Born in 1973 in the vibrant city of San Francisco and raised amidst the shadows of Folsom, California, Dan Acosta has carved a chilling path in the world of FX makeup. Embracing his passion in 2012, he embarked on a journey that would blend the realms of horror and art, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Beyond his mesmerizing FX makeup, Dan is a versatile artist, exploring the realms of 2D design and abstract art. Drawing inspiration from the works of iconic figures such as FX master Rick Baker, poster artist Rick Griffin, and the surreal genius Salvador Dali, Dan’s creations embody a fusion of the grotesque and the ethereal.

Throughout his illustrious career, Dan Acosta has left his artistic fingerprints on a multitude of projects, each showcasing his remarkable talent. Among the most notable achievements stands his work on Machine Head’s Catharsis video, leaving viewers captivated and unnerved by his artistry. Other projects, like The Crumbs and Demon Fighter, have further cemented his status as an FX maestro. Beyond the music and entertainment industry, Dan’s craft has graced national commercials, film sets, and various mesmerizing photo projects. Notably, he conducted makeup demos for Paul Mitchell College and contributed his talents to numerous cons, such as Sinister Creature Con where he has been a featured artist for several years, making a mark in the realm of convention culture. You may also find him elevating horrors at the local haunts when the season emerges every year.

Dan Acosta’s niche lies in death-related makeup, ranging from hauntingly realistic depictions to delightfully campy, over-the-top gore. His creations transcend conventional boundaries, evoking a blend of awe and terror, making him the go-to artist for those seeking the strange and macabre. In his pursuit of the bloody and the bizarre, Dan wholeheartedly immerses himself in his art, infusing every piece with a part of his soul.

With each stroke of his brush and every touch of his talent, Dan Acosta unveils a world where the boundaries of beauty and horror converge. His creations are an ode to the darker aspects of the human psyche, enthralling audiences and elevating FX makeup in the region to a form of morbid poetry which recently won Dan an award for his special effects work on a short film selected by the Sactown Movie Buffs Film Festival.

Dan Acosta’s artistic journey continues to unravel, pushing the boundaries of the imagination and exploring the enigmatic corners of artistic expression. As long as there are shadows to be cast and grisly tales to be told, you can be certain to find Dan, forever immersed in his delightfully frightful and wonderfully weird world of FX art. If you want to indulge in Dan’s cryptic creations you can find him as Happy Death or you can join the excitement of Sinister Creature Con June 22nd and 23rd where he will once again appear as a featured artist!