Our incredible Level 3 Special Effects Makeup students have been busy honing their skills with two exciting projects, diving deep into the world of realistic burn effects and mold casting.
These aspiring artists are pushing the boundaries of their craft, experimenting with materials and techniques to bring their creations to life – just in time for Halloween!
In one project, students learned to create realistic burn effects using melted gelatine. They sculpted the material onto their models’ arms, forming peaks to mimic blistering skin. The students then experimented with colour, blending a variety of products, including Vaseline and collodion, to achieve the perfect texture and shine of blistered skin. The results were nothing short of impressive, with models sporting gruesomely realistic burns that looked straight out of a horror movie.
Alongside the burn effects, students also took on the challenge of creating hand mold casts using alginate and casting plaster. This process involved forming molds of their own hands, waiting for the plaster to set before carefully chipping away to reveal the casts. While some students found their first attempts tricky – with a few severed fingers along the way – they didn’t let this stop their creativity. They transformed their broken casts into unique, Halloween-ready designs, embracing the imperfections painting grisly, severed hand designs perfect for the spooky season.
These students also had the opportunity to learn from talented guest lecturer, Lydia, who introduced them to advanced sculpting techniques. Using clay boards and various tools, they carved intricate designs and textures, achieving effects like scales and other detailed features. The session also involved molding eyes, ears and noses directly onto the clay boards, allowing students to explore the foundational elements of character design and prosthetics. This hands-on experience not only enhanced their sculpting skills but also inspired their creativity, broadening their understanding of the special effects process.
The combination of technical skills and creative problem-solving has been a fantastic learning experience for the students, giving them a solid foundation in both sculpting and painting techniques crucial for special effects artistry. Whether creating realistic burn effects or ghastly hand molds, these future special effects professionals are well on their way to mastering the craft.
Stay tuned for more exciting projects from our Special Effects Makeup students as they continue to prepare for careers in the world of film, theatre and beyond!
