Meet Yrcanis Collado | Makeup Artist

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

Hi Yrcanis, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued an artistic career because I watched my mother paint growing up and watching her paint, I knew I always wanted to be an artist. I’ve always drew in notebooks and loved painting with acrylics (I still do!)… what didn’t expect at that very young age that I would become a makeup artist. I was 23 and working in broadcasting at the time, which is completely creative in it’s own right. However, when I walked by a makeup school in the downtown of my hometown, it hit me like a lightening bolt of excitement and a flip of the switch that turned the lightbulb of purpose on to my heart. I said to myself, “This makes sense!” And I looked into the Beauty, Airbrush and Hairstyling classes and attended the school a couple of months later and finished with my Certification. I’ve been hooked ever since so much so till the point where I decided to pursue it seriously by moving to Los Angeles and continuing my studies at Cinema Makeup School learning Character, Prosthetic and SFX makeup. That was 8.5 years ago and I’m still in love with makeup and still in LA.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a Beauty and Special Effects Makeup Artist. Which means I can make you look more beautiful or just ugly… or of a different species. I’ve worked on sets for fitness shoots, student films, horror films and bridal work. I love making people feel like a more beautiful version of themselves or ugly if that helps them get into character. I’m still growing in my field, however, it was not easy this whole time. I have gotten diagnose with an autoimmune disease in 2023 and I thought I will have to stop doing makeup as it was painful to lift all my kits and it broke my heart. I focused on healing myself, let go of the extra jobs and took care of myself. The self care was a long time coming! I began doing more makeup and hair, realizing I don’t want to stop. I learned I want to keep doing this until I physically can’t anymore. I really thought I had to stop indefinitely, but then I realized I love painting faces and connecting with the beautiful people in my chair. Literally, can’t stop, won’t stop.
I want the world to know it’s ok to slow down and take care of yourself, but be consistent and focus on what you love doing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I actually have done this when my brother and nephew came to visit. I would take them to Venice Beach just off Washington Blvd, hike in Runyon Canyon, run the Hollywood reservoir, take them through downtown and end at the Alamo Drafthouse for a movie. It’s my favorite place for drinks and mozzarella sticks. No seriously…their mozzarella sticks are EVERYTHING! And lastly, of course, a walk on Hollywood blvd because that is my neighborhood.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to thank my mother, Yrcania. She inspires me to be a kick-ass business woman, inspires my artist ability, and furthermore, supports and respects my personal growth and individuality.
I would also like to thank all my makeup artist/industry friends and colleagues I’ve met throughout the years, whose works and talents inspire me to keep growing in my craft.

Instagram: @yrcanismua

Other: instagram: @yrcanis.paints