Makeup Artist Charles Zambrano

I’m Becka Noel, the resident cosplay specialist, and social media unicorn at Manhattan Wardrobe Supply. Recently I was lucky to interview a ridiculously talented makeup artist Charles Zambrano.  He was kind enough to sit down with me (virtually) and talk to me about his amazing work and experiences in the industry. Charles also took one of my Worbla workshops and as soon as I saw his work I just knew I had to interview him at some point!

Makeup Artist Charles Zambrano: The Beginning

Can you tell us a little bit about what drew you to makeup and body painting and how you got your start?

Growing up I watched a lot of character-focused fantasy films. One of the first films I recall was Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I wasn’t sure how the characters were fabricated, but I knew I wanted to be a part of the team that created them. I was hooked on films like Legend, Willow, Splash, Big Trouble in Little China, Lost Boys, and Beetlejuice to name a few. And, during my college years is where I really dabbled into Club Kid and Drag looks for Halloween. It became a ritual. I’ve always been connected to visual storytelling, which later turned into the visual performance as a form of self-expression.

Can you tell me a lesson you learned early on that has helped you throughout your career?

Before transitioning to makeup, I was a 3D artist in the commercial world for over 9 years. It is a world dominated by white cis men. I quickly learned I would have to work 10 times as hard to get ahead and even so hit a glass ceiling. I was comfortable, but not fulfilled with that type of work. There was a lot of challenges, but no reward. There was no support or recognition. When I made the ultimate decision to switch careers, I made sure that where I was headed, my unique characteristics and talents would be appreciated, but also supported to grow. This realization I carry to this day.

Makeup Artist Charles Zambrano: The Career

Your work is always so colorful, fun, and amazing! What are some of your favorite pieces or most memorable experiences?

There’s a joke that I show my colors through my work since I’ve been exclusively wearing all black clothing for over 13 years now. One of my fondest work-related experiences was working along aside the well-known performance artists Ryan McNamara and Dora Budor. It was for their installations at Frieze New York Art Fair 2017. As the Make-up Designer, I worked collaboratively with both artists to execute their stories through a live-action performance throughout the fair. Budor recreated the memorable scenes from Leonardo DiCaprio’s past film works. Through an arch of four days, the performer appeared as the main character of the film, The Revenant. My role was to encapsulate and create special effects elements from prosthetic transfers, beard laying, sweat, scars, blood, dirt, and even snow. It was a fun challenge to bring to life theatrical to film ready special effects.

You have a seriously interesting range of work. I can’t get over the use of colors! What are some of your favorite materials and brands to work with?

Because I enjoy versatile work, my kit has to be multifaceted for this type of work. My favorite materials are water-based cakes, powder pigments, grease paints, and airbrush. Brands like Mehron, Kryolan, Ben Nye carry pretty much anything you need from fashion, tv/film to theatrical.

Makeup Artist Charles Zambrano: The Process

What is your most favorite type of makeup look to create?

Whether the looks are character-based, theatrical, or even horror makeup, my favorite type of makeup look is rooted in beauty with a fantastical element. I enjoy using textures from glitter, pigments, to unconventional materials to create any look. In addition, before executing the look I complete prep work through sketches/drawings to help conceptualize the story and the world of this character. It’s a process I really enjoy doing.

What kind of team (if any) do you work with?

Teamwork really does make the dream work. From working on live events to television films I am always part of a team either I am leading or participating as a teammate. In general, the makeup world is part of a bigger production. There are departments such as hair, production, talent, etc. It’s a big reason I love this work, every job brings a new experience and calls for specific needs. I have a core team I go to for my own gigs that I trust to understand the task at hand, the vision and get the job done professionally.

Makeup Artist Charles Zambrano: The Challenges

Have there been any projects you worked on that had truly unique challenges?

Every job has its own set of challenges. A specific challenge was during an indie film I keyed for and everything that could go wrong surely did. Unfortunately, our makeup department kits were stolen on site. We had to become savvy about how to accomplish our tasks and make it work with materials from our set bags and items we were able to get from a local store. We learned that every challenge that arises has a silver lining that makes you better prepared for anything that is thrown at you for the next one. Having the right team can make any job great and even more amazing and the difficult ones bearable. A support system is a key to any artist.

What was the most challenging look, show, or job you did?

My first television gig involved a well-known tv host who ran a tight ship and had all of the production on their toes. Having recently transitioned from a completely different career and jumping over into this one at the time I felt unprepared. I took a beat and reaffirmed myself I was worthy of the role I was in. The job was tough, but got I through it and became comfortable as soon as I pushed through the negative thoughts in my head.

Do you have a favorite and least favorite makeup look that you have done?

Last year, I created an ongoing pride series titled, Color Warriors. It is an amazing series advocating for the fabulous and diverse LGBTQIA+ community that I am proudly part of. I hope to move forward and evolve the project to be even more inclusive for the next pride. As for my least favorite makeup look, it’s tough for me to answer this one. I will say I don’t miss the early days of doing editorial and makeup test shoots where I was just recreating a look picked by a director with little to no feedback of my own. I am at a point in my career that if I am going to DP a shoot for TFP I need to have a say in the creative vision.

Makeup Artist Charles Zambrano: Advice

Do you have any advice for someone who is just starting out in the industry?

Do your homework. Research as much as you can about the type of work you may want to do. The makeup world is an umbrella and there are options from working at a counter, on yourself as an influencer, red carpets, photo-shoots, video content, theater, film, and television. Look at other artists and see what you love about their work. Stay informed, stay humble.

We’ve all been home for the last couple of months, how have you been staying creative, if at all? What kind of advice would you give someone who is at home and has lost motivation?

I consider art as therapy. It is integrated into my daily life. I need it to fulfill my creative soul. Of course, there are days I don’t want to pick up a brush. And, know that it’s okay to feel down and out of sorts. Take your time to feel that, and release it. Encourage yourself to do something you love and make you happy. Start small by browsing for content you get inspired by. Such as films, books, or art you like. Create a mood board and set a goal. It’s not about the end result, but what you get out of it in the process. The more you practice, the more you grow. A positive highlight about our current slowdown, whatever you’ve put off, and if you have time, why not go for it?

I’ve been participating in weekly makeup challenges with a group of talented artists. Check us out at my Instagram profile @astroabatboy. We try to post every Friday. I’ve also been working on my traditional art and have slowly started to include it in my current feed. Keep an eye out for possible YouTube or TikTok videos coming soon.

Makeup Artist Charles Zambrano: The Future

How did your relationship with Manhattan Wardrobe Supply begin and how has it developed over the years?

I learned about MWS as I started working regularly in tv/film work. I would have to run in for last-minute kit needs. It’s a makeup artist sanctuary. I’ve participated in a few classes and have met the incredible staff. It is always a pleasure to see everyone at MWS!

Aww, we feel the same whenever you pop into the store! Last question. What’s your favorite cereal?

Coooookie Crisp (as a kid), but now it is Raisin Bran. Haha

Thank you to Charles for giving us your time today! You can find more of Charles’ work on his social media channels:

www.charleszambrano.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobatboy/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharlesZambranoArtistry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/astrobatboy
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3697522/?ref_=nv_sr_1