Morgan's How To SFX and Make-Up Blog

Wolfe Hydrocolor

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 22:44:00 +0000

I have recently been able to work with Wolfe's Hydrocolor. It was actually a lot more difficult then I originally imagined. However in Wolfe's defense I was attempting to put glitter mixed into mixing liquid on top of water based makeup. Any way, that experience combined with the numerous customers who have recently asked me how to use the makeup have led me to this How To blog. There for today's topic is... “How To Use Wolfe Hydrocolor.”

This is the final product of today's story.

It's really not that hard; the simplicity of it is where the difficulty lies.

Step 1) Decided on the makeup you will be doing

· For instance I had to turn a man into a blue metallic version of Atlas. So I knew I would need sponges, brushes, glitter, mixing liquid, and a 90g blue Hydrocolor.

Step 2) Purchase the colors and any needed supplies.

· If you live in Orlando here’s a store that carriesWolfe.

· If not here’s a link to the same store online.

Step 3) Set up and get organized in a well-lit area.

· On small shoots a bathroom will suffice.

*Make sure not to spill on carpeting, though this is water based it is also professional grade makeup.*

Step 4) Add water to the Hydrocolor until you have a paste like consistency.

· Test the color on your arm to see if you like the consistency

Step 5) Always do a patch test on you actor or model before any makeup application.

Step 6) Take your brush or sponge and dip it into the Hydrocolor.

Step 7) Apply as many layers as needed to get the coverage you need.

· Applying to larger areas I have found it is easier to start with a brush and then even out the tones with a sponge.

No powdering is needed since this makeup dries it is essentially setting it’s self.

In my case once I had the coverage I needed I then needed to apply the glitter. However every time, no matter what I did, it would cause the Hydrocolor to run. Until I remembered I needed a barrier spray. So I sent some one out to pick up hair spray (budget barrier spray). A light sprits of hair spray acts just like a barrier spray, only not as strong or as long.

Once I had sprayed the model with hair spray I was able to paint on the glitter. In the end he looked like a cross between Captain America, Iron Man, and an Avatar.

This is my Captain America, Iron Man, Avatar, Atlas

I love Wolfe's products, especially the Hydrocolor. I don't know how I could have pulled that shoot off with out it. It is one of the easiest and best products I have ever worked with.

Finally here is a video of the Wolfe brothers giving a demo. They are using their patented Hydrocolor makeup so if you are still unsure of how to use it definitely watch this and it should answer your remaining questions.

Click Here for more information on Wolfe and their products.

What is Zombie Skin?

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 22:06:00 +0000

Zombie Skin was introduced to the public at Hauntcon in Pittsburgh Pa in 2012. Zombie Skin was first sold at the Midwest Haunters Convention in Columbus, Ohio and SOLD OUT!!!

Zombie Skin is an ammonia free latex product with the consistency of whipped butter. It has many uses from blending prosthetic edges to creating cuts, gashes, wounds, bites and even claw marks. That’s just to name a few.

Zombie Skin was first sold at the Midwest Haunters Convention in Columbus, Ohio, and was then introduced to the public at the 2012 Hauntcon in Pittsburgh, PA. Due to it’s fast drying, easy manipulation, and all around efficiency Zombie Skin seems to be taking the makeup world by storm.

How does it work? It’s simple, far simpler then latex with a much faster application time.

For cuts:

1) Spread the Zombie Skin on the skin with a craft stick.

2) Give the ZS about 30 seconds to start drying

3) Take the edge of the stick and make a cut in the Zombie Skin.

*As you make the cut you should see the Zombie Skin start to pull away just like when you cut your skin.

4) Allow Zombie Skin to finish drying.

5) Take your makeup and apply as you would normally

6) Add blood as needed.

*Remember less is more in some cases.

Here is what a cut might look like using Zombie Skin.

For wounds:

1) Spread the Zombie Skin on the skin with a craft stick.

2) Wait untill the Zombie Skin is about half way dry.

