Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaden Gutierrez.
Hi Jaden, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I am Jaden Gutierrez, a professional film & TV makeup artist specializing in the Prosthetic Department. I am from Los Angeles, California, and am now based in Greenville, South Carolina. My mother is the main reason I became interested in special makeup effects. She went to Joe Blasco’s Makeup Academy when she was younger, under Paramount Studios in Hollywood. She obtained her education & knowledge of the industry’s top cosmetic work and has been taught by one of the top industry’s significant influences, Rick Baker, another Golden SPFX Artist. My mother passed down her makeup kits to me when I was around 11. These kits included essential beauty palettes and creams, and the other kit contained all special makeup effects like mortician wax, stage grease paints, color wheels, & gel blood.
I started practicing with my siblings, looking into movies for visual inspiration – leading me to fall in love with the genre of Psychological Horror. I used this genre to strengthen makeup artistry concepts as I matured, developing self-taught skills in Cosmetics & Theatre. Around 16, I felt the strongest as an amateur makeup artist. I was practicing with friends & family, engaging in online courses from Independent artists and platforms like YouTube & Instagram. Since then, I began to ground my aspirations more during seasons like Halloween, as it felt the only time I could materialistically access my craft. Obtaining store-bought makeup, prosthetics, wigs, fake teeth, contacts, and costumes – now building a year-round inventory to work from at an affordable cost. I built my foundation to work off of, then worked at Halloween stores for a handful of years – it was the perfect way to freelance; “Buy a costume, and I can do your makeup for Halloween!” I was ready to do anything I could to have my foot indoors. This process takes time, and trusting the process was even more complex. I constantly second-guessed myself, for the demand of my work felt less and less. Regardless, I still pushed boundaries. I had creative limitations and took all opportunities to sharpen my craft.
Within all those years, I can now finally say that my dream did come true. I work Professionally in the Entertainment Industry for Indie filmmakers here in the upstate. God has blessed me to have been on sets of high-end cast & crew departments. I was able to start my business, “JADENMUAFX,” and am now on the path to launching my prosthetic line shortly. I am still learning and obtaining further education. I became a Licensed & Certified Esthetician, allowing me to service my makeup artistry business in South Carolina. I continue to scout & collaborate with other talented art departments. I have been able to travel to many beautiful areas for jobs that have allowed me to expand services and audiences to work with.
This has been just the beginning; as a 23-year-old woman in Film, it has been a fantastic pleasure, and I will continue to work harder. I am very proud of myself; I did not think I would have been so far along while feeling far behind. With trust, patience, and trials and tribulations, anything is possible!
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The obstacles I have faced throughout my career have been finding a community specializing in your work. Due to the specific craft, there were few resources in South Carolina, including finding a mentor. I was faced with the possible decision that the only way I would make it out was to migrate my business back to the West Coast. However, I was determined to seek out people, places, and things – to join hands with other talents. I am a team player more than a leader. I will lead when necessary, but I find myself content when working alongside others. I enjoy seeing others work; it is inspiring and makes me want to work harder. I aim to surround myself with other visionaries who would be willing to do the same and refrain from not having an open mind. Working solo has its pros and cons. I do not mind moving Independently, such as when I instruct a makeup demo or speak at a film panel – but if I could, I would want everyone else to win with me. I know we must create things alone, but everyone can execute with the same credibility so we can all rejoice. I always want the talent I work with, my colleagues, to feel they can depend on me mentally and physically. I want to advocate for creatives in the Film Industry, as sometimes the system can be underwhelming, or labor can be overwhelming. We may go through a lot, but with the right team members, it could hurt less than trying to do it all by yourself. I am blessed to have a great support system from other artists in the Film & TV business. Shout out to everyone I met along the way; I will remember!
Thanks for sharing that. Please tell us more about your business.
Here at JADENMUAFX, we are one of the well-established makeup departments providing the upstate with artistry excellence, creative imitations of life, and monster making. We are happy to continue assisting our local creatives & filmmakers, such as directors, producers, writers, and all visionaries, alongside working with talented cast & crew members.
The services we provide are the application of prosthetics, life casting, and prop fabrication. We also cater to photographers offering a wide range of editorial & on-camera-ready cosmetic work. It has been a pleasure being able to work with many talented departments within the industry. Because we are a growing upstate at JADENMUAFX, we understand your need to express yourself. The value of creative expression with no limitations is always in our best interest, including you!
That is why we have taken the next step to expand our services. Our goals that we are setting for include custom prosthetics, complete body modifications, body painting, acrylic dentures & eyes, facial hair application, rigs, and more! We understand that things take time, but we surely appreciate you trusting the process & coming along for the journey. JADENMUAFX hopes to successfully launch our appliance line shortly. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out with comments, questions, or concerns, as your opinion improves our business. We thank every talent who has collaborated with us; your dedication does not go unnoticed. What are some ways I can support JADENMUAFX? You can engage with our platform by sharing our work, liking some of your favorite posts, and commenting. Even if it’s things like, “Wow, this is gross.” All critiques are what makes us unique. Thank you for taking the time to hear about our missions and what we have in store for you all.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I have obtained along my journey as a makeup artist in Film. That If you sell yourself for less, you may receive less. You must know the foundations and principles of self-worth, and when you do, utilize them to the best of your ability with great responsibility. You will face failures and faults – always admit to your wrongs, never overshadowing your rights. Faith in God kept me going, and I know I have a more reliable pace to work off.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14590300/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_0_nm_8_q_Jaden%2520Gutierrez
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jadenmuafx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082758910194
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/2tRzQ-20bZU?si=Y_I2F1lP440TYrwq
Image Credits
Jaden Gutierrez
