Today we’d like to introduce you to Kassandra Jackson.
Hi Kassandra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my brand back in 2012. I worked as a Beauty Advisor in a supermarket. My job was to educate, and book clients who came over to the health and beauty section of the store. I didn’t think anything of it at the time, it was my first venture towards becoming an MUA. It was a different time, I had to rely on gorilla marketing such as business cards, cold calls, and word of mouth. I needed a lot of hands on training, so I would often practice my art on friends, family and myself to start off with until I finally took clients professionally. Through the years of leveling up and more practice I was able to meet like minded individuals of the film, special effects industry. I took classes and learned from my mentors such as Hosway Martinez, and Phillip Zain Dias. In 2017, I took an SFX class hosted by Tyler Green from FaceOff learning the art of mask making & prosthetics. I really enjoyed leaning the ins and outs of the craft. Then, in 2022 I visited Rashaad Santiago who is also from FaceOff. we would sculpt and fabricate monster suits, puppets and miniatures for indie and Hollywood style films! And since then my career has never been the same. I am so grateful to learn and create with everyone i’ve met in my career.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being an entrepreneur has its ups and downs for sure, I feel like i’ve gone through most of what small business owners go through, especially in the beginning of my career. Funding myself and having the finances to continue to build my brand has always been an uphill battle. But with the correct mindset and perseverance i’ve been able to push through even the most difficult of struggles. My career has been really rewarding as well, meeting and being able to learn and give back to the industry and community I am in has been nothing but fulfilling. If I had to do it all over again I would.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Special Effects/Live Action Creature Artist. And I specialize in gore, creatures, props and beauty. Anything that requires practical effects. I’d say I am the most proud of my ability to keep pushing through even when things like Ai gets in the way. It’s difficult to navigate through something that’s changing the entire industry I am in. But there are lots of artists who also believe in practical effects and the authenticity of their work. I can push through any adversity within my career, and navigate what works for me as an artist.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I would have to say Instagram, Facebook and Youtube have been the stars of the show as far as learning and assisting me in my craft. I also find that speaking with my peers help and educate what and how i’m supposed to do my job.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kassfxstudio
