Do You Find Masks Creepy?

[Legendofgenii]

I do find Venetian masks quite creepy - especially their history.

I think it would depend on the story’s theme, why they are wearing them and what they actually look like though.

[NickRowler]

I find them creepy, but I still find them cool.

I generally like characters who wear masks, mostly because the character has to use tone of voice and body gestures to help express themselves.

[TAMAnnoying]

Masks are hot :v more masks plz

[Pony_wearing_a_hat]

I tend to really like things that people say are creepy, and I really like the aesthetic of masks, so.... they're probably creepy.

[HGohwell]

I generally like characters who wear masks, mostly because the character has to use tone of voice and body gestures to help express themselves.

This was the bane of my existence throughout this scene. Several characters in full and matching masks only really distinguished by colour and trying to make them individual and get their character across just through dialogue and body language. It took some time figuring out.

[ble]

I say it depends on the mask.

Those examples in the OP, are kinda festive looking.

But it if was a mask that resembles a melted face made of other people's skin. Then yeah, that's creepy.

[Lovetina]

I think the idea of masks suggests some sort of mystery/unknown/organizational culture, and to start off with it, they may have to be attention grabbing/interesting. Since, emotion/character is "masked," masked scenes could be a little visually dull for an opener.

I think the right viewer will find it creepy and be even drawn to it.

[DiegoPalacios]

It depends a lot of how the mask looks. By emphatizing or covering some traits some masks can look funnier, creepier or even more stylish. Of course when it comes to mask designs if you wanna avoid the creep factor, look up for the uncanny valley.

As @skicoak mentioned before, context is also important

For example, in a costume party or a mascarade, masks are expected. If people go on a meeting wearing masks, they will give the vibe of a cult or secret organization. If they fight crime wearing masks, they may be superheroes or vigilantes.

[Samuraiflame]

While I'm not personally bothered by masks, I think those full facial ones can definitely evoke uncanny valley levels for some people. I'd still say go for whatever you want to do in your story, because I think masks always create intrigue for readers who want to know what's under them later in the story.

[MARNSOA]

I love masks! Those are gorgeous! I think it depends on how a mask is portrayed in a story, though. A lot of shadow will make it look more creepy, but a more intricate design might make it look more elegant.

[Iris-Grimoire]

I find masks really neat! I have the opposite problem with the examples though, the less detail the creepier it is - a flamboyant mask is just a big ol' acessory on top of the rest. But then it's more of an uncanny valley of not being able to identify face features well.

[CosmicLeon]

I think masks are creep when the features are too close to a human face. rather i think if they are animal mask, or other stylized images, its not as creepy.

[AmysGames]

To me, masks invite a sense of mystery, which can be creepy or not depending on context. A masquerade ball, for example, invites more of a fun sense of intrigue, while being approached in a dark alley by someone in a mask would be pretty terrifying.

I think it also depends on where the mask falls on the uncanny valley scale. I'm not too fond of those Halloween masks designed to look like specific people, for example.

[GD_Cruz]

Masks are interesting, evoking a sense of mystery to the character hiding within! XD They're even more interesting if there's a backstory to them. That's how they become either creepy or heroic, in my opinion. Like a Mask of Shadows that allows one to summon souls or a Mask of Champions that turns one into the ultimate wrestler. There's so much story one can add to a mask.

More importantly, a scene (comic or novel) in a ballroom or crypt or some other equally interesting venue with a gathering of people in full masks — how can you not want to read what happens next just to find out what this is all about?

Sidenote: I make use of the masquerade masks myself in my story so I understand the appeal. So good luck!

[wh_vigo]

Masks are great and the ones you've chosen look very interesting. Many people will find the masks intriguing, especially if you write an interesting story behind them.

Everything is subjective. Just because a few people may think masks are "creepy" it doesn't mean you have to compromise on your vision. For some people creepy is actually a very good thing (I'm a huge creepy/horror fan), so you still have a large audience who'll appreciate your work.

[ar-ninetysix]

You have a plague doctor as your profile pic, I'm not surprised you enjoy masks lol

[wh_vigo]

Oh yes, I own several masks at home (including a plague doctor one I wore this past Halloween). Hope you'll drop a link once your story is done so all us creepy mask-lovers can check it out.

[ar-ninetysix]

There's not gonna be any masks in it tho

[Pizza_Agent]

depends on what kind of mask

[sushy00]

they look pretty but also creepy.