Welcome to Artistry Ave
Kala Kannisto- Professional Makeup Artist
Artistry Ave
In 2016, Kala watched an episode of Face Off, SYFY's creature making competition show, and something clicked—her passion for creative makeup was ignited. As a former theatre major and competition dancer, makeup had always been part of her creative life, but the show made a career in film and stage makeup feel interesting and possible.
She first explored face painting for children before diving into illusion and character makeup during the COVID-19 pandemic, sharing her work on Instagram at @ArtistryAveCHS. After the pandemic, she expanded into bridal makeup and stage productions for local dance companies.
Since then, Kala has trained in Los Angeles with three-time Oscar-winning makeup artist Ve Neill (The Hunger Games, Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice), Emmy-winning artist Debbie Zoller (A Star Is Born, Pitch Perfect), and Academy Award-nominated artist Eryn Krueger Mekash (Stranger Things, American Horror Story). She was also selected for the Last Looks Podcast mentorship program, where she was mentored by Emmy and BAFTA-nominated makeup artist Naomi Bakstad and gained firsthand experience on the set of Disney+'s Percy Jackson and the Olympians in Vancouver.
Kala has worked on independent feature films, short films, commercials, live television, and theatrical productions. Her work has been featured on the cover of Charleston Living Magazine, in The Charleston City Paper and SC Voyager Magazine, on national television, and in an international campaign for Graftobian Professional Makeup.
She especially enjoys prosthetic makeup, creative character design, contouring, vivid color work, and creating seamless, natural-looking makeup. With a background in education, Kala also loves teaching makeup techniques to children and adults, combining creativity, compassion, and artistry to help people feel confident while creating memorable experiences through makeup.
Kala Kannisto, HMUA
THE MISSION
The mission of Artistry Ave is to provide exceptional makeup services where it is most convenient for you. Whether on a film set, in a theatre, in a photography studio or your home, allow Kala to help make your makeup dreams a reality!
Proud to have been featured by:
SpFX Makeup
Beauty Makeup
Creative Makeup
Testimonials
“Every morning when I sat in Kala’s chair on the set of American Deadbolt, she had the best energy. It was the best way to start the day. She helped my character come to life and I hope we get to work together again.”
-Jade Fernandez, Actress Sovereign, FBI, Grosse Pointe Garden Society, American Deadbolt
“Working with Kala is a dream! She has done both character and beauty makeup for photoshoots and it is always a blast. She does research ahead of time and always comes prepared with ideas, inspiration and tools so she can work her magic. When I’m sitting in the chair getting makeup done, I feel comfortable and at ease and she explains what she’s doing and answers any questions I have. Some of the best days of the last few years have been makeup days with Kala, she is endlessly creative and talented! One of my favorite looks she did on me was a “bird of paradise”, complete with colorful feathers down my neck. I am always amazed how she can take an idea or have an inspiration photo and create a work of art on someone’s face. She’s also done beauty makeup for photoshoots and makes my skin look flawless and me look like a princess. She’s passionate and enthusiastic about what she does and it shines through all of her work.”
-Georgia Schrubbe, The Yellow Wallpaper and Other Stories, Owner Holy City Salsa
“She is quick, diligent, and most of all reliable. I’ve worked with her both as a mutual crew member getting to see her work from a more unbiased perspective but also from a Director’s perspective where I have a more critical eye. And I can say with complete certainty that she has never once disappointed me. She has been able to provide the exact effects that I was looking for and do so quickly and intuitively. She has worked around obstacles in production, changing plans, tight schedules, and crazy conditions and she has delivered excellent work and results all while being extremely upbeat and kind.”
-Ben Beauchamp, Writer/Director Moonlight Blue
"As a producer, Kala came highly recommended as a makeup artist for our feature film American Deadbolt. Seeing her skills on display truly elevated our indie film, so much so, that I have heard many comments from fans of the film on the special effects makeup. Especially as the tension and situation in the room escalated, and the characters became sweatier, bloodier, and more disheveled as events unraveled. I would work with Kala again in a heartbeat."
-Clint Ross, Producer American Deadbolt
My Rates
MAKEUP
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Includes consult, skin preparation, and a dewy or matte natural or soft glam look. Perfect for every day makeup or headshots. Thermal hairstyle, braids or simple up do can be added on for an additional $50
$135
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Receive a thermal hair style and makeup application in the comfort of your own home or at your photography studio.
$200
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Includes consult, research time, skin preparation, face paint and any painted effects, remover included. Awesome for Halloween!.
$135+
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$100
Includes prosthetic application in addition to character makeup and kit fee for all materials used to apply. Clients must purchase prosthetics ahead of time on their own. After 3 hours of work, price increases $50 every hour until completion.
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1 on 1 Product recommendation, explanation of colors and side by side makeup application lesson.
$250
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Please email artistryavecharleston@gmail.com for quote
EXTRAS
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Email for quote
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$15 add-on with Basic, Specialized makeup or Character Makeup
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$1 a mile after 20 miles
Let Artistry Ave help your creative dreams come to life with specialized makeup! Witness the childlike fun of adding color, character, and artistic flair for your next Halloween party or photography project.
My favorite place to work is backstage or on set! I always arrive early to insure my space is set up and ready for my actors before they arrive. I like to provide a calm and comfortable space and work quickly. My philosophy is that my job should be done before the actor is on camera and I do my best to ensure longevity of makeup so that as little touch ups as possible are needed. I like to do testing and research ahead of time so I’m prepared and have an accurate estimate of how long makeup will take. I love working on a team and helping the director’s vision come to life!