*About 45 seconds, but you may have to play with the timing to get it just right. With this it is important to remember that Zombie Skin dries faster the warmer the person is. This is because it uses a person’s body heat to help it dry so fast.

3) Once the Zombie Skin is semi dry take a cotton swab and push it into the Zombie Skin.

4) Pull out the Zombie Skin.

*The Zombie Skin will be attached to the cotton swab. This is perfectly normal; you want it to look as though the skin has been torn.

5) Move around the Zombie Skin to make the hole look like a deep wound

6) Take your makeup and apply as you normally would.

This is my attempt at a shallow wound, I was going for a cigar burn.

For bites:

1) Spread the Zombie Skin on the neck with a craft stick.

2) Push a cotton swab into the Zombie Skin.

3) Rotate the cotton swab in a circle

4) Pull out the cotton swab

*This should leave a perfect circle/ bite in the neck.

5) Repeat steps 3 and 4 to make multiple tooth punctures if needed If not skip to step 6.

6) Take your makeup and apply as you normally would.

7) Add blood as needed.

This is to give you an idea of what a vampire bite might come out looking like.

There are a million and one uses for Zombie Skin all you have to do is use your imagination and try out a few ideas.

For more information about Zombie Skin check out these links.

Zombie Skin Home Page

Instructables

To purchase Zombie Skin check out these links.

Zombie Skin Clear

Zombie Skin Flesh Tone

AEOstudios

How to Clean and Reassemble an Airbrush

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 15:13:00 +0000

Today I’m going to teach you how to thoroughly clean an airbrush gun.

This is highly important to know because a dirty airbrush can clog and if it doesn’t clog the spray will not work properly and may be chunky.

1a) First you need to soak a cotton swab in acetone. Then remove the makeup on the outside of the airbrush by rubbing it with the cotton swab. Depending on how dirty your airbrush is, hopefully not that dirty, you may have to use more then one cotton swab.

2a) Then blow a small amount of acetone through the airbrush. This will work a lot of dried makeup out of the airbrush.

3a) After you finish blowing the makeup out of the airbrush scrape away any buildup that gets stuck in the nozzle.

4a) Disassemble the airbrush. Most airbrushes can be dissembled by unscrewing the paint cap, nozzle and back end. If you need more specific instructions you check your owners manual.

5a) Now you need to soak the small removable parts in a cup filled with acetone.

6a) While soaking the small parts you can rub a cotton swab soaked in acetone over the airbrush needle to remove the makeup debris.

7a) Then you can use a small brush soaked in acetone to clean the inside of the airbrush.

* If this technique proves unsatisfactory you may want to use a syringe or a baster as well.

Now that you are finished cleaning the airbrush it is time to reassemble it. To do this you…

1b) Hold the handle part of the airbrush in your hand and slide the trigger into the open slot on the top of the handle.

* Make sure that the trigger lines up with the interior spring. It should slide in with out much force.

2b) Carefully drop the rocker into the back end of the handle and carefully slide its spring over it.

* In some airbrushes the rocker and spring are connected, but in other cases they are separate.

3b) Take the collar of the airbrush and tighten it into place and then slide the lug nut on.

*Leave it a bit loose so adjustments can be made.

4b) Slide in the needle so that it comes out the other end of the handle.

5b) Tighten the lug nut onto the end of the airbrush

6b) Take the small tip and tighten it on around the needle.

7b) Slide the head over the tip and secure it using the provided wrench.

* If no wrench is provided a small universal wrench will work just as well.

8b) Slide the casing onto the back of the airbrush and tighten it.

*Each airbrush will tighten differently. Some simply snap into place while and others may need to be tightened with a wrench. If you are unsure of how your airbrush tightens check the instruction manual.

9b) Connect the air supply to the airbrush and use a test paper to check that it is functioning.

*You can use a paper or your hand to check the air supply. Simply hold the trigger for the air supply to test the airbrush.

10b) If it is functioning place the head cap over the tip to protect the tip until you need to use your airbrush.

