An introduction to special effects

Special effects

What I already know
From my experience with seeing and experimenting with special effects makeup, it is very chemically based and is a science before it is a makeup. The design process can be very long and must be restarted if any mistakes are made which shows how much of an art form this subject is. I know that it takes a very skilled prosthetics artist to design and build whole face and head structures that look believable and realistic, this has been learnt through my own experience in practicing using special effects makeup such as silicone and mould building with clay. 

My experience 
My experience of special effects makeup has come from watching videos, demonstrations and practice that I have completed whilst at university. I have attended a Prosthetics event in Birmingham, here I watched a demonstration of artists creating Loral and hardy on two models. The Prosthetics were already made and the artist spoke throughout the entire show so the audience fully understood what was happening. I have also practiced with light special effects on friends for new makeup ideas and halloween. 

What I like and why?
I believe the use of makeup is changing and the ways people use makeup everyday is more experimental, and using special effects makeup can add to the overall effect. The most memorable films and TV shows for me are ones that show skill in makeup and hair, Harry Potter will always be a favourite due to the creatively made goblins. I notice make up in films like Mad Max, a dark and realistic look made t

I like getting creative with more than just pretty makeup as I feel I am better at being creative with gory or horror based ideas, moulding and using fake blood. At halloween I like to design a look and dress up, I normally do makeup for others at halloween too. 

What are my fears?
One of the biggest fears for any film makeup artist could be the replacement of bigger makeup jobs for CGI; many good films like batman have used CGI in the performance instead of makeup due to the positives that come with it. For example, CGI is a way to ensure the wound/makeup is consistent and no mistakes, a makeup artist would also take a few hours each day to recreate certain look, this can be done much quicker with the use of green screens attached to the face or wanted area. 

Another fear of one in the industry would be the completion; I know that there are a huge number of people who love makeup and would love to be a star makeup artist working for the biggest and best brands, this dream is getting further and further away. There is a lot of pressure to be the best and to create something original and stylish, my fear would be that I would never be able to become a makeup artist for film or tv.