Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alayna Morales. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alayna, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

When I was little I was obsessed with watching the VHS tape, Making Michael Jackson’s Thriller. It had interviews from John Landis, Rick Baker, and Michael Jackson. It had all the behind the scenes from pre-production to the actual video shoot. I think I watched this at least 3 times a day. It was fascinating to see the transformation of all the characters in the video shoot. From then on I ventured into the world of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. These two films alone were the true reason behind my love for makeup.
I think I secretly always knew growing up that I wanted to do something different. I didn’t want to be a “normie” in society. I did always try and fit in with everyone else, but I always ended up doing everyone’s makeup and being part of a project. I took this with a deeper meaning and made a shot to try and do art and makeup professionally.

Alayna, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a haunt actor and makeup artist. My art is a combination of horror and special fx, glam makeup, and body painting. I find passion in creating works that are unique and terrifying. I also enjoy creating psychedelic body art.

I started out in the world of makeup when I was 19. I was battling a deep depression at the time and remember drawing in my sketchbook and thinking, “Why not try this on a bigger canvas and make body art.” I began watching makeup tutorials and special fx videos and kept working on techniques to make myself better. I found such immense joy in creating and growing my skillset. I eventually posted enough of my art and had the opportunity to help my friends with their Halloween looks and special events. I never thought that I would even make it that far, but as an artist it’s not always easy to believe in your own abilities. I ventured further into the world of makeup and showcased myself at conventions like Dragon Con and Days of The Dead in Atlanta. I had the opportunity to meet so many creative individuals and truly get my name out there. I was able to do a photoshoot with Joe and Shelley Dawson, which eventually introduced me to my haunted house, Nightmare’s Gate. I have such immense gratitude for Joe and Shelley helping me grow confident enough to showcase my work and help me find my passion of haunting. They will never truly know how much that means.

Nightmare’s Gate Haunted House has been my home for 6 years. I was given the opportunity to do makeup at the haunt and was shown the proper techniques of airbrush painting as well as makeup application. The haunt has provided me with not only makeup experience and memories, but also helped me with social interaction and business management skills. I was given guidance on how to run my own outside makeup jobs and was also provided with learning opportunities about body molding, silicone/latex application, and also costume distressing. I am forever indebted to everyone for helping guide me into the person I am today. The haunt has truly helped me showcase my looks and one of these looks landed me as the creator of not just one but two book covers for the author Charles Campbell. These book covers were truly shining moments in my career. You never dream of having people trust you enough to put their ideas in your hands and it is truly an honor.

I am most proud of myself for continuing to grow in art and for not giving up. As an artist it is very hard to not doubt yourself or feel inadequate. In those moments you have to remind yourself of how far you have come and to keep going.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I have had to unlearn being shy. I used to be petrified of speaking to the general public. I was never really well versed on initiating conversation or expressing myself adequately. I think that I was always nervous to know what everyone’s perception of me was. Makeup and character creation helped me break out of my shell. Being in costume helped me become a different version of myself and I felt that makeup gave me power. Eventually I learned that you don’t have to be in costume, have contacts on, or be in full makeup to be confident and to talk to people. Being a queue line actor as well as a makeup artist at the haunt helped me become more of an extrovert. I also had to stop being afraid to advertise my work. Art is subjective and not everyone will understand your creation, but you never know who you will meet or where your creations will bring you if you don’t try. Unlearning self doubt is truly the hardest part about being an artist.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The mission behind my creative journey is to make myself proud. I want to know that I have created art that not only looks unique, but also peaks interest and curiosity. I want people to see me and be able to trust me with their looks and feel not only heard but also seen. I want to make people feel beautiful and also terrifying. At the end of the day when someone sees their face and looks at you and says, “WOW….this is amazing…”, you know you have succeeded.

My goal for the future in my creative journey is to keep thriving and learning. I don’t want to find myself in this world without art or creative expression. My next venture into makeup will be sculpting, mask making, and sewing. I aim to be able to create art full time as well as collaborate with other horror artists.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/jukeboxbaby78
• Instagram: @jukeboxbaby78
• Facebook: Alayna Marie
• Twitter: @jukeboxbaby78
• Other: [email protected]