Thread: working in the Halloween industry advice

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My dream is to be able to make a living (in any capacity) within the Halloween industry.
If anyone out there works Halloween year round, I would love to know what you do!
I'm just looking for some advice and encouragement!!

Thank you so much!

When you say Halloween industry what do you mean? The haunted attraction industry, halloween prop retail or what? There is really lots for you to choose from, unless you have something specific in mind. Whatever it is I am sure there is someone on here to help you.

I too share your dream. There is absolutely nothing that would make me happier than my job being something halloween related. We have tried a couple years now to get a pro haunt going, but it is so hard with all the laws now and so expensive to get started. I am now thinking of starting my own web site and building props for a business. still trying to work everything out.
Hopefully someday we both will make our dreams come true, i wish you the very best luck.

I always try work in Halloween stores or at universal studios

It might help to know your skill set. As creepyhomemaker said, there are a lot of jobs within the industry, and a lot depends on what skills you bring with you.

Hi, I'm new here, but thought I'd jump in since my full time job is Halloween. I'm an artist, and basically what began as just a few Halloween inspired pieces several years ago has happily turned into....it seems a bit odd to call it a "job", it's more like full time "FUN".

I started by selling a few pieces on eBay, got my own website and blog, opened an Etsy store and then three years ago a big break came when I was invited to participate in the prestigious "Ghoultide Gathering" show up in Northville, Michigan. Lots of really well known artists there (and to tell the truth, I still feel like the cool kids are letting me sit at their table, haha.)

Anyway, this is what worked for me, but you don't need to be an artist to start your own Halloween business on the net. Discover your passion and find a way to market it. If you love what you do, chances are others will too.

Good luck to you!

I too wish to work in the Halloween industry...so please everyone...keep this thread going. How about people listing the jobs they know exist and starting a discussion on how to get into those positions?

I would love to work in Halloween set designs or something along that line.

I'll start - (For example)...what jobs are there in a Public Haunt attraction and are they year round or only seasonal...(I know there's a thread about year round. Lets list all we know!!!)

As Creepyhomemaker and TK421 have already said, it would help to know your particular skill set. The haunt and Halloween industry is a broad church and it would be useful to know where abouts you may fit in.
Are you an artist? An actor? a designer?...
Are you a team player, or do you prefer to work alone?
Would you prefer to be an employee or go the self-emplyed route?..
If you could narrow the field a little, there are probably plenty of members here with experience in certain aspects of the industry that can help you, but I feel that at the moment, your question is a little too general for most of us to be able to offer much advice of any value.

I would love to have my own little reatlier shop. I'v always dreamed off owning my own halloween store. What's your favorite part of Halloween? I think thats the big question you ask yourself. For me its the decorations and props. That's why I'd be in a retail shop.

I'm a team player and would love to build props, I have a working level knowledge of electronics, pneumatics, carpentry and mechanics. So where do I turn?