My first post on Hive! Am I doing this right? :)

Good day, Hive! I recently heard about this platform from a fellow creative who couldn’t stop raving about how supportive and innovative the community is. Intrigued, I dove in headfirst—and I’m so glad I did. I’m Callie, a full-time horror artist fueled by the macabre and driven by the thrill of bringing nightmares to life. There’s something wonderfully cathartic about taking the creatures that lurk in the shadows of my imagination and making them tangible for the world to see.

My journey into the horror realm began back in January 2014, when I graduated from the Tom Savini School for Special Makeup Effects. That hands-on education gave me the confidence to experiment with sculpting, molding, and casting—skills that have shaped every piece I create. By August 2019, one of my proudest (and creepiest) works—a life-sized “Uncle Fester” lamp—was featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not: All Weird! All True! I’ve also had the honor of collaborating with horror icon Bill Moseley in July 2021, designing two pairs of custom shoes specifically for him. Shortly after, I hit a social media milestone of 10k followers on Instagram in August 2021.

A key aspect of my work is capturing the tension between fascination and dread. I love pushing the boundaries of what’s considered “normal” in art, and I’m endlessly inspired by the thought that horror can make us confront our deepest fears while also igniting our curiosity. Whether I’m painting, sculpting, or designing custom pieces, I always aim to evoke that visceral reaction—the kind where you’re torn between wanting to look away and desperately needing to see more.

In September 2021, I had the chance to partner with Code Orange frontman Jami Morgan to create a custom jacket for their “Out for Blood” tour, and a month later, I left the corporate world to pursue my art full-time—a leap of faith that changed everything. By February 2022, my online following had grown to 20k, and in July 2023, I was named “Best Artist” in Phoenix, the first horror artist ever to receive that honor! My journey has also led to collaborations with T.U.K. Shoes—first in November 2023, then again in October 2024—both times allowing me to bring my dark, twisted perspective to unique footwear designs.

Now I’m here on Hive, eager to share my story, my art, and all the eerie details that come with it. I’ll be posting behind-the-scenes glimpses of my process—hours spent sculpting, painting, and wiring up monstrous creations. I believe in pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to thrive as a full-time horror artist: the sleepless nights, the creative breakthroughs, and all the wild adventures that come from chasing an unconventional passion. If you’re into the strange and spooky, stick around—I can’t wait to show you the darker side of my world. Let’s make nightmares together!