The Monster Makeup Massacre

Australia’s Premier SFX

 Makeup Competition

The Monster Make-up Massacre is Australia’s original special effects makeup competition, celebrating monster, creature, and prosthetic artistry since 2018 in partnership with Netherworld Arcade

Every year, some of Australia’s most talented special effects and prosthetic makeup artists gather to create monsters, creatures, nightmares, and fantastical characters in a one-of-a-kind competition that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and practical effects.

The Monster Make-up Massacre was founded in 2018 by makeup artist and educator Megan Farquharson in collaboration with Ben Nichols and the team at Netherworld Arcade. The idea was simple: create a competition dedicated specifically to special effects makeup artists. At the time, there was nothing else quite like it in Australia—a competition focused on prosthetics, creature design, character transformation, and the incredible artistry that exists within the SFX makeup community.

What began as a passion project quickly grew into a highly anticipated event, attracting artists from across the country eager to showcase their skills in front of an elite panel of industry judges.

A Competition Built for SFX Artists

Unlike traditional beauty makeup competitions, the Monster Make-up Massacre focuses entirely on monster and creature creation, with contestants needing to make their own prosthetics to compete.

The theme remains intentionally open-ended each year. Rather than restricting artists to a specific brief, competitors are invited to interpret the concept of “monster makeup” in their own unique way. This freedom encourages artists to bring their personal style, creative influences, and technical specialties to the competition floor.

From horrifying practical effects creatures and cinematic monsters to fantasy-inspired beings and beautiful avant-garde character designs, no two entries are ever alike.

The result is a competition that celebrates both technical excellence and creative originality.

Raising the Standard

One of the things that makes the Monster Make-up Massacre unique is its application process.

Rather than operating as a first-come, first-served event, artists submit portfolios of their previous work for consideration. Applications are then reviewed by a panel of respected industry professionals who select the final competitors.

This process helps maintain a high standard of artistry while also giving emerging artists the opportunity to have their work assessed by some of the industry’s most accomplished professionals.

Over the years, the judging panel has included internationally recognised artists such as:

  • Oscar-winning makeup artist Leslie Vanderwalt

  • Emmy Award-winning special effects artist Chad Atkinson

  • Nicola Richards, founder of Ripper FX

These judges bring decades of experience across film, television, special effects, prosthetics, product development, and creative industries, helping ensure the competition remains one of the most respected SFX makeup events in Australia.

A Brief Hiatus and a Triumphant Return

After successful events in 2018 and 2019, the competition was placed on hold during the COVID pandemic.

Like many live events, the Monster Make-up Massacre faced challenges during this period. At the same time, Megan welcomed her son in 2021, and the event remained on hiatus while life and the industry adjusted to a new normal.

In 2025, the Monster Make-up Massacre finally returned.

The comeback event exceeded expectations, bringing together competitors, spectators, judges, sponsors, and industry supporters for a celebration of creativity and practical effects makeup. The enthusiasm from the SFX community confirmed what many already knew: the Monster Make-up Massacre had become an important event for artists who rarely have opportunities to showcase their skills in a competitive environment dedicated entirely to creature and prosthetic makeup.

More Than a Competition

At its heart, the Monster Make-up Massacre is about community.

It provides a platform for artists to challenge themselves, connect with fellow creatives, gain industry recognition, and celebrate the unique craft of special effects makeup.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional, an emerging artist, a student, or simply someone who loves monsters and movie magic, the event offers a rare opportunity to experience the artistry and technical skill that goes into transforming a person into something extraordinary.

Interested in Competing?

Applications, event details, and competition information are managed through Netherworld Arcade and are announced when each year’s event opens https://www.netherworldarcade.com/mmm26/

If you’re an SFX artist looking to test your skills, challenge your creativity, and become part of Australia’s monster makeup community, keep an eye out for future Monster Make-up Massacre announcements.

We can’t wait to see what nightmares you create next.