About me

Lou Smolny

Hey, I'm Lou!

I am a freelance special effects makeup artist from Switzerland and a passionate film lover. Horror and thriller films have always fascinated me and sparked my enthusiasm for the world of special effects makeup.

Creating something with my own hands is an important part of who I am. I love transforming ideas and visions into something tangible – whether it’s fantasy, sci-fi, or horror.

What particularly excites me about this work is the ability to reproduce anatomical details as realistically as possible—shapes, structures, and the tiniest nuances—while blurring the boundaries between reality and fiction. This is exactly what makes my work so exciting for me.

For me, the most beautiful moment is when an initial idea turns into something that you can actually see and touch.

All my creations are created with great attention to detail and meticulous handwork – inspired by the art of classic Hollywood effects.

Through my many years of experience in the field of special effects makeup, I have developed the ability to recognize individual wishes and needs early on and to specifically address the requirements of each project with my expertise.

I possess versatile expertise – from modeling, mold making and material processing to prosthetic and mask fabrication, as well as complex makeup techniques and on-set support.

Project highlights

  • Season of the Witch – Reto Hanselmann (2026)
    Lead Makeup Artist – Makeup Design & Applications
  • Bateaux Blanc – Commercial video Company name (2026)
    Head Makeup Artist – Makeup Design & Applications
  • Silicone Mask «The Devil»
    Head of Makeup Department – Design, Mold Making & Airbrushing
  • Prop Rental for «Frankenstein» – Turbine Theater (2026)
  • ISZL Musical Annie Jr. (2026)
    Head of Makeup Department – Makeup Design, Applications & Course
  • Musical Factory (2026)
    Lead Makeup Artist – Makeup Applications
  • Zurich Pop Con (2026)
    SFX Booth
  • «Rent» the Musical – Gymnasium Muttenz (2024)
    Makeup Artist – Makeup Applications
  • ISZL Spelling Bee Musical (2024)
    Head of Makeup Department – Makeup Design, Applications & Course
  • Fantasy Basel (2024)
    SFX Booth
  • 7 Vibes Journey (2024)
    Head of Makeup Department – Design, Mold Making & Airbrushing
  • ZHAW commercial spot (2023)
    Head of Makeup Department – Design & Makeup Applications
  • ISZL Musical «13 the Musical» (2023)
    Head of Makeup Department – Makeup Design, Applications & Course
  • Roost Optik anniversary commercial (2023)
    Head of Makeup Department – Design, Makeup Applications & Wig work
  • Halloween at Schloss Wyher (2023)
    Makeup Artist – Makeup Application
  • ISZL Musical «Into the Woods Jr.» (2022)
    Head of Makeup Department – Makeup Design, Applications & Course
  • Halloween at Schloss Wyher (2022)
    Makeup Artist – Makeup Application
  • Models Klick Agency – Advertising spots & portfolio shoots (2017-2020)
    Head of Makeup Department – Makeup Design & Applications
  • «Brücken» short film – Cologne (2019)
    Head of Makeup Department – Makeup Design & Applications
  • «Miranda» Shortfilm – Basel (2019)
    Head of Makeup Department – Makeup Design & Applications
  • Casagrande & Orisono – Promotional Clip (2019)
    Head of Makeup Department – Makeup Design & Applications
  • Carl May Freilichtspiele Engelberg – Winnetou and the Oil Prince (2019)
    Head of Makeup Department – Makeup Design & Applications

My way of working

From the idea to the effect

For successful collaboration, open communication, honest exchange, and creative, free thinking are particularly important to me. With me, you not only get a makeup service, but also benefit from my versatile expertise, comprehensive on-site mask support, and a wide range of complementary services.

Design Sculpting Molding and shaping Painting & Airbrush Application