Meet Cesia Martinez | Makeup Artist / SFX artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cesia Martinez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cesia, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks hasn’t just been a part of my journey—it’s shaped the very core of it. In my late teens and the start of my early twenties, I found myself in the routine comfort of retail jobs. It was stable and familiar. I was always in a miserable state working these jobs. I knew I was meant to make art and wouldn’t be satisfied unless I did so.
When I finally decided to walk away from that life and pursue a career as a freelance makeup artist, it wasn’t a perfectly thought-out plan. It was terrifying to let go of the only sense of security I had ever known. But something in me knew I had to choose passion over comfort. And even in the uncertainty, that felt more honest than staying where I no longer felt alive.

In the beginning, one of the hardest parts was figuring everything out on my own. As a self-taught artist with no formal training, no connections, and no real idea of how to break into the industry, I had to rely on a lot of trial and error. I reached out to other artists I found through social media, asking questions and learning from anyone willing to share their experience. I’ll always be grateful to those who took the time to help guide me.
Looking back, I wouldn’t trade any of the struggle. The risks I took and the hardships I faced have opened doors I never imagined. They’ve led me to some of the most amazing people in this industry—collaborators, supporters, and lifelong friends. I’m incredibly grateful for every step of the path that brought me here.

Please tell us more about your career. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
My love for horror / dark art started when I was a kid, all thanks to my mom. She introduced me to horror films at a very young age. I’ll never forget when she would play movies like the Exorcist, Mommy Dearest and all of the Scream/ Halloween franchise. Then she showed my siblings and I Tim Burton and Laika Studios movies. The visuals, the weird beauty, the artistry- it felt like it was made for me. My mom never made me feel strange for loving that world. She embraced it with me. She gave me the space to be drawn to the creepy, the emotional, the unconventional. I’ll always be grateful to her for showing me that there’s beauty in the weird, and power in being different. When I was 10 years old my mom let me have Facebook, my first social media ever and I was amazed when I found the world of dark artists. I’ll never forget the days that I found artists like Michael Hussar, Mark Ryden, Jasmine Griffith aka Strangeling and Llewellyn. These artists have inspired me throughout my early teen life and still do. I’ve always been drawn to the macabre and anything dark and dreary. In 2019, I created my makeup account as a way to express that love, and since then, I’ve been steadily building and refining a style that feels deeply personal and true to me.
My work lives in the realm of dark fantasy and gothic horror, shaped by moody atmospheres, Victorian silhouettes, and the strange beauty of taxidermy—another lifelong passion. Each look I create is a concept born from my imagination, with details and design choices that are 100% my own. I take immense pride in the originality and authenticity of my work.
As a child, I used to imagine strange little creatures that I used to create in my mind. I still remember many of them, and now, as an adult, I weave their essence into my creations. It feels like a gift to my younger self, to take those childhood visions and bring them to life through makeup. Every time I finish a look, I’m filled with awe. It’s like staring back at a piece of my soul made visible.
The road to where I am today hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has shaped me into the artist I am. I pour my heart and soul into my work, and I hope that’s something people can feel when they see it.
Every time I complete a concept of mine, it reminds me why I chose this path in the first place. No matter how difficult things get, those moments of creation make all the struggle worth it. I’m deeply grateful to share my art with anyone who resonates with it. This work isn’t just a craft—it’s an extension of who I am. While the path isn’t always smooth, I know I’ll never walk away from it. Art is more than a passion; it’s my purpose, and I’ll continue to pour myself into it for as long as I’m able.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Some of my favorite spots in LA are its record stores. My boyfriend Johnny and I love to visit all of the record stores in LA. One of our favorites is Arroyo Records in Highland Park and of course, Amoeba.
I also find a lot of beauty and peace in LA’s cemeteries. Forest Lawn in Glendale holds a special place in my heart—both of my grandparents are buried there, and whenever I’m in the area, I love stopping by to say hi. Hollywood Forever is another favorite. It’s not only beautiful, but filled with history, stories, and so much to look at and explore. I always make it a point to stop by Vampiras’ grave one of my muses forever.
I also have to mention Memento Mori, an oddities shop tucked away in Hollywood. If you’re into taxidermy or anything strange and unusual, you’d love it just as much as I do.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people I’d love to give recognition to, but two stand out the most.

First, my mom. She has never given up on me and has supported my craft unconditionally since day one. She’s always amazed by what I create, constantly cheering me on and proudly showing my work to anyone she comes across. I truly can’t thank her enough—her love and support mean everything to me. She’s one of the biggest reasons I keep going, everything I do is for her.
The second is my amazing boyfriend, Johnny. He’s been right alongside my mom as one of my biggest supporters and motivators. He always encourages me to chase my dreams and to keep pushing forward no matter what. Together, they’ve been like mascots on this journey, and I love them both more than words can express.

I also want to give a huge thank you to anyone who’s ever helped bring my looks to life. Sometimes it really does take a whole team, and I’m endlessly grateful for you all. From the wig styling, to the models sitting patiently in the chair, to the photographers capturing the final shot—thank you. Your support, talent, and time mean the world to me.

Thank you to anyone who has ever shown love to my art. All of your comments, shares and messages are seen and I appreciate every single one of you who enjoy my art, I couldn’t ask for anything more. Thank you a million

shout out to :

Models:
Ashley Scott @ashleyartistryy_
Jocelyn Arceo @afoolno
Alvieth Sazo @alviethsazo

MUA:
Bella Cobian @bellacobian
Karissa Parks @karissapfx

wig stylist:
Katia Rivera @cellar_door_muha

Photographers:
Chris Cornish @chriscornishphotography

Chase Harding @_chaseharding_

Instagram: @Gutterglitt3r

Other: You can post this article anywhere I just only have instagram Lol

Image Credits
Photographers to credit: @chriscornishphotography

@_chaseharding_