Today we’d like to introduce you to Connor Hayes.
Hi Connor, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began my journey in the world of special effects as a haunt actor at a local haunted house in Omaha, Nebraska, nine years ago. After my first season, I transitioned to the makeup team, where I started learning the fundamentals of airbrush makeup. Throughout college, my passion for the craft grew, and I realized I wanted to bring my skills to the world of film and television. This led me to Orlando, Florida, where I enrolled in a professional makeup school to expand my technical knowledge. Over the past three years in Florida, I’ve had the opportunity to work on multiple television shows, corporate commercials, feature-length films, and short films, continuing to develop and refine my expertise in makeup artistry.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This journey hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Breaking into the film industry is challenging—especially in a field that relies heavily on word of mouth and personal connections. In my experience, you can’t simply apply for film jobs like you would in most other industries. I’ve had to be proactive, constantly joining local film groups, staying engaged in online communities, and keeping an eye on who’s creating projects in my area. It’s definitely a double-edged sword: while I can’t always control when or where the best opportunities come up, some of the biggest productions I’ve worked on have come from people reaching out to me directly.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
II am a makeup artist specializing in practical effects, with a strong focus on creating highly detailed and visually striking looks. I take pride not only in the quality of my work but also in the professional, positive experience I provide on set. One of my greatest accomplishments is how far I’ve come in my career in a relatively short amount of time. What sets me apart is my distinct artistic style and versatility—I offer a wide range of services including beauty makeup, sculpting, molding, mask making, and prop creation.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
One thing I wish I had known when starting out in the film industry is that your business skills often matter more than your craft. It’s essential to invest time in learning how to market yourself, network effectively, and communicate your value. No matter how talented you are, if you can’t confidently sell yourself and your work, it becomes much harder to land opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://connorhayesfx.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billy_effects/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/connor.hayes.50529
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14188761/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1
