Inspiration can be found in many different aspects of life. More often than not, people are inspired by things like internet quotes, compelling public figures, family members and stories of overcoming adversity.
However, if you are Danielle Russo, a junior studio art major at Syracuse University, your source of inspiration may surprise people. As a special effects makeup artist, Russo finds inspiration in horror films such as “It,” “The American Werewolf in London,” “Halloween” and “Nightmare on Elm Street.”
Three years ago, Russo’s appreciation of horror films and love of art quickly turned into a lifelong passion after stumbling upon the SYFY show “Face Off”— a competition centered around the artistry of special effects makeup.
“I was blown away by the artists’ ability to transform people,” said Russo. “After watching the first episode and researching the artists, I knew right then and there that this was the type of art I was meant to pursue.”
Photos: Christiane Dowling
After experimenting with flour and Vaseline to create “scars and gashes,” she began to master the basic skills of special effects. Soon enough, Russo was displaying her art in local theater productions and independent film projects.
As her skills became more developed by her senior year of high school, Russo decided that she was going to turn her hobby into a potential career path.
“My dad looked at me one day and asked, ‘Why can’t you make this into a career? You have the passion and the drive, make it happen,’” said Russo. “None of the prominent artists in this field got their start doing special effects… I am going to be the first.”
Despite her family’s support, others challenged her passion and her future plans to pursue it. As a senior in high school, Russo’s art teacher censored her art by denying her the ability to choose special effects as her medium for the Advanced Placement art concentration despite there being “no preferred or unacceptable content or style” in the AP Studio Art Portfolio Requirements.
“In high school, I was told this isn’t considered real art, and that technical art is the only thing that would make me successful,” said Russo. “I suppressed my hobby because of what other people thought about it.”
Upon graduating high school and coming to Syracuse University, she was shocked to receive nothing but support from her peers, her professors and the university. One of her biggest supporters is her faculty advisor and professor in the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
“What she does is so unique, “ said her advisor. “I can definitely say I have never seen a body of work like hers before.”
In support of her passion, Syracuse University’s School of Visual and Performing Arts is funding the supplies Russo needs to practice her art. This includes materials such as foam latex, alginate and a mannequin bust. These materials will be used to complete current and future art projects.
Photos: Christiane Dowling
In her second-year studio art class, Russo has been tasked with creating a unique project that highlights the use of color. Thanks to a flexible curriculum, she is free to create art that reflects her special effects talents.
“I am going to incorporate my passion for special effects by creating combinations of sculptures and paintings that portray human color in times of distress such as frostbite, asphyxiation, loss of circulation and bruising,” said Russo.
She hopes that completing projects like these will prepare her for future opportunities in special effects. In May of 2021, Russo will be interning with Synthetic Cinema International, a movie production company that specializes in horror and thriller films. She will be working alongside professionals in the special effects makeup department.
After graduating from Syracuse University, Russo hopes to work for a production company similar to Synthetic Cinema International. While most special effects artists don’t pursue this profession early in their art career, Russo hopes her drive and early start in the industry will assist her in achieving her dream as quickly as possible.
“The more people that point out the obstacles in my path, the more it fuels my passion,” said Russo. “With the right attitude and support system, there is nothing you can’t accomplish.”
Vocabulary list:
Compelling (adj): evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way.
Adversity (n): difficulties; misfortune.
Stumbling (v): find or encounter by chance.
Mannequin (n): a figure used to display clothes in a store window.
Asphyxiation (n): the state or process of being deprived of oxygen
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hailey Womer is a third-year student at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York pursuing a dual major in Public Relations and Political Science. With interests in communications, public diplomacy, and politics & government, she hopes to use communication to grow the passions of the public and advocate for others. In her free time, you can find her editing social media content, engrossed in the fashion trends of the season, catching up on the latest political buzz, or on a philanthropic mission to make the world just a little bit brighter!