Prosthetics & SFX
ProstheticsThe idea that with the right materials, the precise technique and enough patience, you can take a human face and transform it into something from another world entirely, and make it believable, that might inspire me forever. I've been building my prosthetics skillset for over a decade, training with some of the most respected names in the industry and putting those skills to work on productions ranging from independent shoots to major film and TV productions.
Skills & Techniques
Prosthetic application and blending
Sculpting and Mould making
Airbrushing and hand painting
Intricate detail painting and texture work
Hair punching and laying
Bald cap application
Flat moulds, casting and face casts
The Process
Good prosthetics take time, and that's a feature, not a bug. Depending on the complexity of the piece, the process from initial concept to finished application can span several days or even weeks. It typically looks something like this:
Brief and reference gathering - understanding the character, the world, the vision
Sculpting - building the piece in clay, refining shape, texture and expression
Mould making - creating the negative from which the final piece will be cast
Casting - pouring or injecting the chosen material and allowing it to cure
Finishing and painting - colouring, detailing and texturing to match skin tone and character
Application - fitting, blending and painting on the actor on the day
I work from my studio in Bristol for commissions, making pieces for productions, shoots and private clients. If you have a character in mind and want to talk through what's involved, I'd love to hear about it.
After working as an SFX and prosthetics studio assistant in New Zealand in 2015, I’ve continued to hone my skillset and gone on to do training courses with Neill Gorton, prosthetics, SFX and Creature Creations with Darren Longthorne on Peter Swords King’s Media Makeup Course. And of course, countless real life applications on projects and on sets, including at Warner Bros and on beloved (and personal bucket-list) fantasy and sci-fi TV productions. Unfortunately most of these don’t allow photos
Materials & Mediums
I've worked with a range of materials depending on the needs and budget of the project:
Silicone - for realistic skin texture and movement
Foam latex - lightweight and flexible, ideal for larger pieces
Foam and craft materials - for budget conscious projects where creativity and resourcefulness go a long way
Bespoke Encapsulated silicone pieces - for ultra realistic skin simulation
"Monsters are the patron saints of imperfection." -Guillermo del Toro
Special FX
A great SFX artist is not simply so because of their technical ability. It’s an in depth understanding of character breakdown, the environment, the scenario, continuity and personal research to understand the injury cause and healing process. Anyone can cover something in blood and make it look dramatic, but an artist has taken the time to understand how quickly a bruise would form and swell, what colour changes happen as it heals, how much blood would be drawn from a laceration on the face vs the leg, has the character had time to clean their wound and would it have become infected. It’s about curiosity beyond skill.
Skills & Techniques
Wounds & Injuries - Fresh cuts - Lacerations - Puncture & Bullet wounds -
Bruising - Swelling - Rashes - Scars
Burns & Environmental Effects - Ageing & Character Makeup - Pro-bondo’s - Bald Cap application - Veins and skin texture
Blood Work - Fresh, drying, coagulating and old blood -
Hair laying and punching - Brow Blocking
Painting and Texture - Airbrushing - Hand Painting: scales, veins, skin detailing
Mud - Dirt - Grime - Broken down skin - Tears - Sweat - Tooth colouring
Bespoke temporary tattoo creation and application
A note on my gallery
Many of the productions I work on are protected by NDA and strict no-photography policies, (like Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, The Witcher) which means some of my most significant work simply can't be shown here. As frustrating this is from a portfolio perspective, I must obide! What you see is a fraction of the full picture. I'm happy to discuss my experience and credits in more detail. Just get in touch.
Another inspiring quote will go here!Panda