Meet Christina Kortum | Special Effects Makeup Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christina Kortum and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christina, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In the early two thousands, I visited LA and several different special effect makeup shops because I was interested in getting into film . What was striking was there were no women in any of the shops I visited, and I was regaled with stories of how much they were not welcome either. So I bought materials and decided I would start my own business without an existing glass ceiling.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started my company Ravenous Studios in 2009 . It was a bit of a mid-life crisis in that I had a career as a database designer, a family to support, and an already busy life. However I wasn’t fulfilled artistically. I had a creative arts degree and training I had always meant to get back to, and then life happened. So I was a bit older than your average special effects makeup artist when I dove into film, but I fell in love with the art and the industry. There were nights where I was screaming at molds the wouldn’t open, silicone that wouldn’t set, and sculpts that were not doing what I wanted……but with all those challenges the joy you get when I creature arrives on set and everyone ooos and aaahs makes it worth it. That you brought this fantastic creature to life, and it exists in more that words on a page. I truly love my job, have sacrificed much to be where I’m at, and I try to bring that passion to every project my company takes on.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I think the coast is always both inspiring and calming, and that would be one of the first places to take someone. Magnolia Blvd in Burbank also has lots of spooky and fun Halloween themed stores which is right up my alley in my line of work, which is fun to share. I am a big fan of the outdoors, so I would also take a friend on a drive down Hwy 2 in the Los Angeles mountains, especially when the wild flowers and cacti are blooming.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Ben Steeper, a director who has been a wonderful collaborator and the voice of encouragement.

Website: Www.Ravenousstudios.com

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Image Credits
Kenneth Dixon