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

Jade, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on was creating a silicone prosthetic inspired by Vecna, the iconic villain from Stranger Things Season 4. From start to finish, I sculpted the character from clay and transformed it into a wearable silicone prosthetic piece. As a longtime fan of the show, I was thrilled by the opportunity to bring this impactful character to life and push the boundaries of my creativity.
Over the course of several weeks, I sculpted Vecna’s features using clay on top of a life cast of my model’s face, focusing on his large veins and decayed skin. I molded the clay, varying the thickness of the veins to add depth, creating his monstrous appearance and added fine details such as pores and skin texture for realism. After finishing the clay sculpting, I poured silicone to cast three prosthetic pieces, which were ready to be applied to my model’s face and neck.
During the application, I carefully glued the prosthetics onto my model’s face, starting with the neck piece and working up to the forehead. Once everything was secure, I began airbrush painting with dark purples, reds, and blacks to create a decayed, bruised effect. To finish, I applied a slimy coat to give him a wet, lifelike appearance. This was when my Vecna-inspired look really came to life.
The entire gluing and painting process took about 7 hours nonstop. Seeing my model transform into a lifelike Vecna was an unforgettable experience. This project sharpened my technical skills and deepened my expertise in special effects makeup, giving me the ability to create complex prosthetic transformations I’m truly proud of.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a professional makeup artist and special effects artist from New Jersey, now based in Los Angeles. My passion for artistry brought me to California, where I attended professional makeup school to refine my skills and expand my techniques. I currently work on a variety of projects, including film and TV, red carpet events, commercials, music videos, editorial photoshoots, fashion shows, bridal, and much more!
With over 10 years of makeup artistry experience, I’ve mastered the art of creating diverse beauty looks, ranging from soft to full glams and men’s grooming. ​​Whether creating a natural look or a bold, dramatic style, I love empowering my clients to feel confident in their own skin. I also offer personal makeup lessons, to teach clients everyday techniques. In addition to beauty artistry, I specialize in special effects including, bald caps, prosthetics, injury effects, and fantasy creature makeup. From character transformations to monsters and aging effects, I love bringing these imaginative designs to life.
Designing stunning looks, accentuating natural features, and creating special effects are all areas where I’m devoted to delivering high-quality results that help my clients shine. My brand is built on collaboration, authenticity, and pushing the limits of what makeup can achieve.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Being a makeup and special effects artist is much more than just the finished look; it’s a thorough process requiring technique, precision, and vision. While flawless makeup or intricate prosthetics often steal the spotlight, very few realize all the immense effort that goes on behind the scenes. It takes careful planning, sourcing materials, and attention to detail, all while creating something seamless under pressure.
On set, the work is fast-paced, and sometimes you have less than 10 minutes to complete a look. Locations constantly change, from indoor spaces to unique outdoor settings, where I have to adapt my approach to lighting, environment, and weather conditions to keep the makeup flawless. Transporting a large amount of tools and lighting equipment, sometimes setting up in tight, limited spaces, is part of the process. Long hours on set, constantly on the move and running in for touch-ups, make it a challenging yet highly rewarding experience.

Have you ever had to pivot?

A pivotal moment I had in my career was when I decided to go beyond makeup artistry and create something I’ve always dreamed of: launching my own makeup line. After years of working as a makeup artist I saw that many beauty products didn’t meet my expectations. I wanted to create products that were effective, long-lasting, and comfortable to wear.
Starting my business was a major turning point, allowing me to tap into the entrepreneurial spirit I’ve had since I was very young. I went from working directly with clients to perfecting formulas and creating my lipgloss. I had to navigate the ins and outs of product development, business management, and sales, while building my site, preparing orders, and creating all the packaging to ensure everything meets my high standards. Balancing my makeup artistry career with this business venture feels like a natural extension of my creativity, despite the challenges. Receiving all the outstanding and positive feedback on a product I personally created is incredibly fulfilling. Each product is designed with my expertise as a makeup artist, ensuring your lips look and feel amazing!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jaderainesmakeup.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blushedbyjade_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jade-raines/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JadeRaines
• Other: My Makeup Line: https://blushedbyjade.com/