Top 5 Special Effects Makeup Artists in Chicago, IL
If you’re producing a film or photo shoot, you may be in search of special effects makeup artists. Special effects makeup artists can transform your cast into characters that align with your vision. They can also create realistic injuries and wounds to enhance the realism of your production. Chicago, the site of Gotham City in The Dark Knight (2008), is no stranger to special effects.
Special effects makeup is a form of art that takes years of practice. An experienced special effects artist should be hired to ensure that your production is as life-like as possible. Ready to start your search for special effects makeup artists in Chicago? Check out this list of the city’s top special effects makeup artists below.
VirgoSfx
VirgoSfx is owned by Pia Macias, a professional makeup artist who began her career in 2014. Growing up, she was not allowed to watch horror movies or scary TV shows, but this did not deter her from developing an interest in special effects makeup.
Pia has created haunted house monsters, creepy masks, wounds, bruises, and more. She's based in Chicago but happily travels for events, photo shoots, and productions. This artist prioritizes realism in her creations and applies knowledge of anatomy in her work, and her favorite part of the special effects process is character design. Pia starts with original concept sketches to develop a character and brings them to life through stupendous makeup.
Kosart Studios
Kosart Studios is owned by J. Anthony Kosar, a talented special effects makeup artist who has worked all across the continent. He's extremely skilled in creating high quality special effects looks for film, television, photography, and theater.
J. Anthony started working as a special effects makeup artist when he was just 16 when he created his first foam-latex prosthetic. He taught himself sculpture and special effects makeup through trial-and-error and on-the-job experiences. The team at Kosart Studios specializes in all forms of special effects makeup, including hyper-realistic age, true-to-life trauma, and creative fantasy. The studio has worked for a variety of notable clients including HBO, Showtime, and NBC.
RK Fisher Makeup and SFX Artist
Rochelle Kreisler-Fisher is a special effects makeup artist with over 15 years of experience in beauty and special effects makeup. She has placed an emphasis on designing and creating HD film quality SFX injuries, characters, and creatures.
Her skills include sculpting and mold making, application of prosthetic materials, life casting, bald cap application, bruises, aging, tattoo application, and more. Rochelle is passionate about her craft and works as a team player; she loves to collaborate with others although she's based in Chicago, she's ready to jetset for a production wherever she is needed.
Beautoria
Beautoria is owned by Viktoria, a licensed cosmetologist and special effects makeup artist with over 15 years of experience. She's received certifications for special effects makeup application and master makeup artistry. Her certifications have been earned at Cinema Makeup School in Los Angeles and the Airbrush Academy in Illinois.
Viktoria has worked in leadership positions in the cosmetics departments at Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom. She also has years of professional experience in clinical skincare as an assistant manager at a dermatology center. Viktoria specializes in bridal and special occasion makeup, but her wide range of skills allow her to accommodate a variety of occasions and events.
Kristine Else
Kristine Else is a freelance makeup artist with over 9 years of experience. She spent over 5 years working as a certified MAC Makeup Artist where she was able to strengthen her skills. She's extremely passionate about makeup and always searching for ways to improve her artistry. She values the ability to share what she knows and continue learning as her career progresses as a makeup artist. She runs a beauty and makeup blog to share her knowledge with others and build an online community.
Kristine is certified by Kryolan Special FX as a special effects makeup artist. She's adept at creating realistic wounds and burns on various parts of the face and body. Kristine has been taught by industry leaders and celebrity makeup artists including Mario Dedivanovic and Tatiana Ward.