Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos Gomez.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As a kid, I loved Horror movies anything that had to do with Slashers, Creatures, and Ghouls enticed me; this also sparked my love for Halloween and Special Effects Makeup. I would research effects artists like Dick Smith, Rick Baker and Tom Savini to try and copy and learn from them. I watched DVD extra’s to catch a glimpse of the process of creating creatures for horror movies. I remember being scared of the Zombies in the 2004 Dawn of the Dead remake but it wasn’t until I saw the BTS (behind the scenes) portion of the dvd that really got me interested in learning the art of making monsters. I would buy tissue paper and school glue and make my own paper mache masks, I would cut up any cardboard I could find and make something out of it, my parents would later tell me as a kid I was happier receiving masking tape and paint than any actual toys.
When I reached High School, I actually started to develop mold-making and sculpting skills making full head sculptures of zombies and witches with which I made into wearable rubber masks for cosplay and Halloween. Needless to say, my art teachers were a bit weirded out, eventually as I further developed my skills and my creatures/costumes improved in quality, I started receiving requests for Latex masks and props from some of my friends in school. Some of my family members even wanted me to make their Halloween costumes for them.
When I graduated, I explored the idea of becoming a Special effects artist, further asking some smaller studios for internships and somehow got my foot in the door! Learning from some experienced artists and over time developing my own techniques, I increased my skill set and created my own unique style.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It wasn’t always smooth sailing starting out I couldn’t get my hands on any real effects making materials, all I had was cotton balls, school glue, and cheap chalky paint from the corner store, as time went on, I would later be able to afford materials such as latex and water-based clay.
As a 12 years old asking your mom for a 50-dollar gallon worth of Liquid latex is a bit outlandish but thankfully, I had my family to support me and my weirdness.
All throughout school, I would make masks and props for fun or practice if I didn’t have something to make three dimensionally, I would draw and sketch out the creatures and monsters I had in my head.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am Monster Maker. I’ve created latex masks and props for Halloween and Cosplay purposes. I have worked on small independent films as well as theatrical plays (mostly for my college). I specialize in making latex and foam masks for anything horror-related, whether that be a ghost girl or a grotesque rotting zombie. I’m known for making creatures on extremely low budgets mostly student films, my proudest achievement would have to be working for one of my favorite bands and lending a small part to the Slipknot music video Nero Forte.
I’m definitely stubborn when it comes to making creatures and scary characters, I never let any obstacle get in my way when it comes to getting the job done and making the creature come to life.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
A few of my favorite horror related books would have to be Shutter by Courtney Alameda and Cuckoo Song by Frances Hardinge, something a bit more fantastical would be The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. It’s a very fun and very detailed read. Also, anything involving Guillermo del Toro The Strain book series is amazing!
A good source of inspiration for me would also be listening to stories from the r/nosleep subreddit filled with stories of skinwalkers and peoples experiences with the paranormal it’s very fun for anyone interested in the Horror genre.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @carlosgomezFX
Image Credits:
Models : Alyssa Pajimula, Alex Rostran, Carlos Gomez Photography credit: Alyssa Pajimula, Carlos Gomez
