Monster Maker of the Month May 2019 (part 1 of 3!)

The stories of the Artists behind the art of Monster Maker of the Month (3 Part Series)

Monster Maker of the Month contest sponsored by The Monster Makers

Howdy Folks!

                A few years back, we’d often receive photos of your incredible Monster Clay sculptures. We thought, “Why keep these all to ourselves?” And so, Monster Clay Sculpt of the Day was born! 2 years and 40k followers later (WOW!), we began to see more and more submissions from other Monster Makers related products like Theatrical Latex Foam, RD-407, Mask Paints, ProTac; you name it! Inspired by all the diverse monster makers of the world, we launched Monster Maker of the Month this past May.

Every Monday Wednesday and Friday we showcase a different Maker who will be in the running for Monster Maker of the Month! The winner will receive a prize (valued up to $50) with 2 runners up who will also receive a prize package.

This will all culminate in a grand prize 2019 Monster Maker of the Year winner who will be rewarded a grand prize pack valued at over $1000!

It’s simple to enter. All you have to do is:

  1. Follow @monstermakers on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook
  2. Post a picture of your latest creation and tag us in the photo
  3. Add the tag #ILoveMonsterMakers

This past month we were delighted to see over 100 different entries! We’d like to share with you the stories of the artist behind the art in this 3 part series.

Apple Love (@apple_molita on Instagram) won May 2019’s Maker of the Month with her piece “Blue Sea Dragon”.

Monster Maker of the Month winner Apple Love's  
"Blue Sea Dragon"

Monster Makers: How would you describe your art style?

Apple Love: I love to think that my art is the combination my experience, my emotion and nature. My art style is normally soft and strange but there is always a hint of beauty.

Apple Love
Apple Love

MM: What/who are some of your inspirations for the art that you create?

AL: I grew up in rural Cambodia and lived close to the jungle along the Mekong River. Because I can’t swim I am really passionate about aquatic animals. So a lot of my design is inspired by sea creatures.

A lot of my design inspiration comes from the natural forms I see in my daily life. I am passionate about things like the textures of trees and the flow of water. I appreciate the flow of sculpting.

"Blue Sea Dragon"

MM: How would you describe the work that you do?

AL: I would describe my work as a magic wand. I am really fortunate to have found out about my passion as a young adult. Makeup, body paint, and special effects have transformed my life like magic and it has kept me living with light and hope everyday. My work has made me to who I am today and has allowed me to meet so many amazing people.

MM: Do you have any particular goals with your art?

AL: I am the first Cambodian to come to USA for cinematic makeup (Cinema Makeup School in Los Angeles, CA.) My goal is to work hard and achieve as much as I can to set example for Cambodian girls.  We can do anything as long as we put our hearts into it. After the war in Cambodia, the country lost all its artists, from singers to painters to makeup artists.

We have no role models to look up to and I am hoping one day my story will be heard and there will be hope for a young Cambodian girl again. I am hoping I can give back to my country and open a makeup school. I want to be able to help and provide poor kids in my country with thorough education.

Makeup, body paint, and special effects have transformed my life like magic”

Apple Love and her team applying the makeup for  
"Blue Sea Dragon" at Wondercon 2019
Apple and her team from Cinema Makeup School applying the makeup for
“Blue Sea Dragon” at Wondercon 2019

MM: What are some of your most important art tools? Is there something you can’t live without in your studio?

AL: I love GOOD Sculpting clay. Monster clay is my favorite. I like to feel how the clay flows and follow where it leads me during my sculpting process. I also love The Monster Makers Life Size “Ed Head”.

I’ve  moved residences a lot in the last few months and I hate to carry my 40 pound Ultra Cal life cast around everywhere I go. I visit my family in Sacramento a lot and I always tried to find way to sculpt while I’m there. Thankfully I found the Ed Head. Now I can sculpt whenever and wherever I want.

 Completed "Blue Sea Dragon" at Wondercon 2019
Completed “Blue Sea Dragon” at Wondercon 2019

MM: Do you have a favorite project that you’ve done so far?

AL: The Blue Sea Dragon that won this month’s challenge is my favorite project. Not only was it my first time doing a complete creature, but I also got to demo the look at Wondercon. I had so much fun working alongside all my teammates who helped me create this creature. It was the hardest project I’ve done because we were working on a very tight budget but still wanted to present a high-quality, unique look. I love the result and can’t wait to create another creature soon.

"Blue Sea Dragon" by Apple Love

MM: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

AL: The anatomy and the base of a sculpture is vitally important.  Love a good flow on sculpting. I took a sculpting class by the master Don Lanning. He taught me about how to create the flow on your design and how everything fits tightly together.  “Remember the flow” he said; I’ll always remember that.

To see more of Apple Love’s work, follow her on instagram at @apple_molita Learn more about Cinema Makeup School here