Zerica Griffin: The Artist Behind Ireland’s Most Transformative Makeup

Zerica Griffin: The Artist Behind Ireland’s Most Transformative Makeup

Zerica Griffin isn’t just a makeup artist – she’s a storyteller, a problem-solver, and one of the most versatile creative forces working across Ireland’s film and television industry right now.

From high-glam beauty to hyper-realistic SFX and prosthetics, Zerica has built a reputation for delivering transformative work under pressure, whether she’s collaborating on major productions or stepping into leadership roles on set.

Her work spans film, television, commercials, music videos, opera, and live events with credits including Virgin Media, The Late Late Show, and productions shown in Irish and international cinemas, as well as on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Rakuten.

That dedication has now been formally recognised, as Zerica was recently crowned Best Makeup Artist at the HiStyle Passoã Hair & Beauty Awards 2026 – a major milestone that highlights both her technical ability and her impact within the Irish beauty and creative industry.

In her acceptance speech, Zerica spoke openly about how much the award meant to her, not only as a personal achievement, but as recognition of the craft itself. She also highlighted the importance of platforms like HiStyle in celebrating and elevating the role of hair and makeup artists, an area of the industry that often works behind the scenes but plays a vital role in storytelling.

“Winning this award means everything to me. Makeup has been my outlet through so much. It helped me express myself when I didn’t have the words. This recognition represents years of hard work, resilience, and staying true to my craft. Makeup isn’t just what I do, it’s who I am, and to be recognised at this level is honestly surreal and motivates me even more to keep pushing boundaries and growing within the industry.”

Winning with HiStyle marks a defining moment in Zerica’s career — recognising years of dedication, resilience, and passion, and positioning her as one of the standout artists within the industry today.

What truly defines Zerica is simple; she doesn’t just create looks, she creates impact.

Where It All Began

For Zerica, makeup was never just about appearance, it was about expression, identity, and finding a place where she could truly thrive.

Growing up in foster care while navigating ADHD and dyslexia, traditional paths didn’t always reflect her strengths. However, creativity gave her something different – focus, confidence, and direction.

Makeup became her outlet.

What started as a form of escape quickly became a purpose and a way to build something meaningful from the ground up.

Zerica went on to study Character Hair & Makeup at IADT, graduating with First Class Honours, a major achievement that marked the beginning of her professional career. She was also awarded Student of the Year at Coláiste Dhúlaigh and invited back to speak at her former school.

More Than Makeup — It’s Storytelling

Today, Zerica works across every corner of the industry from screen to stage bringing characters, concepts, and creative visions to life.

Her work has seen her collaborate with well-known talent including Miriam Margolyes, Aidan Gillen, Ciarán Hinds, alongside a wide range of actors, presenters, and creatives across Ireland and beyond.

She has also created work for a music video for President Michael D. Higgins, further highlighting the level she operates at within the industry.

Alongside this, Zerica continues to grow her presence online through @zericagriffin_ and @zericasart, where she showcases everything from editorial beauty to complex SFX transformations.

Her work is not just seen — it’s felt.

Whether she’s designing prosthetics, creating character looks, or delivering flawless on-camera beauty, Zerica brings precision, creativity, and intention to every detail.

Sharing Knowledge & Inspiring the Next Generation

Alongside her industry work, Zerica is regularly invited into secondary schools and colleges, including guest sessions in institutions such as UCD, to teach film and theatre makeup.

For Zerica, teaching is about more than technique. It’s about opening doors, building confidence, and showing others that there are real, achievable paths within creative industries. Having navigated ADHD and dyslexia herself, Zerica is especially passionate about inspiring those who may not thrive in traditional academic environments, proving that creativity can be a powerful and successful career path.

A Reputation That Speaks for Itself

Those who work with Zerica describe her as calm under pressure, highly adaptable, and someone who brings both professionalism and positive energy into every environment.

She has worked across productions for Virgin Media, The Late Late Show, and international film projects, contributing to work that has been recognised across BAFTA-, IFTA-, and award-nominated productions.

Zerica also served as Head Makeup Artist on Amongst the Wolves, a film shown in Irish cinemas and in America — further establishing her presence on an international level.

Career Highlights & Recognition

Zerica’s career reflects both consistency and progression at a high level.

She has spent over 10 years working with The Nightmare Realm, including 3 years as Head of Department, where she led teams, designed prosthetics, and delivered high-impact work under intense time pressure.

In 2024, The Nightmare Realm won Best Makeup at the Haunt Awards, with Zerica leading the makeup department, and she has also been nominated in the Goss.ie Best Makeup Artist category.

What Sets Zerica Griffin Apart

In a competitive industry, Zerica stands out for one key reason — range.

She moves seamlessly between beauty, SFX, prosthetics, and character work, combining technical precision with creative instinct.

But beyond skill, it’s her mindset that sets her apart.

Zerica brings resilience, emotional intelligence, and a strong work ethic into every space she enters, shaped by her journey and backed by years of hands-on experience.

Beyond the Brush

Zerica is also committed to using her platform to make a positive impact.

She promotes inclusivity across all skin tones, mentors emerging artists, and contributes to community-focused projects that empower young people through creativity.

She has also raised funds for homeless charities in Dublin, showing that her work extends far beyond the industry itself.

The Future of Zerica Griffin

For Zerica, this is only the beginning.

With a career already spanning major productions, award recognition, and education, she continues to grow, evolve, and push creative boundaries.

Zerica is not just building a career — she is building a name that is becoming impossible to ignore within the Irish creative industry.

Be sure to check out Zerica on Instagram!

@zericagriffin_ and @zericasart