Meet Connor Hayes

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Connor Hayes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Connor, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

I get my work ethic from wanting to contribute great things to my field and believing in myself enough to pursue those goals. I stay engaged in my craft by continually practicing my existing skills while pushing myself to learn new ones. Even on my days off, you’ll usually find me sculpting a new mask, painting, or experimenting with new techniques.

I also draw a lot of my work ethic from the people I surround myself with. Being around other artists in my field motivates me and inspires me to keep pushing, especially through challenging moments. Their passion fuels my own and reminds me why I’m dedicated to growing and improving every day.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am a practical effects artist, and I create realistic makeup effects for film and television. With over eight years of experience, my work ranges from beauty makeup to special effects, sculpting, molding, and detailed painting. I truly love what I do—there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing my creations come to life on the silver screen or show up in everyday media. As an artist and a business, I’m steadily growing each day, taking on new challenges and expanding my skill set.

Some exciting news: I recently launched an Etsy shop where I sell handmade sculptures, foam props, and foam prosthetics. It’s been a great way to share more of my art directly with people who appreciate practical effects. You can also check out my website, connorhayesfx.com, to see more of my work and stay updated on what’s new.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The three most valuable qualities to have as an aspiring makeup artist start with staying humble. I’ve seen many newer artists act like they already know everything, and it almost always backfires. Being open to learning—no matter your experience level—is what helps you grow.

Another important quality is learning from more than one artist. I’ve improved my own craft simply by sitting next to different people, observing their techniques, and trying them for myself. I take my favorite attributes from each artist I admire and blend them together to create something new and uniquely mine.

Finally, use your free time to search for new opportunities. This can be as simple as reaching out to past clients, checking in with people you’ve worked with before, or exploring online postings for fresh projects. The hardest part is finding the work; the reward is getting to do the work. Staying proactive, curious, and hungry for growth will take you far in this field.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents ever did for me was believe—wholeheartedly—that I was going to make it. They’ve always been my number-one supporters, reminding me that I’m capable even when I start to doubt myself. Living states away from my family can make things tough, especially during moments when I really need encouragement or guidance. But no matter the distance or how busy life gets, they always make time for me. That constant support means everything, and I’m truly grateful for it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://connorhayesfx.com
• Instagram: @billy_effects
• Facebook: Connor Hayes