For more info check out these sites

cleaning an airbrush gun

assembling an airbrush

Or these videos

how to assemble an airbrush

airbrush cleaning and maitinance

How to fake a scar

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 04:00:00 +0000

You can achieve scars like this using rigid collodion

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Now I know I have talked about scars in other post but I figured since scars can appear different depending on age I’d do a post to get a little more in depth on them.

For this you will need:

- Rigid collodion

- Astringent

- Cream makeup scar wheel

- Skin tone cream make up

- Makeup sponges

- Small brushes

- Setting powder

- Brush Cleaner

- Powder puff

Basic preparation steps:

Decided how new the scar will be (depending on if this scar is shallow or deep.)
Research pictures of scars (shallow or deep)

· A makeup artist always has reference pictures of what they are going to do.

Clean the area of skin with astringent
Apply a thin layer of rigid collodion
Allow the rigid collodion to dry
Repeat steps one and two until desired result is achieved

· Shallow scars may require up to 4 or 5 layers

· Deep scars may require only 2 or 3 layers

The next few steps are for shallower scars:

1. Using a makeup sponge lightly add some red makeup directly onto the scar and blend out about a centimeter or two, not even

2. Powder to set the make up

3. If the scar still appears to faint or is to close to the color of the surrounding, now pinkish, skin take the small brush and a little bit of red and brush it into the scar

· You may need to blend the red with some skin tone to achieve your desired results. This can be done before or after the application. I would suggest after. You can use it to blend the color out a little further, almost like a safety net.

4. Take a clean edge of your sponge and dab at the scar until it is blended almost evenly

5. Powder to set the makeup

6. Using a makeup sponge lightly apply a think layer of skin tone makeup to the scar and surrounding area

7. Powder to set makeup

8. Repeat steps 6-7 until desired result is achieved

The next few steps are for deeper scars:

1. Using a small brush lightly add some red makeup directly onto the scar

2. Using a makeup sponge blend out, no centimeter or two, onto the skin

3. Powder to set the makeup

4. Using a small makeup brush, the same one is ok, add a small amount of purple to the scar

5. Using a clean side of your wedge blend the purple out, no more then a centimeter, onto the skin

6. Powder to set the make up

7. If still not the desired result repeat steps 4-6 using blue

8. Using a makeup sponge apply a thin layer of skin tone make up to your scar and the surrounding area

9. Powder to set the makeup

10. Repeat step 8-9 until desired result is achieved.

That is how you fake a scar, new or old. If you wish to spice up a brand new scar you can add some congealed blood directly onto the rigid collodion after you are done shading the area with red makeup. This gives the appearance of a recent cut.


Scars combine with bruises always give a cool effect.

Here are some helpful links

Rigid Collodion Info

AEO Studios

YouTube Tutorial

How to Make a Severed Head

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 03:48:00 +0000

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This week I am going to tell you all how to make a severed head.

The supplies you are going to need are:

1. A head mold

2. Casting latex

3. Poly foam

4. Acrylic paint

5. A hot glue gun

6. Hot glue

7. Fake eyes

8. A wig or crepe hair

9. A dremel

10. Something to hold the two half’s of the head mold together

11. Packing peanuts (optional)

12. Screwdriver (optional)

13. Scissors

14. Spongy material

The first step is to tie your two halves of your mold together very tightly.

The second step is to slush the mold. To do this you pour the casting latex into the head mold to about the half way or quarter point. They you slowly rotate your mold while pouring out the latex back into it’s original container.

Step three let the latex dry over night, or up against a fan for 6 to 12 hours. You want to make sure it has set and is no longer wet, sticky, tacky, in any way not completely dry.

Step four. Mix the two active components of your poly foam. It should be about a 25 to 12 ratio.

If you are using the packing peanuts add them in first and make sure they are up to at least the half waypoint. Then you add your poly foam. You ratio should be about 14 to 7.

Step five. Once your foam has risen and set, about 20 to 30 minutes after you added it, you are now ready to pull your mold. You may now untie your mold and carefully pull it apart. You may need to use a screwdriver to separate the two halves.

