Horror Freak

Anthony Jaskulski is a self taught special effects artist currently working at Dream Reapers – Illinois top rated Haunted House for 10 years running. With the support of friends and family Anthony has let his creativity run wild in the form of masks, costumes and more. He has also created a following here at Horror Society by amazing us and creeping us out at the same time. A very special thanks goes out to E. Haney for introducing us to this freak!!

What’s your favorite horror movie? Why?
I would have to say Suspiria, besides the fact the blood is pink- the overall plot line is entirely original and the deaths are literal works of Italian art. I love that movie, It’s been an inspiration of mine for a while. Art can be found anywhere, especially in death. My favorite death would have to be the girl falling through the stain glass window. Absolutely Beautiful!

Are there any movies that influence your designs? How so?
Absolutely. A lot of my work is somewhere based around either disturbing dolls, twisted and unnatural women, or oddities from another realm. A few movies would have to be Dead Silence, Doll Master, Puppet Master, Ju-On, Ringu, Silent Hill (movies and games), Alice in Wonderland, and Seven to name a few.

Who are some of your favorite special effects artists?

Rick Baker and Tom Savini, of course.

How did you get started with special effects and costume design?
It all sort of started when I was a wee lad, My mother is the master behind creating this beast. She let me watch horror movies as a kid. I was always fascinated by the monsters, I always wanted to be one! What went from yard decorating to outdoor attraction, turned to working at a non for profit haunted house, to working at Dream Reapers. I guess you can say I decided at a young age “Why be a monster when I could try and make them!?”

What are some of the common, hardest, and/or favorite effects you do?
Common I suppose could range from different things. While I’m still in training and I’ve typically only just began my monster-izing techniques, a lot of it is pretty common. From simple shading in the definitive areas, to bruising and age lines. The basics, to me, are what is common. As for Hardest, everything is hard for me right now, considering I have just begun to let my talent come to fruition. Slowly but surely, mask making is in progress. My favorite effect would have to be hand applied makeup, unlike what I stated before, it would have to be with Wolfe FX makeup. These products literally are paints. From simple face painting to intricate designs- it can really showcase your talents.

How did you get involved with Dream Reapers?
Funny story about that, while I was working at a Non for Profit haunt, the actor managers at the time came around and taught a quick acting class for us. I suppose they noticed my talents were a little bit too…out of the ordinary, compared to the other teenagers and adults around me. While the second year was steadily approaching, things didn’t work out for the Non for Profit haunt, which allowed me to set my sights higher. From there, Dream Reapers was my dream job, no pun intended. It just kind of went downhill from there.

anthony3 332x400 Horror Freak What kind of training is involved to be part of Dream Reapers?
Well, Actor Training is a must for almost any activity at Dream Reapers. Meetings for actors, of which training takes place, are usually held on Saturdays within August to September. If you have makeup or other skills, training isn’t necessarily needed. If you have the talents, Dream Reapers is an amazing place to showcase them. It is fantastic, if you are just starting out, with no idea how or where to place yourself, let alone find who or what you are- you can pretty much observe and mentor under one of the talented artists there. The Makeup department is amazing, and very patient. I’ve learned a lot from them, their talent is endless! That goes for both departments, Airbrush and Hand Applied (which is where I shall be.) I have never felt so welcome anywhere else, let alone my own home, then at Dream Reapers. It’s been an amazing experience, and the great thing is- It’s going to be for a while!

What can we expect from Dream Reapers?
This year is going to be intense. Expect the best that Dream Reapers has to offer this season! With about half the house completely revamped, the new and detailed sets are simply to die for. I don’t want to ruin the surprise for those who have been there regularly; But I will forewarn you, Uncle Elmo has some pretty choice cuts, be sure not to get lost in the mirrors, and you’ll think twice before going into a fallout shelter again! Wait until you see it’s rather vibrant inhabitants!!

What do you do in your off season when Dream Reapers is on hiatus?
I spend most of my time coming up with new ideas for characters at Dream Reapers. I can say I’ve been through many, almost 22 failed or trashed character ideas for the haunt. You really don’t start figuring out what you’re set on until July, well, for me at least. Otherwise I’m working on expanding my creativity, talent, and training- as well as brushing up on my horror background. Oh, and I can’t forget the Conventions!

Any photos of past work?
Many photos I have are either on my myspace or somewhere in my computer. But, as each design progresses for the characters at Dream Reapers, photos will be taken of every makeup design in it’s earliest to latest stages. Expect photos as the month progresses!