Se7en Questions with FX Artist and Writer
Jared Johnson
Who are some of the artists or some of the works that 
inspired you to get started in this field? Of today’s current artists, who do you draw inspiration from?
My two greatest inspirations for FX Makeup and Mask Making were John Carl Buechler and KNB FX, of course. I grew up watching these two. They brought films to life and let the blood flow. My woodworking craft, which is very dear to my heart, I learned from my Grandfather and Father who have been two huge inspirations as well.
Of today’s artists, I really like to follow the Indie guys, Brandon Scott Murphree, Andrew Santagato, Michael Saenz, etc. Their crafts are absolutely amazing and they inspire me to keep pushing with my own projects.
What have thus far been some of the negatives of being an indie artist in your field?
The biggest negative I encountered in the Indie field is being unable to use it as a full-time form of income. Some months are just awfully slow. The other kicker is always fighting with yourself to perfect a project which can be painstaking at times, but nevertheless it’s ultimately enjoyable!
What have thus far been the positives of being an indie artist in your field?
Definitely the people. It makes me super proud that someone is interested in purchasing my craft for their displays or collections. I can’t thank them enough and at the end of the day, who are we without the fans of our work?
What have been your favorite completed projects to work on up to this point? Can you tell us a little bit about them?
One of my favorite projects are my Jason Hockey Mask Display Stands. I made a prototype back in 2009. I worked to perfect it for a couple years before I released it and it has done well, beyond my expectations.
Following that I’ve also created a Phantasm Sphere Display Stand which has done well too, so I can’t complain. Reggie Bannister bought one for his sphere, haha!
What projects are you currently working on or have planned for the near future?
I’ve got three sculpts in the works right now that will be molded and made into latex busts, I can’t release exactly what they are, but nobody has done these yet so I’m keeping them on the hush.
One other project I’ve been tweaking and perfecting is a working voice changer from Wes Craven’s Scream 3. I haven’t seen this prop replica make yet in a working fashion, but it isn’t a simple one.
Where do you see yourself in a few years and what would it take for you to consider your career a success?
My career is already a success in my eyes. I’ve never needed it for full-time income which helps me appreciate it and not get burnt out. I’ve been self-taught, which is a great accomplishment. Surely, schooling would have helped but I just couldn’t afford it.
I have to thank all the friends and artists throughout the years that helped me with tips to really conquer my goals. My next goal is to create a nice enough lineup to start vending at horror conventions and really have a solid catalog to push. My goal is two years.
If you couldn’t do this anymore, what career path do you think you would have followed and why?
If I couldn’t do this anymore, I’m sure I’d still be making ceiling tile at the same company I work for now but it’d be a downer not having this in my life anymore.
If I could choose a different career path I’d choose film scoring or writing novels. I’ve always enjoyed writing and playing music will always be a huge passion of mine.
