Catalina Sartor
Catalina Sartor embodies determination, clarity, and passion. Her artistry is not easily encapsulated by words; one must witness her creations to understand why she has become the go-to makeup artist for prominent figures like Björk and Rosalía, who enlisted her for their latest single, “Oral.” Catalina’s unique blend of performance art, darkness, and fierceness sets her apart. Let’s delve into her world.
Hello Catalina, it’s a pleasure to interview you. I’ve done a bit of research, but I’d like you to introduce yourself. Who is Catalina Sartor?
Born in Buenos Aires, I’m simply a girl with an insatiable curiosity and a deep commitment to my craft. My passion for makeup has been a lifelong journey, rooted in my childhood career as a professional rollerskater, which demanded impeccable appearance. This early exposure to glamour sparked my love for beauty.
While some makeup artists are self-taught and others receive formal training, you excel in both makeup and special effects (FX). How did you embark on these disciplines?
Before finishing school, I knew I didn’t want a traditional university path. My journey included dance, theatre, art direction, and completing four makeup courses, culminating in a Master’s in Special Effects. This diverse experience equipped me with a wide range of skills. I’ve balanced structured education with self-directed learning and surrounded myself with creative individuals, which has been crucial for my growth.
I’ve heard that you’re originally from Argentina, but I’ve noticed that your initial work was based in Barcelona, and you’ve recently relocated to Paris. Both Barcelona and Paris, despite being undoubtedly cosmopolitan, have distinct cultural identities. Have you observed any specific cultural influences that have impacted your work in each city? How has your environment shaped your creative approach since you moved from your hometown?
Starting my career in Barcelona was a blessing. The city’s vibrant art scene and contemporary vision were incredibly inspiring. It was where I pursued my Master’s in SFX and established my artistic identity. After my studies, I began working in Paris, a city rich in culture and creativity. The dynamic environment and inspiring projects pushed me to relocate. Both cities have profoundly influenced my creative approach.
Your Instagram serves as a portfolio showcasing your recent work. The photos of Erased face SFX on Yannis and Metallic body on Lilia are really impressive, and there’s a sense of performance in all your creations. Your aesthetic has often been associated with dark feminine energy and a ‘90s vampire vibe. How do you see these themes evolving in your recent projects, and do you envision any new directions for your aesthetic in the future?
I once dreamed of becoming a performer, but my true passion lies in creating characters through makeup. I’m drawn to dark, feminine energy, reminiscent of horror films. My new series, Les Mercuriales, reflects this. The ’90s vampire vibe resonates deeply with me, serving as a channel to express and tame the darkness within. This darkness inspires me creatively.
In your post about “heart-shaped hickey,” you mentioned being inspired by Nan Goldin’s photography. She captured the zeitgeist of NYC from the ‘70s to the ‘90s, portraying people at their rawest and tackling subjects such as drug addiction, abuse, or HIV. What about her work speaks to you?
Nan Goldin’s work is raw and honest, qualities that deeply resonate with me. Her art has the power to move me, which is what I seek in art—a connection that stirs my spirit. Watching her documentary, “All the Beauty and the Bloodshed,” inspired the idea to recreate her heart-shaped bruise as a hickey. This authentic quality is what I strive for in my work.
As a makeup artist, I’m sure you also pay attention to film, music, painting, etc. What other works inspire you? Is there a particular artist you consider a significant influence on your work?
My creative process is eclectic. While I draw inspiration from various art forms, what fuels my creativity is engaging with exhibitions, listening to artists, and admiring their careers. I find inspiration in unconventional sources like books on mummification, animal textures, deep-sea creatures, and even meme accounts. Archive pictures and fashion designs also influence my work.
The interplay between fashion, music, and visual arts has become increasingly evident. How do you see the role of makeup and special effects evolving within this interdisciplinary landscape?
As makeup artists, we face fascinating and challenging years ahead. Adaptability is crucial in this evolving field. I’m excited to grow with the industry, bridging modern perspectives with the essence of Generation Z and future generations. It’s an exciting journey, and I’m ready for the ride.
In June, Arca DJed for the opening of Beyoncé’s show in Barcelona, and you did her makeup. You’ve also recently worked with her for the cover story of Pop magazine. Also you did Sevdaliza’s cover for Antidote. What do you believe draws such notable artists in the music industry to have you on their team?
Working with Arca for Beyoncé’s show was a career highlight. My approach to projects with innovation and exploration, balancing boldness and subtlety with dark feminine energy, aligns with their artistic vision. It’s essential to demonstrate professionalism, efficiency, kindness, and adaptability. Creating energetic synergy keeps artists coming back.
Which work do you think has had the greatest impact in terms of opening new opportunities for you? Personally, I came across your work approximately a year ago when you were doing makeup for Caroline Polachek in Geray Mena’s photoshoot.
Working with celebrities opens significant doors in this industry, increasing followers and fostering trust. Consistently creating strong looks and images as personal projects indirectly communicates my ideas to potential clients. The ongoing cycle of recommendations from past collaborations is a fascinating aspect of freelancing.
In a rapidly evolving industry, maintaining a personal brand can be challenging. How do you balance staying true to your artistic identity with adapting to changing client preferences and industry trends?
Defining my artistic identity is a daily conscious choice. Initially, I worried that my specific, experimental aesthetic might limit opportunities, but it opened many doors aligned with my vision. Staying updated with industry trends while maintaining my identity keeps me relevant.
You’ve also worked with brands like NiiHAi, Nimph and onrushw23fh. Do you usually have a certain degree of creative freedom?
I maintain precision and ensure I grasp each project’s requirements, interpreting and executing creative visions. Clients and directors generally grant me creative freedom, allowing me to express myself while staying true to the concept.
To conclude, artists often have a signature touch or style. Can you describe some key elements that make your makeup and FX designs uniquely Catalina Sartor?
The Catalina Sartor look features my signature obsession with metallic tones, a sharp black foxy eye with subtle silver sparkles, and a glossy skin-tone lip. Adding depth, I might incorporate realistic healed scars or a prosthetic with a soft, glowing light beneath the skin. This look encapsulates the dark, sensuous, and distinctive elements of my artistic style.