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

Maria, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Circa 2019, I was at one of the lowest points in my life. Without a creative outlet, I felt completely lost, consumed by the monotony of daily life, caring for others while neglecting myself. I knew I needed something to change, something that reignited a spark inside me. Growing up, I had always been told that being an artist wasn’t a “real” career. The stigma of the starving, struggling artist was ever-present, and I felt pressured into pursuing a more conventional career—something that would satisfy others and keep my wallet full, even if it left me feeling unfulfilled.

By 2019, I was craving anything creative like a ravenous beast. I desperately needed an outlet, something to remind me of who I was at my core. Scare acting had always been on my bucket list, something I dreamed of trying but never had the guts to pursue. Fear of judgment and criticism held me back. But eventually, I decided I couldn’t ignore it anymore.

Scared out of my mind, I signed up for my first audition. The moment I stepped into that world, I felt something awaken inside me—a spark I hadn’t felt since my high school art class days. I dove headfirst into that scare season, completely falling in love with the experience.

During that time, I was convinced that to work as a makeup artist in the industry, I would need formal schooling—years of expensive training. When I learned that what really mattered was talent and a portfolio, not a degree, I was beyond excited. I had always dabbled in makeup but never fully pursued it out of fear of failure. That season gave me the confidence to start exploring that side of myself more seriously.

Then the pandemic hit, and suddenly, I had time—time to focus on myself and my art. I spent hours watching online tutorials from industry experts, absorbing every bit of information I could about SFX makeup. I practiced constantly, trying out new techniques, and posted every single look I created on Instagram, even the ones that weren’t perfect. With every look, I grew better, and I started to refine my craft.

At that point, I worked primarily with creme-based and water-activated paints, using scar wax and traditional tools. It wasn’t until 2021 when my home haunt, Hundred Acres Manor, decided to switch to airbrush and alcohol-activated paints that I started exploring airbrush techniques. Once again, I immersed myself in learning, watching countless videos and practicing nonstop.

I was fortunate to have Spencer Dillman as a mentor, someone who not only guided me through the process but also gave me the confidence to believe in myself. His mentorship sharpened my skills and encouraged me to push my boundaries. With his help, I honed my craft, creating gruesome, creepy creatures that now invade Hundred Acres Manor every fall.

If I had never taken the risk—never trusted in myself enough to pursue this path—I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside some of the best and brightest in the SFX makeup world, traveling across the country and growing as an artist. Taking that leap was the best decision I ever made. It changed my life.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi! I’m Maria Monsters, a makeup artist and scare actor at Hundred Acres Manor. I’ve always had a love for Halloween, horror, and the creative world of makeup. But like many, I didn’t pursue my passion right away. For over 10 years, I worked in healthcare, a field I respected, but I always felt there was something missing—a part of me that needed to express creativity in a darker, more artistic way.

In 2019, I decided to take a chance on something that had been on my bucket list: scare acting. It was a terrifying leap, but it reignited a creative spark in me that I hadn’t felt in years. That led me to explore the world of special effects makeup (SFX), something I had always admired from afar. When I realized that a formal education wasn’t a barrier and that a strong portfolio and raw talent were the keys to getting into the industry, I knew I had found my calling. I immersed myself in learning, practicing relentlessly, and building my skills in SFX makeup.

Today, I work with haunted attractions, creating gruesome, eerie characters that terrify and thrill guests. My focus is on bringing characters to life through detailed and realistic makeup effects. At Hundred Acres Manor, I not only scare guests as an actor but also create some of the hauntingly realistic makeup looks seen throughout the attraction. I also travel across the country, collaborating with other haunts and events in the industry.

In the world of haunted attractions and horror, makeup isn’t just about making someone look scary—it’s about creating an immersive experience. I help my clients by transforming ordinary actors into monsters, creatures, and nightmares that feel disturbingly real. Whether it’s a decaying zombie, a possessed demon, or a grotesque creature, my job is to make sure that when guests come face-to-face with these characters, they feel fear, fascination, and awe. I create looks that hold up under the demanding conditions of a haunted house, from intense lighting to long hours of performance.

I think one of the things that sets me apart is my unique journey into the industry. Coming from a healthcare background, I’ve always had a fascination with the human body, anatomy, and how things work—this definitely influences the way I approach makeup. I’m not just thinking about how something looks, but how it functions, how it moves, and how it decays or transforms. My makeup reflects that attention to detail, whether it’s a gory wound, rotting flesh, or a creature that looks like it’s crawling out of your worst nightmare.

Another thing I pride myself on is being self-taught. I learned SFX makeup through countless hours of studying and practice. I’m always evolving, always pushing myself to learn new techniques and try new things. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside amazing mentors like Spencer Dillman, whose guidance has shaped me into the artist I am today. My makeup isn’t just about creating a look—it’s about storytelling, about making each character feel like they have their own twisted history.

I’m incredibly proud of the fact that I took the risk to follow my passion and make a career out of it. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the best in the industry, and seeing my work come to life in such a visceral, impactful way is beyond rewarding. It’s not just about scaring people—it’s about giving them an experience they won’t forget.

I want people to know that I pour my heart into every piece of work I do. Whether I’m creating a look for a haunted attraction or crafting something for a personal project, I approach it with the same level of passion and dedication. I want the actor sitting in my chair to feel empowered and confident in their makeup, transforming them into the creature they desire to be. My work isn’t just about the scare factor; it’s about creating an immersive, unforgettable experience. I love pushing boundaries and exploring the darker side of creativity, but at the end of the day, it’s the reactions from people that make it all worth it.

If you’re a fan of horror, haunt makeup, or just love the creativity that comes with the spooky season, I think you’ll find something to connect with in my work. Every character, every look tells a story, and I’m always excited to bring new nightmares to life.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

One day, I was doom scrolling through TikTok when a video from Will Smith popped up. He was talking about doing something that terrified him, but doing it anyway. The message of the video was simple: “Do shit scared.” That really resonated with me.

As someone who’s battled anxiety, depression, PTSD, and severe postpartum depression, fear has been a constant companion. I’ve been scared of a lot of things in my life—taking a chance on myself, facing the unknown, and just living. But that motto stuck with me. “Do shit scared” became a personal mantra, and because of it, I’ve pushed myself into incredible, life-changing experiences that I never would have imagined.

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

A core mission driving my creative journey is passion and joy. It may sound simple, but that’s really what it comes down to. I believe that artists and creatives don’t pursue these fields just for a paycheck or to do a job—they’re driven by a deep passion for their craft. It’s about something that sparks joy within them, and they use their creativity to ignite that same joy in others.

For me, following what sparks joy has guided me on the most incredible creative journey. It’s not always easy, but the reward is seeing the impact my work has, whether it’s a haunting character I’ve created or a piece of makeup that tells a story. That passion is what keeps me going, and I hope to continue inspiring others through my craft.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariasmonsters