We recently connected with Victoria Rivera and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Victoria , thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
For many years in the start of my career, I would always get nervous when I got new jobs or a project that required something out of my comfort zone. No matter how many times I did a project similar to ones I’ve worked before, I would always get so nervous and feel like I either wasn’t good enough to be there or that it was luck that I was chosen to be there. I remember a specific project I got an opportunity to work on at the SoFi stadium and I got to go underground and see all the behind of scenes of how that world works. I turned and said to my coworker “who are we to be down here?!” in a comical way but with some truth behind it. She later told me something that always stuck with me. She said we were there because we were meant to be there. The opportunity wouldn’t have chosen us if we weren’t right for it, so why feel nervous. Ever since then when I get an opportunity for a new project, I am no longer nervous. I know I was chosen because that means I am good enough and have worked hard to get there.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Victoria Cindy Rivera and I am a makeup artist in Los Angeles. I have been a makeup artist for 10 years and I specialize in contemporary makeup. I do makeup for non union tv/film, photoshoots, and red carpet. I started my journey in Florida where I did makeup for weddings and special events like prom, and graduation. Over the course of my career I always had a longing to work on tv shows. When I got the opportunity to move to Los Angeles, I was able to network and meet other makeup artists who have my dream job of working on set. With time and dedication I’ve been able to learn more about my craft and really understand the difference of artistry when it comes to wedding makeup vs on set makeup. Moving here was such a great opportunity to build my knowledge and perfect my artistry with each project. When the talent or client leaves the chair with absolute confidence, I know I’ve done my job well.
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?
My advice to anyone early on in their journey is to take lots and lots of different jobs in your field. When you are just starting out you need to do more work to build your confidence but you also need to learn what jobs you enjoy working and which jobs you don’t. You’ll never know which projects are your niche if you only ever do one. I think a lot of newer artists get burnt out quickly because the only get the same type of projects so they quit the artistry all together when in fact they love the artistry, just not those projects.
My second piece of advice is to find your weakness and focus on it. When I was starting out, I noticed I wanted to learn and understand more about eyebrows because they are such a crucial part in makeup. The eyebrows frame the face so they need to look as perfect as they can be. In 2019 I got the opportunity to work for Benefit Cosmetics where I was taught more in depth about eyebrow shapes and how to adjust, tweeze, and fill in. When clients know that you have extra training in something specific, they will trust you even more and recommend you to others.
My last piece of advice is to assist as much as you can. Assisting other artists will only help you grow. You will be able to learn new techniques, extra tips on sanitation, how to stay timely, I can go on and on about all the things you can learn when you work with another artist. I am 10 years into my career and I still thoroughly enjoy assisting others. I make it a point to always be learning and growing in my craft. You will never know everything so you always need to have open eyes and an open mind.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I would absolutely love to get to work with Denika Bedrossian, Mary Phillips, or Kathleen Karridene. They are my three favorite makeup artists and I would love to get the chance to work with them and learn from them. In my eyes they can do no wrong and are absolute pros in the community. The level of perfection that they bring to every client from all ages and all races is unmatched. If any of them ever wanted to work with me I would probably faint out of pure joy. They can connect with me either through my portfolio or through instagram.
https://www.makeupbyvictoriacindy.com/
@victoriacindymakeup
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.makeupbyvictoriacindy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriacindymakeup/?img_index=1
Image Credits
Photographer- Lilly Lilova
Models- Lauren Norch
-Jadene Meyer
-Jarika
-Sasha Smolnikova
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
