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Get into Special Effects & Airbrush Technique
Hey MM, I like cosmetics and want to learn Special Effects as well as Airbrush technique but how do I get started. A really awesome makeup artist once told me to never go to school for makeup, but to instead work as an assistant to a Makeup Artist. Agree? How do I find these artist that practice these techniques looking for assistants? Jan 21 16 04:07 pm Link Mishelle portfolio wrote: I disagree with the makeup artist that told you not to go to school. Jan 22 16 05:58 am Link SFX makeup artists deal with chemicals and products that can be DANGEROUS if not handled properly - both in mold making as well as application to a model. For this reason a GOOD, Reputable SFX school or class is highly recommended. Yes, many of us - including myself - learned SFX on our own. And subjected our models to some less-than-safe-practices in those early days. My models were LUCKY as my *experiments* in "this should work" did't do any real damage. Many of us know artists or models who can't say the same...... I never did take a SFX class, but I did a TON of self education from *real pro* resources and din't rely on you-tube "everybody else does it" regurgitation. Eventually I was able to pair up with a trained SFX artist. WHAT A DIFFERENCE that makes. I love to "tag team" with artists of different fields and "cross train". Jan 24 16 09:26 am Link Lisa Berczel wrote: I definitely agree with Lisa on this. There are products that can cause serious heal problems not only to yourself but to everyone around. Example like cabosil which is commonly used can pose serious problems if inhaled. Jan 24 16 10:10 am Link Raw-Beauty wrote: Yep. Jan 24 16 10:26 am Link Okay, I'll research schools for SFX what about Airbrush? Are there dangers with the technique or can this be learned from someone in the business? Jan 27 16 09:00 pm Link Airbrush foundation and bodypaint can be learned from someone in the business. But, use some common sense. Just as with traditional makeup, we've seen "bad habbits" taught one-on-one and in schools. Quick pointers off the top of my head: 1) Don't let product dry in the airbrush. 2) Use a cleaner that is compatible with the product formula or you could have a real gummy mess on your hands. 3) Use a cleaner that you would wash your face with for regular end-of-day cleanup. IF and WHEN you need to use something harsher (say for a deep clean or clog) then clean the cleaner out. 4) Don't pour unused color back into the bottle. One of the major benefits of airbush is that we're not touching a skin with a tool/brush so that removes one pathway to cross-contamination. Pouring color back into a bottle opens up a risk of contamination.... 5) Be mindful of what your air pressure (psi) setting is. No, you can't *tattoo* someone by forcing pigment under the skin, but the spray pattern can be quite painful if set too high or too close to the face. Pay particular attention when airbrushing around the eyes. You CAN force air & product under a closed eyelid if you're not careful, for example. 6) Don't use an alcohol based foundation/bodypaint on the face till you get some experience. It takes a stronger remover than soap and water and can sting if it gets into the eyes 7) Finally, resist the urge to DIY your own airbrush colors. Use a product designed for the airbrush when learning. There are MANY considerations that go into a well-behaved airbrush color. This removes 1 variable from the learning mix. Jan 28 16 10:44 am Link Mishelle portfolio wrote: The dangers include inhaling the mist/overspray (especially long term) and the usual allergen and eye contact issues as with any makeup. Good ventilation & filter mask is a must. Jan 29 16 03:03 pm Link Lisa Berczel wrote: Lisa, I don't think I have ever found reason to correct you. You are always spot on. But believe it or not, I have actually seen the results of a real Airbrush Tattoo that a guy gave himself as a stupid experiment. He had the PSI somewhere around 80 or so and apparently it hurt like hell (way worse than a real tattoo) and it looked like total crap. On top of that he was using some kind of ink...not a cosmetic. I think though, that to venture accidentally into this danger zone you would have to be criminally dumb (as this guy was) and have a model that was either stone drunk or out cold. Jan 29 16 08:17 pm Link BodyPainter Rich wrote: Wow... that there is some serious dedication to stupid. Jan 29 16 09:48 pm Link Lisa Berczel wrote: ROFL! Exactly. Like I said, you were pretty much correct...but thought you might get a kick out hearing that I have seen evidence to the contrary. Needless to say...any artist with a conscience and a working brain has nothing to worry about. Jan 29 16 10:51 pm Link Schools are certainly a great and recommended why to learn SFX. That said think schools out of the box. Several top SFX artist I know school people thru private or very small classes and workshops and mentor, one does not nec have do dedicate a year or years and pay outrageous tuition to lean this field of study. Many of the industry's top artist are indeed self taught. While there are very important things to learn and know about any dangers, this information can be found in print and online. I suggest first you network with SFX artists, and most esp artist in your area you can meet up with. Tale a few workshops at conventions and tradeshows before you spend $30,000 to $100,000 a year to learn. Jan 30 16 11:07 am Link Anyone knows about or recommends a school in South Florida to study SFX? Will look for some Artists, not sure how to find them though. Jan 31 16 05:43 pm Link Mishelle portfolio wrote: Google this phrase ----> SFX makeup prosthetics florida Jan 31 16 07:55 pm Link |
