Netherworld and MF
FX are thrilled to announce that we are teaming up once again for the Monster Makeup Massacre – our SPFX Makeup & Prosthetics Monster Makeup Competition!
We invite both artists and the general public to witness a parade of creative creatures strut the Netherworld catwalk. The event itself will happen on Sunday the 30th of August and is free to check out. The beauty and the horror of creative SPFX creatures of all types will be on display to witness!
MFFX and Netherworld have been working on various projects for the last decade, including our monthly Monster Life Drawing events. MFFX host workshops and classes at their studio in Wynnum which you can check out via www.mfarquharson.com/mf-fx-studio // @_mf_fx_studio. Netherworld’s Monster Life drawing happens monthly on a Thursday – the full event lineup can be seen via www.netherworldarcade.com/events.
If you’re like to take part as an artist, keep reading below!
HOW TO APPLY
Monster Makeup Massacre 2026 happens Sunday August 30th 2026 at Netherworld
Entries Close Sunday 12th July.
Finalists will be announced 19th July.
What is the Monster Makeup Massacre?
The Monster Makeup Massacre is Australia’s Only SPFX Makeup & Prosthetics – Monster Makeup Competition!
Hosted by the worlds greatest Monster themed Bar and Arcade, Netherworld alongside SPFX Makeup artist and owner of MF FX Studio, Megan Farquharson.
How To Enter:
Entries must be submitted via email to Competition organiser megan@mfarquharson.com by no later than 5pm Sunday 12th July. Applications must include entry questionnaire along with 5 – 10 images of your work.
Please read the full instructions on what to include in your entry below.
What to include with your entry:
- Your full name (preferred named is fine, please just be sure to include your last name as well, along with any preferred pronouns)
- Your phone number and email address – we will contact you via email to let you know if you’re a finalist
- Your social media details so we can tag your work
- Tell us a little bit about yourself:
How long have you been doing SPFX/ Prosthetics, Where you’re from, where you studied, what inspires you, why you wanted to enter the comp etc. Also please include any big projects you have worked on in the past, this info will be used to announce you on stage if you should make the finals.
- Images: Please include 5 – 10 images of your work. Images do not need to relate to a specific theme, but would be useful to include SPFX character makeup.
Ensure to attach the images to your email, rather than send a link to a website etc.
Please ensure your images are high quality clear photographs that show your best work. More than 10 images will not be accepted. Overly photoshopped images will be disregarded, a light edit is fine and the use of AI is strictly prohibited.
Full details of the competition:
- The Monster Makeup Massacre is hosted by Netherworld and Megan Farquharson of MF FX Studio. Finalists will be selected once all entries have been submitted. Finalists will be notified via email and announced on social media on July 19th.
- All entrants must design their own original concept to fit with the ‘Monster Makeup’ theme. All prosthetics must be made by the entrant, no ‘bought’ prosthetics pieces are allowed.
- Entrants will be judged on categories such as:
- Prosthetic design and application.
- Colouring techniques
- Overall character design
- Bonus points for:
- Hair styling or bald cap application
- Costuming
- Entrants and models must be available to attend the competition in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane on August 30th and stay until judging has been completed and winners announced on stage. Entrants must arrange their own models.
- The Judging panel will be made up of industry professionals and leaders in SPFX, Prosthetics and Creative makeup. Judges’ decisions will be made on the day and will be final.
- Competition will commence at 11am and finish at 4pm (5 hours total). Upon completion of makeup, judging will commence immediately, followed by a runway and presentation of winner on stage.
- Entrants must arrive at Netherworld for a full run through and runway practice with models at 9.30am
- All brushes, equipment, makeup and removers will need to be brought along by the entrant, no makeup will be supplied. Any portable lighting must be supplied by the entrant.
- All makeup must be applied by the entrant only, no assistants are allowed during makeup application. Assistants may be used for removal after the competition and runway is finished.
- All makeup must be completed on the day during set times, any makeup done prior to this time will be asked to be removed (i.e. no body painting in advance!)
- Models will be required to pose for a photo shoot & walk a runway. Model consent forms must be signed ahead of the competition. These will be emailed to finalists in advance. Photos will be published on Netherworld and MF FX Studio social media sites. These may also be used to further promote the competition for future events. Contestants will also be provided images after the competition.
- Artists are also encouraged to take photos or videos of the competition and characters during the event for their own use. Due to the busy nature of the event, and in the rare occurrence that we are not able to photograph every contestant, Please ensure to make yourself known to the event photographer if you have not had your work photographed on the day of competition.
- In the unlikely event that a selected finalist is unable to attend, the entry with the next highest score will be asked to participate.
- Finalists will be notified by email on July 19th, please reply to this email so we can confirm your place in the competition.
- The Theme is “Monster Makeup’ which can be interpreted in any way you like.
- Pre-tinted prosthetics are allowed, please do not pre-colour or detail your entire piece though, as this competition is supposed to be about the artistry on the day. We will be encouraging our judges to question this painting process, and this will be reflected in the final judging process. Same will go for hair or wig styling prior to competition time.
- Event organisers will take a photo of your model prior to makeup application for judges to reference throughout the judging process, along with a photo of your prosthetic before it’s applied.
- Any costuming must be completed by the time judging commences, ie. you may wish to have your model dressed in their costume for the start, or take a quick break throughout application to ensure this is completed in the allotted time frame. Important Note: Work space and particularly the runway area will likely be a crowded and restricted space, large bulky costumes with long trains/ attachments may not be suitable. Please take this into consideration when styling your model.
- Each entrant is responsible for cleaning their work station afterwards and leaving the area how they found it. Failure to follow competition rules and guidelines will result in disqualification. Entrants are advised that you may want to bring your own compact lighting.
- By entering this competition you are agreeing to all terms and conditions as listed above
