“We Should Value All Skin Tones Because All Are Beautiful:” Interview with Karen Ramirez
By EJ Mañón
There is more than meets the eye when working with model and makeup artist Karen Ramirez. Karen has been working professionally in modeling and makeup for over 2 years in Arizona and has been working on lots of interesting projects with artists and creatives throughout the state. She has been keeping busy working with different photographers, she has participated and acted in three musical videos with local bands, and models for a beer company. Although Karen Ramirez is somewhat new to the modeling scene, she is a natural, and her inner and outer beauty is unquestionable and inspiring.
Modeling by Karen Ramirez, Photography by KBR, Assisting by EJ Manon
What inspired you to start modeling?
I started as a model when I was in elementary school. Being a model was a dream for me when I was a kid. The first time I modeled was in Mexico in elementary school for a beauty contest called “May Queen”. When I was a teenager, I helped a friend who was a hair stylist by modeling with my hair and makeup. Later, somebody hired me to do runway and hand modeling. In Phoenix, I started modeling professionally two years ago.
What was your first modeling gig?
My first job as a model was with a dear friend of mine named Osvaldo. He gave me the opportunity. He told me one day, “I like your looks and personality. Help me model for a shoot for a beer brand.” That then opened the door for me to do several projects with Feel Good Photography and other Phoenix based photographers.
You experienced several opportunities but your talent does not end there. You are also a Makeup Artist. How did you first start as an MUA?
I saw other girls and models that wore beautiful makeup. I have always been interested in doing makeup. I wanted to do it professionally, so I went to cosmetology school and graduated from there. I did this even before modeling. Now, I’m a Makeup Artist too and also work with photographers when they have a specific idea for a photo when modeling for them. I know how to use makeup in order to make models look good and compliment their sessions.
Modeling by Karen Ramirez, Photography by KBR, Assisting by EJ Manon
Karen is from Sonoyta, she was born in the USA and being back and forth from Mexico to the USA was a regular thing in her life. Being from both places, this is a duality situation for you. Are you able to feel that you can camouflage?
It happened to me because of my looks and my skin color. People think that I am Mexican and I am not legally here. Nothing far from the truth. I have always thought that all skin tones should be treated equally. We should value all skin colors because diversity is beautiful and all skin tones are beautiful. People should not discriminate against other people just because you have a different skin tone. Sadly people still do it and that’s wrong. I adapted to the lifestyle and the culture of the United States because it is different from Mexican culture. Both cultures have their good side but also have their bad side even though both are different. I feel that being between both countries lead me to be somebody that can mix in both cultures.
How did you feel about entering the musical video industry?
I am excited. I am the kind of person who likes to experiment new things and scenarios. Enjoy the projects and be open to new stuff and ideas. Also, being a professional and not only being a model for photography, but for musical videos too. People like my stuff from social media. They like my photos and part of my gigs came from people who see my pictures on Instagram.
What is this effect that you cause on people that see you on professional photos and videos and also work with you?
The people that collaborate with me tell me that they have a great look, and when they interact with me, they find that I am professional and a really easy going person and people vibe with that.
Modeling by Karen Ramirez, Photography by KBR, Assisting by EJ Manon
You have been doing different projects, but have you ever thought of starting an acting career?
Yes, I have thought about acting. Becoming a professional actress is very tempting. I would like to experience the process of acting. As I told you earlier. I want to do more things besides modeling for photographers, such as participating in advertising and videos too. If someone invited me to perform a character, I would not say no to that. It is a challenge for me. I would take it.
You have this knowledge as a makeup artist, model and the beginnings of being an actress. How would you describe your art?
It is really interesting that you ask that. I never thought about it in such a profound way. To be straightforward, I simply enjoy doing things. Sometimes I feel nervous, even though I try to enjoy it more each time that I participate in a project. I try to be natural and everything goes great each time. Things always work for me at the end of the day. There is not a classification or label for my art because I feel I am a diverse person in all the things I do.
Would you like to model for different types of photography?
I would like to experiment more in modeling for photography. I respect people that model nude, but that is not my call at the moment. I think accepting yourself is part of this. In the past I had some issues with my self confidence. People often think because you are in shape and your looks are good you do not have issues with your self esteem. Nowadays, I gain that confidence in every photoshoot, advertisement, or video and probably one day I will have enough confidence to create nude art.
Modeling by Karen Ramirez, Photo by KBR, Assisting by EJ Manon