Step six. Once you have pulled the mold it is time to dremel. You must dermal down the edges where there is a seam. You need to make this as smooth and invisible as possible.

Step seven. Once you are done dremaling you now need to trim the excess foam from about the neck. SAVE THIS! DO NOT THROW IT AWAY!

Step eight. Now heat up your hot glue gun and decide how you will position the let over latex that you have trimmed off the neck. This will be your arteries, guts and gore factor. NOTE! Do not glue these into the center! Leave the center open incase you decided to add a vertebra.

Step nine. Glue the latex.

Step ten. Mix your paint with some of your casting latex. Attempt to get a dark purplish reddish color.

Step eleven. Sponge paint the white poly foam and latex.

Step twelve. Let the paint dry.

Step thirteen. Cut out the eye area.

Step fourteen. Choose a pair of eyes and gently insert them into the now open eye area.

Step fifteen. Add some blues and reds very subtly around the neck area. This just adds some realness and depth to your head.

Step sixteen. Pick out a wig and hot glue it to your head.

Optional step seventeen. If you wish you can use more paint to apply make up to your head, if you wish it to be a girl, or to add color to the lips and cheeks.

Optional step eighteen. You can now add some of your reddish latex to the hair and on your head’s face to make it appear beaten.

Optional step eighteen. If you wish you can use more paint to apply make up to your head, if you wish it to be a girl, or to add color to the lips and cheeks.

Hooray! You now have your very own severed head. Use it at Halloween, in a movie, to scare your friends, scare your mom, your teacher, a person in a car accident (well that would just be rude). What I’m trying to say is enjoy it!

For more tips on how to make your own head or other body parts check out these links.

http://halloweenerrific.co.uk/tag/make-your-own-severed-head

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QR2C32eBAw

Negotiating and Deal Making Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 01:55:00 +0000

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This week in class we had to interview a professional in the media industry. I went in interviewed my friend Jenny. She is a teacher at Full Sail University and worked in film for a while. She used producer and write. So I called her up and explained the situation and she graciously agreed to answer a few questions.

Me: So Jenny, how would you deal with negative emotions in your line of work?

Jenny: I actually had to deal with a lot of that when I first got back to Jacksonville from LA. All the theaters I tried to talk to would tell me that I was too young and that I should try acting and not directing. The best way to react to something like that is to just ignore it and not react. I would just thank the theater for their time and look for other work. The best way to deal with some one telling you your inexperienced is to just keep doing the next right thing and eventually you will show them up.

Me: Wow thanks for the advice Jenny. Now how you ever had to deal with some one using tricky tactics to get what they want?

Jenny: No problem. I actually have many times. Most of the time they are some one who feels entitled to their position, as if they know more then you. Or sometimes it’s some one who has been at the job longer then you and doesn’t like that you, the new comer. One example I can think of is I had just gotten onto a project as a script analyst and a development assistant who had been there since the start didn’t like all the attention I was getting. She was the assistant to the head producer and didn’t like how I seemed to be stealing her thunder so she started talking behind my back. Now I could have fought back, called her out, or done something about it but instead I decided to let her hand herself. I just kept doing the next right thing and soon people started to notice how much of a b***h she was. And if no one had noticed that doesn’t really matter either because then I wouldn’t want to know those people any way.

Me: Wow Jenny that’s really insightful of you. Thanks for all your help and I hope to talk to you again soon.

Jenny: Thanks for asking Taylor, have a good night.

I think what I really learned the most of from Jenny is to just keep doing the next right thing and everything will work out for the best.

How to Hide a Tattoo

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Mon, 21 May 2012 01:55:00 +0000

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Sometimes you may need to cover a tattoo on an actor. They may be playing a role that doesn't have any tattoos or the tattoo just doesn't fit the part. I got the idea for this blog post by watching the transformation of Rico Zombie on YouTube. It is a really cool video where see him looking “normal” then you see him rub of thee makeup and you see his tattoos. The video starts out by asking, “How do you judge a book?” and then you see the commercial, which is what the video is, for Derma Blend. So today I'm going to teach you how to hide the tattoo.

