Cris Vera: Crafting Cinematic Magic Through Makeup

The world of film is a realm where imagination knows no bounds, and it's often the makeup artists who work their magic behind the scenes that help bring the characters to life on the silver screen. Cris Vera is one such artist, a rising star in the film makeup industry who has been making waves with her exceptional talent and dedication. In an exclusive interview, we had the privilege of delving into Cris Vera's journey, experiences, and insights into the captivating world of film makeup.

Cris Vera's journey into the world of makeup artistry was not just a career choice but a true calling. She explains, "Professionally, the love of makeup happened when I started doing makeup on myself. I was and still am, in some ways, a bit of a 'tomboy,' so the art of learning how to do makeup came at such a good time because I had an appreciation for it. Once I caught the interest, there was no stopping me. This love became a passion."

Throughout her career, Cris Vera has had the opportunity to work on a range of projects, each leaving an indelible mark on her artistic journey. She recounts, "One of my most recent memorable projects was working on set with Director Alberto Ornelas. His vision for this wonderful project called 'Modern Day Jesus' really shed some light on how the film industry should be doing things. Being on this particular set will forever be in my heart. I got to work with so many talented people. What made it special for me was being able to do so many different makeup looks. I got to really show what I can do on film."

One of the critical aspects of Cris Vera's work is creating character-specific makeup looks. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the director's vision, stating, "I always make it a point to find out the director's point of view. For me, it's not about what I want, more so the vision of the director. All I do is execute their vision and make sure I go above and beyond. Communication is key."

In the film industry, collaboration is paramount, and Cris Vera has had the privilege of collaborating with Director Alberto Ornelas. She explains, "When I first met Alberto, we were able to see eye to eye right away. The most crucial priority of this relationship you have with directors is to listen. Listening to Alberto's ideas and vision was important in making the production flourish and help make the characters come to life. Working with Alberto did not feel like work. He is a great filmmaker to work with. I can't wait to work on the next project with him."

Cris Vera's expertise in film makeup is backed by her meticulously curated makeup kit. She reveals, "My entire makeup kit and the way it's set up was worth every penny. It took time to realize what brands worked best for me. For instance, the brand Bodyography works well not only in film but in bridal. I consider that brand to be one of my top brands I use on set. Also, having essentials like a small sewing kit can really help when the crew is in a pinch."

Working on a film set can be filled with unexpected challenges. Cris Vera shares an anecdote, saying, "I was on set, and the talent that I was working on did not like her makeup. The scene I was preparing her for was a scene that required a certain style of makeup that would need the talent to look restless. What I did was maintain my professionalism and advised the talent that this specific look is that way on the vision board the director curated, and if she had any issues or concerns, that she would have to speak with the director. She then said, 'It was fine,' and I continued to do my job smoothly with no issues."

In a constantly evolving industry, staying current with new techniques and technologies is essential. Cris Vera affirms her commitment to research, especially when a film is set in a specific era. She says, "Every film that I have worked on is usually set in a certain era. But, if the film is set for the times, I do my research on every character; whether they are young, a teen, or older."

Cris Vera draws inspiration from makeup artist Fae Hammond, known for her work on films like "Pirates of the Caribbean" and "Pride and Prejudice." Her advice to aspiring makeup artists is simple yet profound: "Keep learning. Do not pretend to know everything. Network. Everyone starts from the bottom and works their way up. Every artist's skill sets are different. Do not compare yourself to someone else's journey. With hard work, your time will come. Never give up and stay hungry."

As for the future of film makeup, Cris Vera sees exciting possibilities on the horizon. "We are just scratching the surface," she says. "There are so many new things happening with makeup and different elements being used in the film industry that are helping makeup artists get more creative. The MUA community is starting to get more and more recognition for the work they do on film. I can't wait to see what is next."

Cris Vera's passion for makeup artistry, her dedication to her craft, and her ability to bring characters to life on screen make her a rising star to watch in the film makeup industry. Her journey is a testament to the power of creativity and perseverance in the world of cinema, and we eagerly anticipate the magic she'll continue to create in the future.

"To keep up with Cris Vera's latest work and updates, visit her website at www.foxtalebeauty.com/portfolio."