The 7 Most Influential Black Women in Special Effects Makeup History
In the world of horror, special effects makeup plays a crucial role in creating terrifying creatures and gruesome scenes that leave audiences screaming. I dare say it is the unsung hero that decides how far a horror movie will go, much like Metro Boomin’s “Not All Heroes Wears Capes”, summing up the behind-the-scenes magic of SFX makeup. These artists are the masterminds behind visceral, heart-pounding movies we have come to love and expect from horror movies. However, the industry has historically lacked diversity, with few opportunities offered to women of color to show their talents.
As we celebrate Black History Month, I’m here to highlight the ground-breaking contributions and achievements of seven Black women in the world of special FX makeup. From pioneering legends to emerging talents, these artists have made a significant impact on the world of horror.
Bernadine Anderson
In an industry where diversity is scarce, the legendary Bernadine Anderson emerged as Hollywood’s first Black woman in both makeup and SFX. Anderson found it difficult to get work in film during the 60s. “They just wouldn’t let minorities in. It was a harsh industry to break; no matter how hard you tried, you couldn’t break it,” Anderson stated in an interview with World Bride Magazine. Anderson’s impressive resume boasts iconic films like Coming to America, Boomerang, What’s Love Got To Do With It, Harlem Nights, Police Academy 6, Bad Company, and Another 48 Hrs. But it’s her work as the makeup supervisor for Wes Craven’s Vampire in Brooklyn that solidifies her status as an SFX queen.
As the mastermind behind the film’s gruesome murders, Anderson’s makeup designs brought a level of realism to the supernatural mayhem. Her transformation of Eddie Murphy into a vampire is a demonstration of her creativity and specialized prowess. Anderson’s groundbreaking career has paved the way for future generations of makeup artists, and her legacy continues to inspire.
Angie Wells
Angie Wells is a master of metamorphosis in makeup, smudging magic on the faces of Hollywood’s elite. With a portfolio spanning film and TV, Wells has earned multiple MUA nominations, including one for Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration.
As a black woman in a predominantly white, male-dominated industry, Well’s success is a mirror of her persistence and dedication to her craft. Her work on Emerald Fennell’s Promising Young Woman showcases her skill and creativity, transforming Carey Mulligan’s character, Cassie, into a chameleon of revenge. Wells’ approach was rooted in the human psyche, crafting disguises that looked self-applied, adding a haunting layer of realism to the film. The iconic hot pink lips that adorned the film’s poster symbolized Cassie’s transformation, conveying rage, vulnerability, and empowerment. Wells’ thoughtful use of lip color wove a narrative that was both beautiful and unsettling, reflecting Cassie’s mood and personality, often opting for deeper, more intense shades to convey her character’s darker emotions.
Debi Young
With a career spanning over three decades, Debi Young, the Jamaica-American Beauty and SFX makeup artist has brought to life some of the most unforgettable characters in cinematic history. Wells’ impressive repertoire includes her stunning work on HBO’s Bessie, as well as collaborations with music icon Mary J. Blige on The Wiz Live! and Oscar-winning actor Mahershala Ali on True Detective. Debi Young has earned her fourth Emmy nomination for her outstanding work on the critically acclaimed series Mare of Easttown.
With her fourth Emmy nod, Wells solidifies her position as one of the most talented and in-demand makeup artists in the industry.
Carina Ojoko
Carina Ojoko, aka CarinaSFX, is a Special Effects Artist rising to prominence in the Nollywood scene. With a portfolio that boasts work on blockbusters like Blood Sisters, Brotherhood, and The Trade, the Nigerian-born artist has become a force to reckon with in the world of special effects makeup. In an interview, Carina revealed that she honed her skills by watching YouTube tutorials and practicing for herself and her friends. Thereafter she enrolled in Del York Creative Academy in 2019, where she underwent a baptism in the dark arts of SFX.
CarinaSFX’s Instagram portfolio is a must-see for horror fans, movie producers, and makeup artists alike to understand the expanse of her creativity. Carina’s passion for special effects makeup shines through her work, from the subtlest texture to the most dramatic injury effect. Her feed is filled with gruesome injuries, perinatal effects, traumatic injury simulation, and realistic prop creation that showcase her incredible talent and versatility as a special effect makeup artist.
Ashley Valentina
Ashley Valentina’s fascination with the grotesque began at a young age, fueled by her mother’s nursing books and a curiosity that drove her to craft fake vomit and blood. This obsession blossomed into a successful career as a special effects makeup artist, with a passion for creating realistic and gruesome effects. A mostly self-taught mastermind, Valentina abandoned the Multimedia Makeup Academy to forge her own path. Six years into her professional journey, she’s transitioned from beauty and wedding makeup to the darker realm of special effects, inspired by the lead makeup artists on AMC’s The Walking Dead.
Valentina’s tricks include crafting realistic bruises, open wounds, scars, and prosthetics, often utilizing unconventional materials like dry rice to achieve disconcerting realism. Her ultimate goal is to join forces with major special effects studios and films in Los Angeles, with an Oscar win firmly in her sights.
Salai Spriggs
As an African American woman, Selai Spriggs‘s dream is to redefine the face of SFX in the special effects makeup industry.
“I am so proud to be an African American woman in the special effects community. Representation is key, and we all deserve to have a role model that may look like us, act like us, or speak like us,” she declared in an interview with Shout Out Atlanta. Selai’s descent into the depths of SFX began with an insatiable curiosity and a willingness to defy the odds. She recalls, “I thought I couldn’t do it. I thought it was too hard, and I lacked the proper training. One day I woke up, and I was tired of keeping all of my creative ideas to myself, so I took a leap of faith, bought supplies, created something, and put it out for the world to see.”
This SFX siren specializes in crafting realistic and gruesome effects, employing unconventional materials to achieve unsettling realism. Her passion for horror movies and gore fuels her creativity. The ultimate goal? An Oscar win, of course.
Feyisayo Oyebisi
Feyisayo Oyebisi’s descent into the world of Special Effects began with an early fascination with visual arts and painting. Her internship on the set of Edge of Paradise incited a passion for makeup and special effects, which she honed through years of working on various productions. Her creativity has earned her accolades and nominations for the prestigious Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards.
Ajuwaya marked Oyebisi’s full-time foray into the world of makeup and special effects, and since then, she’s left an indelible mark on Nollywood. Her twisted creations can be seen in Ayinla, King of Boys 2, Ajosepo, and Ile Owo, for which she received a 2023 AMVCA nomination for Best Makeup and Special Effects. Oyebisi’s nightmarish visions continue to haunt the Black Cinema.
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