Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyasia Fields.
Hi Kyasia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
After doing cosmetic makeup for a few years I was asked by multiple clients to start doing Halloween looks (skeletons, day of the dead, zombies, etc.). I didn’t really know how to do it but I learned very quickly. I’ve always loved Horror films growing up so the passion for special effects makeup just grew from there. I went from doing Halloween parties on campus, to working at major haunted house attractions, to working on sets of films and music videos.
While in college I knew I wanted to do more than just makeup. My passion for Horror academia sparked towards the latter years of undergrad with push from professors and mentors and with the likes of films like “Get Out” and Documentaries “Horror Noire” I knew I wanted to create a space for Black Horror content creators to be expressive and safe in their fandom while telling the stories of how they grew to love the genre; so in late summer of 2020 I launched KyFx Horror Group, a multimedia platform supporting inclusion in the Horror genre while accentuating the importance of Black Horror fandom.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, the road hasn’t been as easy. I went on a small hiatus from doing makeup completely because I was so overwhelmed from college and moving back and forth and the DFW to Houston trying to establish myself after graduating. I felt that over time, I wasn’t growing in my artistry and wanted to give up on makeup completely, especially with how “perseptionally” Instagram and social media was oversaturated with makeup artist.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a special effects makeup artist, podcaster, writer, and founder of KyFx Horror Group.
– I have been a freelance special effects artist for 7 years. Specializing in gore, wound work.
– The podcast, Monstrosities Voice: Horrors Untouched Conversations is the podcast discussing more in-depth concepts and troupes within Horror while highlighting the black experience in the genre.
– I also write Horror Non-Fiction, Expressive Blogs, and academic articles.
I am most proud of my ability to channel all of my talents under the umbrella of KyFx Horror Group. I have told by multiple people to focus on one thing and stick to that. I knew my passion was more than makeup and I knew I had the capability to let all of my talents shine. I think it is cool that everything I do sits under the umbrella of Horror. I think that’s what sets me apart too, that I can tap into so many different things to express my love for the genre while making progressive stances to make sure everyone is represented properly on film.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The main quality I feel that is important to my success is the passion. If you don’t love what you do and truly understand your purpose for doing that then you won’t be a success (or you may not feel the true essence of that success). I understand that this is bigger than myself. This is to inspire someone that looks like me whether that is black, queer, etc.; that they too can use their fandoms and passions and run full force with that. It’s totally fine to be a nerd and make a living doing that.
Contact Info:
- Email: kyasiafields0@gmail.com
- Website: www.kyfxhorror.com
- Instagram: @kfhorrorgroup | @MVHUPodcast | @KY_FX
- Twitter: @KY_SFX
- Youtube: KYFX Horror Group
