Monsters in Makeup: 5 Questions With Face Off Season 7 Winner Dina Cimarusti

I knew before the show I wanted to switch careers, but being so new to the industry and living in Chicago where not a ton of movies are being filmed, I wasn't sure how to go about it. I did my first makeup just over a year ago and never really worked on a set before. I've been decorating cakes for over 10 years and know everything there is to know about that industry. So, wanting to switch to an industry I know nothing about left me feeling very intimidated.

 

I am insanely camera shy and a very reserved person, so even when watching Face Off in the past I would think "How the hell do they put themselves through this?? They must be nuts!" I never even considered being on the show until my teacher Anthony Kosar brought it up to me. It took a lot of convincing from friends and family for me to even consider it. I think what was the biggest push for me was knowing it would help jump start my career. I didn't think I would ever get noticed unless I did something crazy like being on Face Off! I have a hard time promoting myself, and I think it's because I've always worked behind the scenes my whole life. I've worked in a kitchen for almost 14 years, so I've always been hiding in the back and never got any real credit for the work I put out. I feel like Face Off showed the world what I can do, and I'm so happy I went out of my comfort zone for once in my life. It really paid off in the end. I'm now way more confident that I will make it in the SFX industry. 

 

 

I like to think I make beautiful creatures. I love fantasy and Sci-Fi. Even when it's something scary or creepy, I still try to add an element of beauty. I like to make characters that you are freaked out by, but can't stop staring at. I'm not big into covering things in blood and guts. I think it's because of my love for color. I love a makeup that catches your eye, which is why I usually stay away from dark/gory makeups. I am very detail oriented, which I think comes from the cake decorating. I love adding the tiniest little details that you might not notice right away. I draw a lot of inspiration from nature. There are so many crazy animals out there that already look so alien, so I love researching insects and sea life when I'm coming up with new creatures. 

Most of my favorites are usually comedy horror films, like Basket Case, Cabin in the Woods and Re-Animator and sci-fi horror films like Slither, The Thing and The Faculty.

I have a few projects I'm working on in the next couple months that I can't say much about! I plan on working with Anthony Kosar on a couple things that are kind of my dream projects, so look out for that! I'll also be working on some new creature busts that I'll have available for purchase. Also, the Walker Stalker convention is coming up and I have something really awesome planned for that!