Intro to Special Effects
Class Description
Ages 13+ with parent or guardian permission.
A waiver is required at the time of registration for all participants under 18.
Intro to Special Effects Makeup is a six-week, hands-on course designed for beginners interested in the art of creating realistic injuries and theatrical makeup effects. Students will learn the fundamentals of special effects makeup, including hygiene and safety practices, color correction, bruise creation, anatomy, cuts, burns, scars, and both edible and non-edible blood effects. Throughout the course, participants will build their skills through guided demonstrations and hands-on practice, culminating in the design and application of a complete original injury effect. By the end of the class, students will have a strong foundation in SFX makeup techniques, a professional starter kit to take home, and the confidence to continue creating on their own.
Week 1 9/20: Course introduction, materials overview, class expectations, allergy testing, and special effects kit orientation.
Week 2 9/27: Hygiene and safety practices, color correction, hair protection techniques, and eyebrow blocking.
Week 3 10/4: Facial anatomy and realistic bruise creation, with guided hands-on practice.
Week 4 10/11: Advanced injury effects, including cuts, burns, and scars, while expanding bruise techniques.
Week 5 10/18: Refining cuts, burns, and scars, plus creating realistic edible blood effects.
Week 6 10/25: Final project, design and apply a complete injury using all techniques learned, including both edible and non-edible blood formulas.
Price
This class is operating on a sliding scale. You may purchase the class at a rate you feel financially comfortable with, up to the maximum class cost of $350. All students will receive the same instruction regardless of payment.
There is an additional $150 materials cost for this course that will be included in the price.
Dates & Times
This class meets on Sundays, September 20th through October 25th. The first class will meet from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. then all remaining classes will meet from 3:00 – 5:00 pm.
Materials Required
Materials Not Included: Individual Special Effects Makeup Kit $150
Available for purchase upon registration at the time of checkout.
All products are FDA-approved. Each student keeps their kit after the course.
About the Instructors Kristina Dabrowski
Kristina Dabrowski is an award-winning special effects (SPFX) artist, makeup artist, and educator based in Erie, Pennsylvania. A self-taught artist specializing in practical effects, she works in character design, prosthetics, cosplay, face and body painting, and film.
In 2025, Kristina was named First Runner-Up in the Seattle Crypticon LIVE SPFX National Competition and was recognized by the Stan Winston School of Character Arts as a "Best of" showcased artist. Her work has been published in Unboxed Magazine, featured in the award-winning film Pact of Vengeance (available on Tubi), and she has received multiple film credits on IMDb. She has also appeared as a special guest face painter at Fall Monster Fair in Niagara Falls, New York.
Locally, she serves as a Teaching Artist at the Inner City Neighborhood Art House, where she teaches youth special effects makeup, cosplay, prop building, painting, and design. She is an active community artist, providing face painting for festivals, fundraisers, private events, and organizations throughout the region, including Fiesta in the Square and the Inner City Neighborhood Art House 5K.
Her classes combine professional techniques with a supportive, hands-on approach, encouraging students to build technical skills, creativity, and confidence while exploring the exciting world of special effects artistry.