This is the behind the scenes of the Go Beyond the Cover commercial.

Here are the steps to covering a tattooo.

Match the make up to the actors skin tone
Cover the entire tattoo with a layer of makeup

This is just one of many layers you will be applying

Powder it
Apply another layer

This time blend the edges out

Powder

If that last layer covered the tattoo completely stop here.

Apply yet another layer

Yet again blend the edges out

Powder

If that last layer covered the tattoo completely stop here

Apply a last layer

For the final time blend the edges out

Powder for the last time

If the tattoo is still showing slightly repeat steps 3-9 until the tattoo is completely covered.

If you uses a really thick layer you may only need to use one or 2 layers.

Here's an example of what the process looks like.

This is a very good technique to have. I use it every day for work. I work at Disney and am not aloud to have tattoo showing. So every morning before work I wake up and use the same technique I just told you about to hide the tattoo on my food. So I can tell you for a fact that it works.

I hope you liked this blog and can put this technique to work.

Here are some websites if you need more help.
Everydayhealth.com
About.com
eHow.com

How to Turn Your Friend Into a Zombie

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Sun, 06 May 2012 21:57:00 +0000

David after I was done with him on Halloween.

Turning some one into a zombie is pretty basic. All you are basically doing is lightening the persons skin tone and then shading in the usual areas, cheek bones, temples, and under the chin (if it's a guy), and then you shade the eyes, to sink them in. That may sound rather complicated to some, so like always, I'm going to walk you threw the process step by step.

Apply the foundation to your actors face

Make sure to use a foundation that is 2 tones lighter then your model's
Make sure you blend the foundation down you model's neck

Apply shadows to your actor

(Make sure the shadow in 1 tone darker then your actors natural tone)

Just under the cheek bones
At the temples
Around the eyes
Under the jawline
On the side of the nose

Apply highlights

On cheek bones
On the bridge of the nose

Apply greens and yellows

Apply these around the shadows to give your actor a sickly look
After applying bruises add some more greens and yellows

Apply bruises

Apply different shades of reds

Apply setting powder
Add rigid collodion

You apply this by liberally applying this to your model's skin
This may take multiply applications
Allow this to dry between applications

Make any needed touch ups
Apply setting powder
Apply congealed blood

Add this where the rigid collodion has dried to make realistic wounds

Now you know how to turn your friend into a realistic zombie.

Your friend should look something like this.

Here's a video of me turning my friend into one so you can see the process.

If you need any more help you can check out these websites.

If you needed make up or any of the supplies you used in this application you can order it from these websites.

How to Make Gelatin

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:51:00 +0000

Today I am going to teach you how to make gelatin. Gelatin is very important tool when you are a special effects and makeup artist.

This is what you can do with gelatin and food coloring.

Gelatin is easy enough to make, however some times the ingredients can be hard to find.

To make gelatin you need:

450 gram Glycerine
450 gram Sorbitol
150-200 gram Gelatine powder

Once you find all the ingredients you:

Mix the liquids and one tablespoon of water in a plastic or glass bowl.
Put it into the microwave for 4 minutes.

This time is for an 800 watt microwave.
You microwave this until it is warm enough when you can’t put your finger in it without burning it.
Remember that you should never let the gelatine boil but just melt it.

Add the powder slowly while stirring fast.
Let the gelatine powder absorb the liquid and swell for five minutes.
Put it back in the microwave for two minutes.

Open and stir a few times during.
Remember that gelatine is not allowed to boil!

Take it out and let it cool for two minutes

Stir often during this time.

Repeat the four minute procedure seven to eight times.

Switch between heating and cooling the gelatin.

This is needed to thoroughly melt the gelatine powder.

You can put a little drop on a cool surface and feel how it feels when it's cooled down.
If it is all done it is a very soft but still firm
This is how gelatine feels when it's good.

