Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Candido Torres. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Candido, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
Creativity, for me, ebbs and flows. It’s never a constant. Some days, I feel creatively bankrupt and don’t have the capacity to create what I’ve set out to create. Other days, I’m brimming with ideas and concepts that I can only continue to dream about. I suppose the reason why I’m able to continue to do what I do is because I’m simply living. Every morning I wake up is a door for experiences; conversations, walks by the local canal, grabbing a coffee with a friend, listening to new music a friend excitedly wanted to share with me, watching movies, speaking with my grandma about her past experiences…really everything that I do leans into keeping my creativity alive. Seeing others tell their stories and express themselves in their own unique ways inspires me to continue creating, to continue telling my own story. I’m constantly writing new pages, trying to figure everything out and how it flows into my mind. Continuously improving upon myself and rewriting what I previously thought to be possible. Learning to live in the moment and absorbing my lived experiences has allowed me to truly harness my creativity when it comes to me, but I also make a point to not force it as well. If I’m truly not feeling up to snuff, I won’t push it out. I’ve noticed that the balance of allowing myself to just be alive has yielded the best output, and I’m honestly proud of myself for finally achieving that epiphany.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Honestly, as a generally creative person, there’s a lot that I do but there’s so much more I want to do. I’m a makeup artist, podcaster, fashion model, and soon to be music producer, painter, and dancer. I want to put my hands in so many pots but I’m worried that I might stretch myself out too thin. I don’t care though. Creating and working with like minded people who also want to make things, to conjure up different moods and vibes, is truly all I want to do. Professionally, I’m a lot more focused on getting my makeup artistry and podcast truly up and running. I started my podcast, A Little Sweetener, back in 2023. The podcast is aimed towards everyone. Everyone could use a little pick me up after a day in the life. Whether you got home from work, just starting your day, or wanting a lil’ something to brighten everything up, A Little Sweetener is the place to listen. It was something that I’ve been planning on doing for almost a year and to finally get it up on Spotify and Apple Podcasts was such a dream come true and to be able to complete the first season back in December was so satisfying. I’m even more excited to announce that the second season of the podcast is currently being worked on. A great friend and fellow creative, Mickey Valentine, has agreed to be my co-host and I couldn’t be more happier. He has such an amazing mind and I can’t wait for everyone to hear and even see the new season, as it will also be completely visual, for your viewing pleasure on Spotify Podcasts and YouTube.
Regarding makeup artistry, I’m really aiming to take myself to the next level. I feel like I was finally able to tap into my latent talents and allow them to blossom in 2023. Now, I want to take that flower that’s been slowly budding, blossoming, and truly give it the chance to expand into a rose. A brightly colored rose that is the most beautiful rose you’ve ever seen. That’s currently where my mind is at. I’m aiming to work on more beauty projects. Working with other fellow creatives and photographers to capture my work on other models and creating works of art. There may be some things in the works, but it’s best if that is saved for when it’s really ready to flourish.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I think the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were: being able to take criticism, allowing things to flow, and always being open to advice and experiences. Truly, if I was unable to take criticism from others, who had more experience in the makeup industry, I don’t think my own artistry would’ve grown to be where it is now. It’s taught me a lot about application, understanding color theory, how to strategize the placement of complexion, and so much more. I’ve become effective in these aspects thanks to criticism. Allowing things to flow is something I would advise others who are getting started to do. Don’t overthink it. Just allow it to happen. Even if it wasn’t exactly how you thought it would turn out, it might just be your magnum opus.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m always looking to work or collaborate with other creatives, especially those who have a similar vibe or creative vision as mine. A mind that is willing to take risks and try something new, someone who is wanting to create a vision that they’ve been envisioning for a while. Whether it be via my makeup artistry, or using me as a canvas/model, I want to help in bringing that vision to life. I also would love to collab with creatives who are in the LGBTQIA+ community and produce works that add to the wonderful tapestry of LGBT media. As a queer individual myself, I want to aid in bringing my talent and creativity to that space to add an extra layer to that rainbow.
If any fellow creatives are interested in reaching out, please don’t hesitate to shoot me a DM to my Instagram account. Or, send me an email!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candidoxtorres/
- Other: My Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1M26z8VUov04wYFpgMSdNA?si=a13a275997c24ba7
Image Credits
Photos by: @jillanpyperphoto on instagram @isabella_griefer & @photos.ifg on instagram Hair in photos with blue eyeshadow: Juan of @nofilterbarbershop @thaajuanandonly
