Mad Skills Bring Fame
Emily Serpico
Makeup Artist/Hair Technician
PSAV, 2014
Palm Beach State College cosmetology graduate Emily Serpico has twice made it to the final stages of competition on a Syfy network reality show in which special effects makeup artists pull out all the stops to showcase their talent and come out on top.
Each week “Face Off” contestants are challenged to create characters for sci-fi, fantasy, horror and other extreme film genres. At just 19 years old, Serpico became the youngest contestant on “Face Off” and bested 12 other artists for a finale spot after 13 weeks of competition. She was not the Season 8 winner but was one of just two runners-up.
Serpico, who started experimenting with makeup at the age of 14, got another chance to take home the top prize when she was invited back for the Season 11 “All-Stars” run. This time, she was one of 17 contestants competing in teams for the first 10 episodes and then individually for the last four.
She again became a finalist, making it to the finale as one of the last three contestants. Though the top spot eluded her once again, she has no regrets.
“My experience on Syfy’s “Face Off” was amazing, and I would recommend to every student and everyone to pursue your dreams and not be afraid to take risks and try something new, because you never know what can come from it.”
Serpico is now a hair technician, co-owning an Orlando wig business with her mother. She credits her success to her mother, who taught her hair maintenance and wig ventilation as a little girl.
See the episodes here!