A Competition Built for SFX Artists

Unlike traditional beauty makeup competitions, the Monster Makeup 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 Makeup 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 designer Lesley 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 Makeup 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 Makeup 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 Makeup Massacre has never been just a competition.

From the very beginning, one of my biggest motivations for creating this event was to bring the Special Effects Makeup community together. As an artist, educator, and mentor, I’ve always believed that some of the most valuable opportunities in our industry come from the connections we make, the knowledge we share and the communities we build around us.

The Special Effects Makeup industry can often feel small and difficult to break into. Many emerging artists spend years developing their skills without having opportunities to connect directly with experienced professionals working in film, television, attractions, and creative industries. The Monster Makeup Massacre was created to help bridge that gap.

By bringing together established industry professionals, respected judges, sponsors, working artists, students, and emerging talent in one space, the competition creates opportunities that extend far beyond the event itself. Competitors have the chance to showcase their work in front of senior artists, receive feedback from industry leaders and build relationships that may lead to future collaborations, mentorship opportunities and employment within the industry.

For many artists, the competition is one of the few opportunities to have their work seen by people whose careers they have admired for years.

One of my greatest hopes is that artists leave the event not only feeling proud of the work they’ve created, but also feeling more connected to the industry they aspire to be part of. Whether someone is competing for the first time or is already an established professional, the Monster Makeup Massacre exists to celebrate creativity, encourage growth and strengthen the Australian Special Effects Makeup community.

Because when artists support one another, everyone benefits.

A Partnership That Made it Possible

The Monster Makeup Massacre would not exist without the incredible support of Netherworld and its owner, Ben Nichols.

When Ben and I first discussed the idea in 2018, we shared a passion for practical effects, creature design, film makeup, and creating opportunities for artists who often work behind the scenes. We recognised that while there were many creative competitions available, there was nothing specifically designed to celebrate the incredible talent within Australia’s special effects and prosthetics community.

Ben’s enthusiasm for film, practical effects, monsters, and creative subcultures made Netherworld the perfect home for the event. From the very beginning, he embraced the vision and helped transform an idea into a reality.

Over the years, Netherworld has become much more than simply a venue. It has become a gathering place for artists and creatives who share a love of practical effects and creative craftsmanship.

The ongoing success of the Monster Makeup Massacre is a testament to what can happen when passionate people come together to support a creative community. The event continues to grow because of the dedication, belief, and collaboration of everyone involved—but particularly the partnership between Netherworld and the artists who make the competition what it is.

Together, we’ve built something that is not only a competition, but a celebration of an art form and a community that deserves to be seen.

Official Sponsors for 2025

Barnes Products www.barnes.com.au

Rowe Advanced Materials www.roweadvanced.com.au

Ripper FX www.ripperfx.com.au

Chad Atkinson

Netherworld

MF FX Studio

Lesley Vanderwalt

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