Let the gelatin cool for a while before pouring it down in a zip lock bag (a thick one).
Put it flat on the table to cool.
The gelatine can now be re-melted whenever you need to use it.

Tip! As you need to let the gelatine cool between the runs in the microwave, do two batches at the same time. This saves you a lot of time.

Health and safety! Gelatine is HOT! If you get it on your skin it will burn you until your skin comes off! I always wear protective gloves, covered shoes, long trousers and protective glasses. You can't play it too safe when working with dangerous materials.

This is a step by step video on how to make and use gelatin for cool effects.

For more info about gelatin for where to buy some already made gelatin check out these links.
how to make burns
makeup special effects supply store
how to and supply link

How to Slit Your Friends Throat

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 02:42:00 +0000

I have done many post on make-up so far, but now I am finally going to tell you how to do a special effect. Today I am going to tell you how to rig a blood effect. This effect will cost you less then $15 in total.

The supplies you will need are:

a turkey baster $3, syringe $3, or ketchup bottle $1 (all from Walmart)
clear plastic tubing $3, or bendy straws $1
duct tape 4$
blood $5

Once you have all the supplies it's time to build your rig.

If you use plastic tubing:

Fit the plastic tubing over the spout of what your baster, syringe, or ketchup bottle
wrap the duct tape around the gape as tight as possible to prevent any leaks

If you use bendy straws:

fit the bendy straw over the spout of what your baster, syringe, or ketchup bottle
wrap the duct tape around the gape as tight as possible to prevent any leaks
Fit the second bendy straw into the first
wrap the duct tape around the gape as tight as possible to prevent any leaks
repeat as needed

Once you have built your rig it's time to use it. The example I am going to use is if you are going to slit some ones throat.

To do this and achieve a believable effect you need a fake knife and your rig.

Here are the steps to achieve this effect:

Pour the blood into your ketchup bottle or suck it into your baster or syringe
Tape your tube or straw to the side of your knife
Place your baster, syringe, or ketchup bottle behind your actors head
Stand next to your actor and angle the knife so that the camera cant see your starw or tube
squeeze the baster, syringe, or ketchup bottle
once the blood near the tip of the straw or tube begin to pull the knife across your actors throat.
You have now slit your friends throat.

Here is a video of my friend and I learning to achieve this effect.

Remember if at first you don't succeed try, try again.

If you are looking for more of a way to make your blood to shot everywhere check out this website.

How to Give Someone a Black Eye

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 16:11:00 +0000

Black eyes, they happen to clumsy people, people who get in fights, and some people who can't catch. So as a make up artist it is a good idea to know how to give some one a black eye.

Here are the items you will need...

Nose and scar wax
Lotions (lots of lotions)
Bruises makeup wheel

with green and purple
with red and yellow

Skin tone make up
Sponges
paint brush
Translucent Powder
Some form of a wedge

Now here's the steps you should take.

Apply lotion to your hands, or else the putty will stick to you
apply putty around your actors eye area making sure to smooth down the edges
once finished applying the putty and blending the edges it is time to start the make up application. This is very tricky. The putty will want to stick to your sponge or brush unless you first apply lotion to the putty.
Apply light amounts of lotion to the putty and then shade your eye and make sure to shade onto the skin and not just the putty

first red
then green
purple
skin tone

Then lightly apply your powder being careful to only dust the eye area
Now go show off your handy work cause you have just given your friend a black eye.

The whole process looks something like this.

For more info on black eyes or to buy makeup products check out these sites.

How to Gouge an Arm

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:11:00 +0000

Have you ever seen one of those movies when some on have a chunk of skin cut off their arm. Well that's what I'm going to teach you how to do today.

For this activity you will need

Gelatine
Food coloring
Modeling putty
Skin tone make up
Bruise and FX makeup wheels
Cotton balls
Popsicle stick
Lotion
ProsAid

Here are toe steps to create your gouge...

melt down the solid gelatine, about 20 seconds in the microwave.
stir in about 4 drops of red food coloring and 2 of blue.
CHECK to make sure that it is not to hot for your model's skin.
Once it has cooled down take the popsicle stick and spead a layer onto your model's skin. T
Pulled apart a cotton ball and bloat the gelatine.

