Meet Crisanto jr Banuelos | Make Up artist , Hairstylist, Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Crisanto jr Banuelos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Crisanto jr, why did you pursue a creative career?
Choosing an artistic career was not my first choice to be honest. I was actually at a young age drawn to magic and science believe it or not. As I continued to grow and explore my options I began to adapt . To music, Dance and acting . I was still so very shy but yet outgoing . I grew up in a Mexican house hold . my culture is know for amazing parties and family gatherings . I was always the dancer in the family, every party and gathering I was the first one on the dance floor. I grew up watching telenovelas and talent shows. While in elementary school . I was very much a church kid, went to church every Sunday with my grandma, my fathers mom. I eventually during a young age , Began to sing in the church choir and school choir . I began at a Christian church right behind my Catholic Church . They ran after school programs at the Christian church: where I would win spelling bees and began to act .Further into middle school I began to . Play instruments, I was also a nerd I had computer class and film class after school . I had also began drama class and folkloric dancing which I was not a fan of at first . I remember I hated P.E anything that required me to sweat , was not in my agenda haha. I even took dance class as an option over P.E but it wasn’t that easy. I Had class in the girls gym , opposite side of the boys P.E it was only a few of us boys & girls in the class . My dance teacher was from Texas and she taught us how to line dance and square dance lol . Going into high school my parents moved us up north . My Dreams were crushed at the moment , because I wanted to attend Birmingham high school. A school that had a magnet program for performing arts . While adjusting into my new school . I later on became more driven and involved . I was back into acting classes , photography , yearbook and video production . By my junior/Senior year in high school I became the high school DJ & Senior class Vice President . I was so behind in school, My grades were bad . I had began working a job during : my junior year into senior year which affected me a bit . Trying to juggle all extra curricular activities while maintaining good grades and working . It was a tuff road but I made it , Senior class of 2007. I had no desire of college after high school . A year after I began beauty school . Never finished , Further down the line I met a few artist and clientele while working as a make up artist. I landed TV jobs and my own bookings on TV. Appearances such as. TV shows , background acting & much more . Being an artist has always been in my career path . I grew up watching music videos and all the award shows in the Latin & English community. Both worlds have inspired me. Fashion shows have also taken a big part in my inspiration . I’ve always been a creative person & The most outgoing out of all my siblings .I currently now do hair , make up , creative directing , photography and much more to come . I’m legit a one stop shop as many of my clients would say. I will be making new Tv appearances with one of my best friends Danii.Banks so stay tuned And a look out for us On the E! Network. So much fun to continue to be surrounded by others who continue to give me new opportunities , room for growth & Continued success. Music is still something that’s part of my artistic & creative career and something that I hope too one day fulfill . As I continue to seek new business ventures in the mean time , That will soon take place . Till next time your friend : Crisanto Banuelos jr , Know as JrElArtist . Thank you for reading my story .

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I wanna just tell everyone with a dream , To just go for it. No matter how big or small always dream big and don’t let anyone stop you or anything get in the way. Not everyone is supportive and that is ok. Follow your heart, have patience and pray on it. God works in mysterious ways and will always be there to guide you. I’m very proud of how much I’ve accomplished through time and continue to do so. There has been many challenges , The key is to stay focused , healthy and happy. Currently healing and recovering from my second knee surgery. Taking it easy but not giving up . The higher we go the more life challenges we face . Like I always say , “ It could always be worse “ .

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I personally love hiking & taking trips to the beach is a must. Theme parks are my favorite; preferably Universal studios & Disneyland . I Love to eat but not a big person on Favorite restaurants , I love to cook and prefer homemade comfort food. Some amazing places I consider are . Tempo cantina , catch , Stk & TAO. I love Mexican food of course any day, love Mediterranean Food and Italian .

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Yes I wanna shout out all my supporters on social media, Who always message me and any strangers that I’ve inspired and touched in some way with my work and artistry . They have inspired me to keep going and never give up . My family for , always being there & supportive of all my endeavors. My closest friends, Clients and colleagues that believe in me and have continued to support me through out all these years .

Instagram: @jr._El_Artist