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

Brett, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you ever had an amazing boss, mentor or leader leading you? Can you us a story or anecdote that helps illustrate why this person was such a great leader and the impact they had on you or their team?

A boss that stands out in my mind would be Mike “Tattoo” Krausert. He is a creative director, manager etc. with Thirteenth Floor Entertainment. He has many years in the haunted house and entertainment industries and has worked his way up from being a haunted house scare-actor to his directorial positions over the years.

I worked with Mike from 2009-2012 at the scare park Spookyworld/Nightmare New England in Litchfield NH. What separated Mike from other managers was his personality, his dedication to the production, and how he would allow you to express yourself and grow.

He was incredibly easy to talk to and had a laid back but professional aura to him. Someone you could share a lot of laughs with, but also someone you wouldn’t want to let down. His attention to the park was unmatched, and it was truly a special (and scary, in the best way!) place. Whether you were a guest enjoying the park, or a haunter scaring patrons, you felt part of something amazing. Finally, as a fellow artist, he would allow and encourage people to express themselves creatively. As a walk-around roaming character actor, I was allowed to bring my own characters to life and turn an idea in my head into a fully-fledged character to scare people with.

When I moved to California from Massachusetts in 2013, he put in a good word for me to his colleagues out west as I left my home to pursue the entertainment industry in Los Angeles.

Mike was the best boss I ever had!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I began pursuing my career in the entertainment industry from a combination of inspirations. Since I was a toddler, I have always enjoyed Halloween. Dressing up, wearing makeup and costumes, pretending to be someone or something else were some of my favorite memories growing up.

For as long as I can remember, film has always been an inspiration for me. Seeing various productions unfold like magic on the big screen. “How did they do that?” I’d wondered. That magic drew me in. As I learned more about how movies were made, I became even more fascinated, and pictured myself working in them.

As an actor and entertainer, it makes me very happy to see someone enjoy what I do. To garner an emotion from them, depending on what it is I am portraying is special. I like to give back that magic that brought me into the industry in the first place.

I’m an actor, I do voice-over work, work with cosplay, costume fabrication, fx makeup, and produce my own video productions. I’m all about working with what you have, regardless of your budget. My social media handle, Illusion Alchemy, stems from that. Using everyday items, various techniques, constant learning, and just some good old trial an error to produce something awesome.

I consider myself very open-minded, willing to take chances, and have full-blown dedication. Loyalty, integrity, and reliability are values paramount to me.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I have so many ideas and objectives that fill me with excitement. I’m constantly writing down ideas for future projects. To picture something in my head, and how I can create it and unleash it to the world fills me with a passionate drive. That sense of accomplishment is unparalleled.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

As an artist, my passion for my craft drives me to push myself in ways others might find uncomfortable or uneasy. Depending on my various facets, it can mean long hours, working under pressure or completing a project within a short time span. It can also mean dealing with physical discomforts that can come with things like cosplay and character work. At this point, I’m rather used to putting myself in physically demanding creations, such as a bulky and awkward yet highly entertaining walking puppet show, or being in very elaborate special effects makeup with prosthetics, fake teeth, contact lenses etc.

I figure if something can make you that passionate about stepping outside your comfort zone, by all means pursue it!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: illusion_alchemy
• Facebook: Brett Gustafson – Illusion Alchemy
• Youtube: Illusion Alchemy
• TikTok: Illusionalchemy

Image Credits
Initial image – “magic” shot – credit to Krytical Mas Zombie in the forest: credit Rawl of the Dead Photography Ice Climber – credit Dalton Macdonald Vision (Black and white) – credit Mark Edwards Photographer On set of Devil’s Cabaret: credit to Lourvey Bourdan Dracula – credit to HalloweenEveryNight