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For as long as she can remember, Brooke has been captivated by the eerie, the cinematic, and the transformative power of makeup.
From binge-watching The Walking Dead to discovering legendary special effects artist Rick Baker, her fascination with zombies and movie magic started early and never faded.
Growing up inspired by elaborate Halloween transformations like those of Heidi Klum, Brooke began experimenting with SFX makeup at just 15. What started with doing makeup for her family’s Día de los Muertos celebrations soon evolved into a full creative pursuit. By 18, she was diving deeper into the craft, learning through creators like Mykie (Glam&Gore) and turning her passion into a daily artistic ritual because for Brooke, Halloween is not just a holiday. It is a lifestyle.
“Zombie Brooke” is not just a character. It is a concept rooted in nostalgia and horror. Inspired by her love for retro decades and cult classics like Hairspray, Grease, and The Twilight Zone, Brooke envisioned something entirely unique a zombie traveling through time.
Blending vintage fashion and makeup with undead aesthetics, Zombie Brooke reimagines what horror could look like across the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. The name itself is personal. “Brooke” comes from her middle name, making the persona both creative and deeply authentic.
A self taught SFX artist, Brooke’s process is both technical and imaginative. Each look begins with selecting a prosthetic and envisioning the character behind it. From there, she carefully pre paints, prepares the skin, and applies the prosthetic using adhesive techniques like Pros Aide. The transformation unfolds layer by layer, blending edges, setting with powder, and bringing the character to life through detailed painting. Depending on complexity, a single look can take anywhere from two to four hours. It is a process that demands patience, precision, and a clear creative vision.
She often uses prosthetics from brands like Infected FX and Mostly Dead, along with professional grade paints such as Skin Illustrator and Mehron. At the heart of Brooke’s work is a distinct theme of vintage horror. She describes herself as a “Vintage Zombie traveling through the decades,” merging retro aesthetics with imaginative creature design.
Whether it is a retro alien photoshoot at a 1960s style diner or reimagining horror characters in past eras, her work is driven by storytelling and atmosphere. Influenced by industry legends like Dick Smith, Ve Neill, and Tom Savini, Brooke continually pushes herself to refine her craft.
Brooke’s artistry does not stop at the mirror. It comes alive on social media. Through platforms like TikTok and Instagram, she shares everything from transformation videos to playful in character performances.TikTok, in particular, has become her biggest stage, where she connects with a growing audience. By blending trending sounds with her signature looks, she strikes a balance between creativity and visibility, making her content both engaging and uniquely hers.
Like many artists, Brooke has faced challenges along the way. One of her most demanding projects, a Krampus transformation featuring massive horns, tested her patience and skill but remains one of her proudest achievements.
She has also navigated the complexities of originality in the digital age. Seeing others replicate her ideas was initially frustrating, but over time, she has reframed it as a sign of influence, proof that her creativity resonates and inspires.
Brooke’s goal is simple yet powerful to make her creations feel real. She wants viewers to step into her world, to believe in her characters, and even feel a sense of connection to them.
The feedback that means the most is genuine reactions from strangers, especially when they say her work belongs in film or television.
Brooke’s ultimate dream is to work as an SFX artist in the film industry, bringing her imaginative characters to the big screen. In the meantime, she is expanding her universe, launching a YouTube channel, continuing her vintage horror series, and introducing Zombie Brooke’s next evolution, her journey into the 1980s.
With new characters, new decades, and limitless creativity ahead, one thing is clear. Zombie Brooke is not just surviving; she is thriving.
Check out Brooke’s makeup journey on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/therealsfxkam/
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