Today we’d like to introduce you to Layna Dull.
Hi Layna, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story starts when I was 7. My mom took my sister and I to walk through the Boneyard haunted house for the first time. I was so scared and excited at the same time. I remember walking as slow as possible just so I could take in the set designs and being fascinated with how detailed they could make just 1 scene. Eventually we started volunteering at this haunt. I worked at the resale booth with my mom. So I would get into costume and makeup and run around the concession area that also had arcade games set up and scare people who were playing.
Fast forward to being 16 I was planning my Halloween costumes in July and staying up all night playing with makeup.
I got my 1st actual job as a makeup artist when I was 18 at Cutting Edge Haunted House in Forth Worth.
From there I tried to build on my skills and took different avenues just to be able to create Art. I’ve worked at several haunted attractions over the last 13 years. The latest was Universal Studios in Florida doing Halloween Horror Nights. I also face paint and do airbrush tattoos for several entertainment companies across DFW. I’ve also worked on a few indie films as well.
I love art and artistic freedom so any chance I get a new opportunity I will always jump on it.
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?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. I think when you choose art as a career path you have to set yourself up to hustle. There isn’t always going to be another job lined up, especially when you first start. Some things are seasonal and that’s the busiest part of the year and that’s it. The biggest struggle is definitely consistency. As much as I wish I could live, eat and breathe art…I can’t. Reality is I have bills to pay so I need something stable in order to survive. Luckily enough I have an amazing job that works with me on all of my art adventures so I have a lot of flexibility in that area.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Makeup Artist.
I specialize in horror/sfx makeup, face and body painting, airbrush tattoos and beauty and bridal.
I am known for my horror and special effects makeup artistry.
I would say I’m most proud of how far I’ve come as an artist. I’ve pushed myself really hard to learn new things and I’m completely self taught. I’ve had to learn to do things based off images I’ve seen or by trial and error. So I have come a long way teaching myself how to achieve things for desired looks.
I think being versatile and learning different skills across the board is what sets me apart from others. Usually makeup artists will pick 1 area and stick to it. I chose not to do that. The more you know how to do the more areas of work you can pick up.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I love TikTok simply because if I’m feeling blocked I can go on there and see other artists create amazing things and that usually sparks inspiration in myself.
Spotify is also my best friend! Music always puts me in a good mood and inspires me to get things done.
Pricing:
- Face paint $100/hour
- Airbrush Tattoos $100/hour
- SFX Makeup starts at $100 + depending on look
- Beauty and Bridal $75 – $100
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laynadullmakeup?igsh=cHI5cHo0MjlsdDhw
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17ncby52ry/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@laynadullmakeup?si=yh_7SspkLEcpySsy
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@laynadull?_r=1&_t=ZT-926sGFPqE3C
