Monstrous Makeup
A different kind of transformation
Words by Sam Lauron Photos by Eric Morales
Makeup is often thought of as a tool to enhance one’s appearance. But for special effects makeup artist, Jennifer Cunningham, makeup is the medium in which to create an illusion.
With a background in theater and painting, Cunningham found herself involved in many pursuits throughout her career that gave her a chance to do makeup in a fast paced environment. “I’m really used to getting dramatic looks done in a hurry [and] under stressful circumstances,” she smiles.
Combining her art background with her knowledge of makeup artistry, she eventually landed gigs doing special effects makeup. The first time she was offered an opportunity to do special effects (FX) makeup on a film set, she remembers “it just clicked.” Cunningham credits her previous freelance gigs, whether beautifying a bride for her special day or creating dramatic stage makeup for her daughter’s dance production, for preparing her to work efficiently which she says is “a great skill to have on any set.”
FX makeup is used in productions to transform a character’s appearance. While FX makeup is often used to create wounds and horror scenes, it can also be applied to make subjects appear sick, aged, dead, or “disheveled,” according to Cunningham.
Cunningham does a range of FX work for commercial clients, indie films and music videos, not limiting herself to just one style. What she considers to be her specialties are color, shadow, and light while combining those techniques to create a dramatic transformation. “I love it when a person opens their eyes and looks in the mirror, and they’re like ‘Whoa, that doesn’t look like me,’” she enthuses.
In addition to her commercial work, Cunningham has been teaching special FX makeup classes at Austin School of Film at Motion Media Arts Center. While most of the classes at the school use digital tools as their medium, Cunningham’s class is all about learning how to work with your hands and experiment with different products, including grocery store items for recipes to produce special looks. “We get to make a big nasty mess, and it’s fun,” she adds.
Cunningham’s career has offered her the opportunity to expand her line of work, experiment with new techniques, and empower others with the skill of FX makeup, but witnessing the reactions to her transformative makeup work on her client’s faces will always be the most rewarding part. “When people are kind of grossed out,” she grins, “that means I did a good job.”
Learn like a Pro
Cunningham teaches the Special FX makeup classes at Austin School of Film at Motion Media Arts Center (2200 Tillery Street). Throughout the three courses offered, students learn the process of FX makeup beginning to end. Sign up for courses at austinfilmschool.org.
Contact:
jenheartsart.com
@jenheartsart
