The art of transformation: an artist’s journey in the world of magnificence and glamour
As lively and as bold as the colors of the palette may be, 23- year old make-up artist from Quezon City aims to promote equality and uphold the rights of the LGBT community in the industry of art, fashion, and beauty.
Jhino “Inoh” Santos was inspired by his mentor, Mama Ome, as he called him as he watched him do his magic as his assistant in Ome’s own beauty parlour.
Passionate beginnings
Starting off small, Santos worked as a freelance make-up artist when he reached college and offered free services to several friends and close relatives.
“I never thought that I will push through this career because at first, I [was] not into make ups, I [only just watch and observe] Mama Ome on how he did his make-up to a client,” Santos told The Spiral Journal in an interview.
It was not only for the love of make-up art itself that Santos pursued to venture the make-up industry but also because he knew with his skills, he will earn more to support his family.
“[It was my family who [inspired] me the most to venture this industry, aside from Mama Ome who [was there to] guide and teach me. I [have] realized that [with this career,] [I will be able to help my family financially],” he said.
It was a struggle for Santos when his mother passed away last 2016 but Santos chose to stand up and fulfill his promise to make ends meet and still support his family.
Santos posted on his Facebook account last May 2016 a photo of a little girl hugging her mother’s casket saying: “Mama promise ko [sa’yo]. [‘Yang] batang nakayakap sayo eh tutuparin ko ang pangarap mo para sakanya. [Kaya] wag kang mag alala at wag kang malulungkot dapat masaya lang.”
On to greater heights
In a rather expected but fast knot of events, Santos’ career eventually blossomed and his potential was soon recognized.
Bagging make-up gigs in well-known industries like ABS-CBN productions, Takatack, an online market place, and a TV commercial of a known telecommunications network.
He is also now a part of the BeautSquad group of make-up artists as a hair and make-up stylist of the HG Studio, a one-stop wedding studio in Quezon City named after its owner, Hazel Gonzales.
His expertise are with airbrush make-up, traditional make-up, and hairstyling.
His works are mostly displayed and posted at his Facebook page, Inohjs Hair and Make Up Artistry where he usually promotes his works.
As part of the make-up team of the ABS-CBN productions, Santos was able to work with celebrities like Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia in their movie, “Love You to the Stars and Back” and also for John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo’s “Finally Found Someone.”
Santos also worked with other celebrities like Arci Muñoz and Lara Quigaman among others. Recently, Santos worked as a bridal make-up stylist for Francis Libiran’s holiday collection shoot.
Part of the LGBT community
As part of the LGBT community, Santos believes his works are as colourful as their community. Aside from his initial goals, he wanted the LGBT community to feel the equality in the workplace.
“I promote awareness and I stand for our rights to work without any discrimination,” he said.
In his Facebook page, Santos often posts pictures of him cross-dressing or practicing his make-up on himself as a form self-expression, promotion of freedom of rights, and representation of the LGBT community.
Santos continues to flourish and extend his work and sets the bar high using make-ups as a fashion statement, a work of art, and an expression of beauty for all gender.