Prior to the commencement of San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), I got the opportunity to sit down with one of the kings of cosplay himself, Jose Davalos Gomez or as you may know him on social media – @JooSkellington. In just over eight years, this 2014 CMS Alumnus has built quite a grandiose reputation as a beloved SFX icon and sought-after international artist. With SDCC approaching, Jose has been working tirelessly in our lab to complete the final touches on three intricate looks he’s executing this year. Even though some nerves are present for him, ultimately his feelings are overall nostalgic. The San Diego Masquerade Comic-Con holds the utmost significance for him, as this was a crucial event that first catapulted Jose into the spotlight. It is emotional for Jose to be returning to the community after three long years.
When I asked how he’s feeling regarding attending this event with so many talented creatives, Jose smiles, “I am always excited to meet new people, see new work, and at Comic Con, there are always going to be new artists to connect with. I think it’s fun to share our thoughts, our love, and our pain as makeup artists – what we’ve had to go through to get here!”
For this 2022 season, Skellington was determined to emphasize his love for all characters spooky, strange, and if we’re talking about Yzma “a little sassy”. Embodying all three caricatures, he showcased Palpatine from Star Wars, Yzma from The Emperor’s New Groove, and The Penguin – a rendition of Tim Burton’s 1993 version of Batman Returns – with this being the most challenging character recreation he’s done by far.
“I am just gonna be at the show and go for it! If it’s a complete disaster, then I don’t really know what I’m going to do.” He smiles widely and we share a laugh. “We’ll make it work! We’re makeup artists, we do what we have to do, and we adapt!”
Throughout the last month, Jose has been experimenting with varying textures, densities, and materials. To create as much realism as possible for his Penguin cosplay, Jose is utilizing beans, mattress foam, and any other stuffing materials he can get his hands on. For as long as he can remember, Jose has always been certain he’d be immersed in the television and film industry. With dreams of being a renowned filmmaker, he began creatively directing his own home videos with his family, which eventually evolved into the meticulous molding and constructing of Claymation creatures. As time went on Jose’s childlike curiosity guided his dedication to his craft.
When asked of a moment that distinctly sticks out for him, He excitedly retells one of his fondest memories from his childhood – watching the behind-the-scenes construction of Robin Williams body suit in the highly loved and acclaimed Mrs. Doubtfire. “I just remember watching behind-the-scenes of Mrs. Doubtfire and seeing the artists doing makeup tests on Robin Williams and thinking WOW! That is so amazing! It inspired me as a kid to start cosplaying and playing with my own face and my own features. It really made me want to start doing makeup for film and tv!”
From humble beginnings to SFX stardom, Jose has had an undeniably successful eight-year cosplay career. He reiterates his endless gratitude and love for his work, but notes that being an artist certainly doesn’t come without hardship. Jose recalls that at the beginning of the pandemic, he began to notice a decline in his mental health and did his best to keep himself on track creatively. He constructed several tutorials throughout the pandemic – twelve in total – to better keep in touch with his community. The classes included carving out a beautifully painted White Witch to a timelapse costume construction of an intricately designed Krampus and Oogie Boogie. “I had a lot of anxiety throughout the pandemic. I was staying busy so that my mental health would be okay. I was always creating characters, I am grateful for that time and my art. I wanted to take that opportunity to teach and to connect.”
Being a Mexico native, it comes as no surprise that cultura (culture) has a significant influence in Jose’s work, so, when presented the opportunity to star on Disney’s show Art Attack and collaborate with other international artists he was elated to jump on the opportunity! Based in Argentina and set to release later this year, Jose excitedly notes, “It’s a show where we have challenges, and there’s so many other talented Mexican artists there! None of us win first place on the show, we all just worked together! It was a true dream come true! It’s Disney! It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life!”
With the completion of Art Attack, Jose retells how eye-opening it was to collaborate with fellow gifted creatives and the emotional affluence that comes with a strong community. In fact, when asked what his future aspirations are for himself, he stated that he’s hopeful for the opportunity to open a studio of his own one day, right in the heart of his home – Mexico. Equipped with a full lab, production space, his closest friends, and most importantly, a lot of love.
“I think young Jose would be shocked that even though I have struggled and have had a lot of rejection, in the end I never gave up. I am just so, so grateful. All my mentors, fans, friends, and family. All the support. Home is definitely where the heart is.”