Special effects artist creates Halloween looks with everyday items
By Melissa Fry
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OMAHA, Nebraska (KETV) — Heather Waite, a special effects makeup artist, is showcasing how simple tools can create chilling Halloween transformations as part of her annual 31-day challenge.
“This is the way I get my creativity out, if I don’t I might go insane,” Waite said.
Waite’s talent for special effects makeup has taken her to film and movie sets for years. Every October, she challenges herself to create spooky looks using everyday items that anyone can find.
“This you can just get from any grocery store, just look for Knox gelatin, it comes in little packets,” Waite said.
She also uses latex, tissues, cotton balls, foundation, and crushed eyeshadow to create different shades.
For one of her recent challenges, Waite transformed a participant into a character with burned skin.
“It’s so creepy,” said Conni Fry. She’s the mother of KETV Anchor Melissa Fry. She willingly volunteered to have her face done up by Waite.
Waite explained the process as she worked. “Start putting some colors on here, and we’ll do it in different layers,” she said. The latex created the appearance of melted skin, and she added black makeup and fake blood for a dramatic effect.
“Let’s put some blood in it,” Waite said, holding up a bottle. She also demonstrated how to adjust the blood’s texture and color. “You can even affect it to be darker, thicker, thinner. So this is kind of a cool product.”
The entire look took Waite about 20 minutes to complete.
“Ironically, being a special effects artist, I feel like less is more, because our brain can come up with so much more,” Waite said.
The transformation was a hit. “Oh my god! I love it,” said Fry.
She loved the look so much, she drove her grandson Charlie to football practice while still in character. Standing at the back of the field, she caught the attention of the coach, who approached her and asked, “Can I help you?”
Charlie’s response? “I don’t know, this lady has been following me.”
Waite’s work highlights how creativity and simple tools can bring Halloween characters to life.
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