably my biggest fans alongside my mother and aunt.
I applied 5 times to MAC before landing an interview, and I think that a lot of it had to do with the fact that upon my fifth application I went to the manager and politely yet direct asked “here’s my application when is my interview because I will be working for you soon”
Mostly, I think my biggest struggle is myself, always doubting my abilities, hyper critical of my work.
“you never expect life to throw you so far off plan that you turn around and everything you wanted is gone and there’s nothing left to lost, so you make your decision to take a risk on something you didn’t even know was there, you can’t help but go for it, and stop working about what everyone thinks of you, it doesn’t matter, stay true to yourself” a quote that I love
J Anthony MUA – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
J Anthony MUA (makeup artist) is an on location makeup artist, specializing in makeup for any occasion. I would have to say that I’m know for my fast and efficient execution of a makeup application without compromising then end result. Proud of the encouraging I give to my clients when giving makeup lessons and makeup applications. As an on location makeup artist I am able to provide my clients a sense of ease since there is no need to drive away from there event which sometimes adds stress. There are a number of talented individuals in the beauty industry and I think what sets me apart is personality, bubbly, friendly, understanding, passionate and encouraging added to the years of experience I love helping bring to life what my client envisions.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
For me success is defined by the eagerness to continue to learn and grow, always staying educated in the field you are In, also staying humble no matter how far you’ve gotten..
Determination, eagerness to learn, humility, humble, focused, sense of awareness, not afraid to try something new.
I am always looking for inspiration in everything, and always trying to outdo what I’ve done before, open to constructive criticism. Open to collaborating with new photographers, hairstylist, and models. I’ll always remember where I started and who gave me my opportunity who took a chance and allowed me to express myself creatively.
I think, the moment I am able to do Christina Aguilera’s makeup I may think “I’ve finally made it ” until then, I’m going to continue to create, collaborate, help others, experiment, and believe in myself.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 2102731699
- Email: j.anthony0729@me.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/janthonymua
- Facebook: facebook.com/janthonymua
Image Credit:
Jennifer Crowder, Melody Gee, Jessica Melendez, DMA Divo, Zach Wilson, Donlyn Bradley, Michelle Sterling, Steve Trew, Carmen Benitez, Gloria Viviana, Adrian Stecker, Sheridan Ellis, Ruby Byrne
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