Jonathan has over 10 years of experience in custom mask and prop creation including, but not limited to, television shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel as well as the recently released Adam Sandler film Strange Wilderness. His work is featured on his website Monster Asylum as well as other popular horror mask sites such as Fearscape. His work ranges from character masks to staggering full size props. Now lets go Behind the Mask and see what led to Jon becoming one of our industries top mask and prop makers...
How did you get started in the business of mask making?Hard to say really. I think with every aspiring FX artist you get into mask making. Look at how many of hour hero's and mentors did masks and still make masks to this day. I made my first mask for Death Studios called El Diablo. Soon after that I was making masks and selling them on feebay. I spent a few years in L.A workin on movies but on the side I was making masks and collector busts.
Here we are today. Still making masks.
Please describe in detail what lead to your passion for the horror genre and or the Halloween holiday? Also, if you have any fond childhood memories or experiences that may have sparked your love for the hobby?I'd hate to call it a hobby since this is how I make a living and support my family. As a kid I loved horror and Sci-Fi. My father let me watch Evil Dead when I was 9. To this day The Evil Dead series is my all time favorite. The greatest childhood memory was meting Tim Gore when I was about 13 or so. I lived in Spring Valley California at the time and was invited to his home. I could not believe my eyes. Every inch of his room was FX madness. From zombies to creatures to Horror Movie posters blanketing the walls. It was a Horror Haven. From that moment I knew what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to be Tim Gore!!
Who or whom was the biggest influence in your life and how did that effect who you are today?Tough question. Lets do it this way.
1-Tim Gore for introducing a young kid into this amazing art.
2-My mother for supporting me and not thinking I was some mental case for loving Horror.
3-Father for Evil Dead.
4-Steve Wang for always being there to look over my work and keep me inspired.
5-Jordu Schell for telling me I had to take his course. I would not be half the sculptor I am today without his guidance.
6-Lee Romaire One of the coolest guys I have ever known. Always there for me and helped me through my virgin years in Horrorwood.
What do you do in your spare time when you are not making masks or doing something work related.
I love to Fish. Bass fishing is the best. Hitting the gym.
Spending time with my family when I can think straight and this business isn't driving me crazy!!!
I enjoy Football season. I will not leave the T.V on Sunday. GO CHARGERS!!!!
What was your first sculpt and or mask making experience? Were you a natural or did it take time to hone your skills? How much have you learned since then?I sucked.. It is hard to believe I do what I do with how I started. I think I sculpted this hideous horned demon out of that crappy plastalina. I think that is what it was called(big white brick).
What project have you worked on in the past that you would consider your favoriteI cant. Just give me about a month of making them and I hate it. Just want to do it again so it can be better.
But if I had to choose one I would say my ultimate BUB. Wish I still had that guy.
How has being a husband, father, or being in a relationship affected your work and are they supportive of what you do? It is very hard. Being a stubborn passionate artist can make it very hard for those around you. I can be a real dick when stressed out over this stuff.
My kids love it. But, if my wife had a choice I think she would want me doing the whole 9-5 thing. This is not what you would call a steady income job.
What projects have you accomplished in your career that you feel really cemented your legacy in the business. Was there a point where you took a step back and said, “Wow, how am I going to get all these orders filled”? I took on everything my self and got into some really bad situations. When it comes to my family I'll take on too much to support them. Then in the long run I fall behind and that's when you start losing money and your reputation starts getting questioned. I am far from being cemented. Still trying to make a name for myself.
What were some other low points in your career when you had to take time to reflect and ask yourself if this business isn’t right for you? Right now! Things are not easy right now.
What upcoming project if any can you share with us? And what are your plans for the upcoming year?
Just doing the same thing really. Trying to come up with new designs that buyers will love and appreciate. Being able to get pieces mass produce that actually look good is very exciting. Those will be available starting in July. Finally I can get nice masks I can be proud of to those who cant afford High End pieces.
Please be sure to visit
http://monsterasylum.com for even more pics....
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