Mama Rosa, photo courtesy of the subject

In Career Spotlight, we profile women and nonbinary people who work in the gaming industry. It is our goal to show the vastness and variety of jobs within the world of gaming and to share professional advice and perspective with our readers.

This week we interview Rosa Menendez, a.k.a. Mama Rosa, Co-founder and Lead Artist at Esports Makeup. She tells us a bit about Esports Makeup and what they do for esports and video game coverage shows and conventions, the skills she uses most in her job, and advice she has for those who may want to start working in the esports world.

Could you please tell us a little bit about Esports Makeup and its origin story?

OOOF that’s a long story. I suppose the TL;DR version is: Esports Makeup is a makeup artist/hairstylist team that works specifically in esports and video game coverage shows and conventions. We also do a lot of guest appearances on shows and panels about our experience in the industry.

In 2014, after I had already been working in the industry for about a year, I brought my partner in crime in on a show and said let’s change everything. This was at a time when getting a makeup artist on a show was a laughable concept and when you did get one, having the talent and players actually sit through it was like herding cats. I guess I should add “shepherd” to my resume. LMAO.

What are your major responsibilities in your role?

Aside from actually doing hair and makeup on shows, Lorena and I split responsibilities of booking, schedules, and social media management. I’m normally the one who does all the interviews and panels.

Do you play games personally? When did you decide that working in esports was something you wanted to pursue?

I’ve been playing games for as long as I can remember! Halo is a big one for me — I have a massive Halo 3 shotgun tattoo! I’ve wanted to be part of esports before I even knew I did. I know that doesn’t really make sense, but back in the day watching MLG tournaments on G4 I remember thinking, “Oh man, if only these guys could get a little powder and concealer.” I never in a million years thought I’d get to be the artist to do that.

Mama Rosa touches up Nick “Tasteless” Plott at BlizzCon 2014 WCS Stage. Photo courtesy of the subject.

How did the professional background you had previously prepare you for your current role as Cofounder and Lead Artist at Esports Makeup?

I’ve been working as a professional makeup artist since 2007/8, so when I came into esports I already understood the way shows run. I knew how to care for talent, how to never be caught dead on camera, and I actually taught early day producers how to make a call sheet. I wouldn’t have been as successful without any of that prior knowledge.

What skills do you think you use the most in your job?

Aside from the basics as makeup artist — makeup application, sanitary practices, understanding lighting and how makeup reads on camera/stage, knowing how to work with different skin types and complexions — A HUGE ONE is professionalism. KNOW WHO YOU'RE WORKING WITH! Googling people and learning about them isn’t hard. Figure out what their usual look is. An example here would be: If I have Anna Prosser in my chair I know we’re going to be doing more glam looks whereas if I have Ovilee I know we’re going more natural.

Figure out who crew is quickly. Befriending stage managers if you don’t know the way a show runs is the quickest way to find out “can I pop in for a touch up?”

Mama Rosa applies makeup on Gabriella “LeTigress” Devia-Allen at LCS Summer Split 2021. Photo courtesy of the subject.

How do you find working in the gaming or esports industry different from other industries you’ve worked in? What is unique about makeup within the esports world?

The biggest difference is you’re working with personalities NOT characters / models. You don’t always dictate what the look is going to be. You have to work with the person in your chair to figure out what THEIR brand and look is.

On a film, music video, or fashion shoot it’s normally up to the creative directors and makeup artist to decide the look, but in esports you can’t go in and do full glam for something like Call of Duty. Remember who the audience is and remember who your client is!

What advice do you have for women who may want to start a career in gaming or professionals who want to pivot their careers into the gaming or esports industries?

Just do it. *insert Shia LeBeouf gif here* Put your egos to the side. This is a growing industry; rates are not the highest, shows can be messy sometimes, hours are long, BUT you’ll be working with some of the greatest humans on the planet!

I somehow found a way to combine makeup and video games. I grew up poor. I had my son when I was 18. I was in an abusive relationship. I’m divorced. I didn’t go to college, I pursued a trade instead. I have endless experiences in life that should have prevented me from being where I am today. There is NO excuse big enough that will stop you from supporting your dreams. So kick them to the curb, push, fight, scream, do whatever it is you have to do to get to where you want to be.

Be safe, don’t hurt anyone, and be an overall good person, and you’ll go farther than you ever expected you would.

GLHF!

How can we support your company?

Follow us! Engage with us! And if you need a makeup artist call us! ;) Most importantly if you have more questions for either myself or Lorena never be afraid to reach out. We don’t believe in withholding info about how to break into the industry or what products we use!

Mama Rosa, Co-founder & Lead Artist at Esports Makeup