SFX Aruba | A Niche Within The Makeup Industry: Special Effects Makeup
We are all familiar with the traditional beauty industry, whether we take make-up classes or hire a make-up artist to do our makeup, but did you know there are niche categories within this industry as well? Today we collaborate with one of our own #BoldTeam members, Francis, as she shares how she started her own company in this one a kind industry.
SFX Aruba…how it started
In 2018, Francis was finalizing her third year at the University of Aruba. Being the driven goal-getter that she is, she wanted to learn the ins and outs of managing a business and understanding all of its responsibilities while also learning a new skill that would provide an additional income (all of this, while being a full time student and a mom). So in that year, Francis registered her business and SFX Aruba (Special Effects Aruba) was born.
Founding her own business inspired her to apply the knowledge gained in her thesis and to also deliver a unique service in the filmmaking & videography industries. As more projects started coming her way, she combined her other skills and grew in to a Social Media Producer as well.
The beauty of enjoying what you do
Francis tells us that being able to contribute to creative projects is one of the most rewarding and satisfying aspects of having her own business. Running SFX Aruba has also opened many doors for Francis in terms of connecting her with key people in the industry. She considers this an achievement as well because not everyone gets to truly enjoy what they do for a living. “I started this business noticing a gap that could contribute to the growth of quality in the film industry, which so far has shown me that there is a demand to have a makeup artist on set.” says Francis.
The art of special effects makeup
When asked what she loves most about being a special effects makeup artist Francis said: the imperfection of it all. If you really look at it, being in the special effects makeup industry is like art, very unique and has a science of its own. You actually get to get your hands dirty as it involves lots of measuring, sculpting, crafting and painting, when it comes to preparing a prosthetic. It’s a profession that will literally put you to the test. You have to have the ability to think fast, solve problems and be very resourceful while also showing you that imperfections are okay, it doesn’t always have to be perfect.
What keeps her going
This industry is still somewhat unknown in Aruba but that’s what makes it special. What keeps her going and motivated is being able to inspire others so they too can learn and maybe even have a career as a special effects makeup artist. The possibilities are endless and that’s the message Francis wants to share. You can make magic happen when you put your love and dedication to each project.
Thinking about a career in special effects make-up? Here’s the 101 on what you need to know according to Francis. “You will probably start doing wounds with tissue paper and liquid latex on yourself, this is completely fine!” says Francis. Practice makes perfect! It’s important you research and do lots of reading, this will probably take most of your time. It’s essential you understand and study factors that can possibly have an influence in your work i.e climate change, duration of makeup wear, paint types, skin types, look of the character and even lighting on set.
It’s important you take it seriously, because it is an art. It’s a beautiful career and goes beyond creating spooky halloween makeup. SFX makeup artists give life to new characters.
Follow SFX Aruba on social:
• Facebook
• Instagram
• TikTok
