Hey there, my name is Caz. I am a massive horror fan and a designer from Hemel Hempstead, UK. I created Shock Emporium in 2023 as a way to combine those two passions into one awesome business.
Now, a bit about me – I’m just your regular human with a not-so-regular love for horror and an itch for creating things scary and fun. So, if you’re into the weird, the eerie, and the downright spooky, you’re in the right place. Stick around, and let’s embark on this journey through the dark and creatively twisted realms together!
Life’s been a bit of a rollercoaster for me, especially when it comes to dealing with anxiety. It’s been a constant companion throughout most of my journey, but thankfully, it’s a bit more manageable these days. Back in the day, anxiety didn’t just mess with my head – it took a toll on me physically too, making me pretty darn sick. Thankfully, those days are behind me, but anxiety still has a way of weaving itself into the fabric of my life.
A fascinating revelation hit me in the last few years: horror is my unexpected ally in the battle against anxiety. It’s like this bizarre but effective distraction that helps keep the anxious thoughts at bay. I even dabbled in some research and found that I’m not alone – horror can be a powerful tool for people dealing with anxiety.
“Halloween Kills” and “Evil Dead Rise” are two films that really stood out for me in this journey. They’ve been more than just movies; they’ve been catalysts for me to understand how horror can be a game-changer for anxiety.
I’m not just here to spill my own story; I want to hear yours too! If you’ve got a tale to share or can relate to the weird and wonderful world of horror as an anxiety buster, slide into my DMs on Instagram or Facebook. Let’s swap stories and maybe find a bit of solace in our shared experiences.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been diving headfirst into the thrilling world of conventions. My go-to events have usually been the London Film & Comic Con and Collectormania, where I’ve had the incredible opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the legends in the horror genre. These included Neve Campbell and Jamie Kennedy from Scream, Robert Englund – the master of nightmares, Freddy Krueger and the brilliant Tony Todd, aka Candyman. Those moments were nothing short of surreal.
Last year marked a new adventure for me as I stepped into the realm of horror-specific conventions at For the Love of Horror in Manchester. Alyssa Sutherland from Evil Dead Rise, Costas Mandylor from Saw, and the dynamic duo Fiona & Brad Dourif from Chucky/Child’s Play all became part of my convention story. The excitement was off the charts!
I’m gearing up for another round at For the Love of Horror this year. The anticipation is through the roof, and I can’t wait to dive back into the world of horror, meet more incredible actors, and make memories that’ll last a lifetime.
I’ve been nurturing this dream of mine for years, and finally, in 2022, I decided to take the plunge. I’m diving headfirst into the mesmerising journey of writing my very first novel. It’s a slasher story! That’s one of my favourite sub-genres.
I have this feeling it might take me a good chunk of time to complete, but hey, the journey has officially begun. I’ve got this whole story mapped out in my head, and let me tell you, it’s shaping up to be everything I’d want in a gripping read.
I can’t wait for the day when I’ll be able to say, “Hey, check out my novel!” Until then, I’m navigating this adventure one word at a time, and I’m loving every moment of it. Stay tuned, because I can’t wait to share it with you.
My art is this magical mishmash of inspiration, drawn from all sorts of places that make my heart race a bit faster. First things first, I’m a huge zombie fan – there’s just something exhilarating about the undead, you know? Crafting a zombie collection was an absolute blast.
Then there’s this whole other realm of inspiration rooted in the shadowy corridors of history. During my university days, I dove deep into the mystery of Jack the Ripper, and it sparked a creative storm. I even flexed my design muscles, conjuring up an app and website dedicated to the infamous Ripper.
I’ve also recently dipped my toes into the world of 3D art, unlocking a whole new dimension (literally) for my creations. It’s been a wild ride of learning and experimenting, and I’m loving every moment of it.
Sometimes, the everyday world becomes my canvas too. I’ll spot someone rocking an outfit that’s dripping with creativity, and the ideas start swirling in my head.
So, there you have it – a little slice of what makes my art tick. It’s a journey fuelled by zombies, dark history, 3D magic, and the everyday coolness around me. Can’t wait to keep sharing the weird and wonderful creations that bubble up from this eclectic mix!
Thank you for reading. I hope you like my designs. If you make a purchase, thank you so much, that means so much to me. Please send me pictures of yourself wearing or using the product. I would love to see them.
