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WHAT IS SFX MAKEUP & HOW TO BECOME A SPECIAL EFFECTS MAKEUP ARTIST?

by | Jun 8, 2023 | SFX MAKEUP

WHAT IS SFX MAKEUP & HOW TO BECOME A SPECIAL EFFECTS MAKEUP ARTIST? . You know all those horror films you’ve been gorging on with fear on your face and heart but a steely determination to watch the movie until the end. Ever wondered how those special effects makeup artists of Hollywood manage to create such realistic looking scars, bruises and wounds turning actors and actresses into ghosts, aliens and zombies.  The answer lies in the branch of makeup artistry called SFX Makeup or special effects makeup and today, the demand for trained theatrical and special effects makeup artists is high.

THE MAGIC OF SFX MAKEUP!

Special effects makeup is a kind of makeup artistry that is applied to create special effects on the face or body in cinematic productions, theatrical productions and other such events. Designed to create representative illusions in a live drama on stage or on screen. Special wounds, scars, prosthetics, animatronics are all a part of special effects makeup artistry.  This form of makeup is primarily used to create old age looks, monsters, creature designs, injuries and transformations. 

THE MAGIC OF SFX MAKEUP

TOOLS USED IN SFX MAKEUP AND ITS USES. 

There are a variety of specialised SFX makeup tools and implements that assist in creating the variety of looks for theatre actors and artists.  These include the following 

  • Latex- Latex is employed to create false wounds and other prosthetic aspects on the body. 
  • Adhesive—Adhesives are used to stick prosthetics and other effects on the artist. 
  • Makeup—Special effects makeup is applied to create textures and add colours onto the face. Q- tips, sponges and brushes are additional tools that help in blending colours and application of makeup. 
  • Spatula- A spatula is used to apply wax and other effects. 
  • Special FX Prosthetics—These are pre- prepared prosthetics that are stuck on the actor with adhesives. 
  • Moulds- Moulds are used to fashion fake body parts and facial effects. 
  • Gelatin—Gelatin is used to create realistic blood- dripping effects. 
  • Airbrush—This technique is used to apply makeup evenly and swiftly. 

These are a few of the popular tools and implements used for special effects makeup application. Using the correct tools, a talented makeup artist can create the accurate effects and depth needed for actors to portray a character.

TOOLS USED IN SFX MAKEUP AND ITS USES

POPULAR TECHNIQUES USED IN SPECIAL EFFECTS MAKEUP APPLICATIONS

Depending ono the required effect the character needs, accordingly the SFX makeup application technique will be used. Some popular techniques used in special effects makeup are: 

Prosthetic usage—This consists of using foam latex, silicone and other prosthetic material on the character’s face and body to create the desired effects. 

Airbrush technique—An airbrush enables a makeup artist to apply a single layer of makeup evenly and proficiently. The airbrush technique is frequently used to create delicate details like wrinkles, veins and bruises on the actor’s body or face. 

Body Painting, A form of makeup artistry taught at SMA INTERNATIONAL, Body painting changes the artist’s entire body into his on screen or on-stage character. Specific dyes and paints are used on the skin to create the required effect. 

HOW DO YOU BECOME A SPECIAL EFFECTS MAKEUP ARTIST?

 If you have a creative bent of mind and are keen to be a part of the medley of art, makeup and the silver screen, a special effects makeup artist is the right career trajectory for you. Enrol in special effects makeup classes like the ones that SMA INTERNATIONAL offers. You’ll learn the tricks and techniques from international trainers and gain exposure with hands- on practical applications.

HOW DO YOU BECOME A SPECIAL EFFECTS MAKEUP ARTIST? 

Practice makes a special effects makeup artist perfect—Special effects makeup artistry is a craft that takes time to perfect and the more you practise, the better you’ll get at it. Create different looks and master the techniques included in shaping realistic looks thus building your credibility as a special effects makeup artist.