This wall create a texture in the gelatine.

Once you are satisfied with your texture amount add another layer of gelatine.

You can repeat steps 5 and 6 until you are satisfied with the results.
On the last layer try and spread the edges out as thin as possible.

Once satisfied with your gelatine it is time to build up the wound.

Put the lotion on your hands and pull out the modeling putty
Start molding the putty around the gelatine

Apply a layer of ProsAid to your model's skin between each strip of putty

Once you have your border blend the outer edges down
Apply 2 thin layers of ProsAid to make the putty stronger

Now it's time to make it look real.

Add some pink and red to a sponge and blend it onto the putty
Add some skin tone to the edges of the putty and blend onto your model's skin.
Add some purple to the inner edge or the putty.
Take a good last look and use your best judgement to make it look realistic.

Your final result should look something like this.

For more cool stuff to do with gelatine check out this cool video.
This is also a cool article about making scars and burns.

How to Make Reusable Vomit

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:22:00 +0000

This is a dramatization.

In film sometimes you may want to show a puddle of vomit. Today I'm going to tell you how I make reusable vomit.

Here's the supplies you will need:

1 Pot
1 cookie sheet
various food
water
food coloring
gelatin

Now when I say gelatin I don't mean the yummy delicious snake known as Jello, I mean make up gelatin. It's easy to make and will be used the base for the vomit and is necessary for making the vomit reusable. This is where you can find the recipe to make gelatin.
Once you have the gelatin made it is time to melt it down a block of it in the pot. You will want to add some water to thin out the gelatin. Once the block has boiled down it's time add food coloring. You will want to add about a 1/4 drop of green and 1/2 a drop of yellow.

Now you will want to add some crushed up food. You add more for chunky looking vomit and less for a less chunky look. Once you mix the food up you may need to add a smidgen more water to help it cool down.

Before the gelatin has completely cooled you will want to pour the mixture onto a cookie sheet and place it in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. After that time check the edges of your vomit and see if you can peel it up. If you can you have successfully made your reusable vomit, if you can't put it back in the fridge for a bit.

When finished your vomit may look something like this.

If you are looking for an easier way to make vomit you may want to check out this link.

If you get bored this vomit can also be used to prank your friends.

How to Make Fake Blood for Under $5.

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 22:01:00 +0000

Now many people when they need fake blood will just go out and buy it. Of course that can get a bit pricey, plus stuff will most likely stain your clothes and skin. Now I cant promise what I am going to tell you how to make won’t stain your clothes, but there will be less of a chance. And the skin staining problem, if this does stain your skin I’ll give you the secret to get it off. And no it’s not soap and water that almost never works on stains.

Warning this may be considered graphic!
It’s always a good ides to test your fake blood before you have the actor have to spit it up.

Items you will need, if you don’t already have them on hand. *This may raise your price by $1.50*

1 empty water bottle
Food coloring
Karo/ corn syrup

*Karo syrup is just a tad thicker*

That’s it!

Now here’s what you have to do to make your fake blood.
Empty your bottle of water a little over half way
Fill the rest of your bottle with syrup
Now add :

                4 drops red
                2 drops yellow
                1 drop blue
Shake the bottle
Pour a little on your hand to test the color
If needed add more blue
    *you may need to play with it to find your desired color*
    *The more food coloring you use the more it stains.*
If to watery or to think add more water or syrup’
Now you have your BLOOD!

Dead girl says, "YAY!!"

Now it’s time for the last step, the camera test! Your should always check to see how your blood looks in the light it will be filmed in. You never want to get on set and find your blood looks to red or to purple.

Now you have your very own edible fake blood. You can’t find that in stores, and all for under 5$. Now I promised to tell you the secret to unstain your skin, if it stains at all. The secret is... Lysol Bleach Wipes! That or Shaving Cream, the white ones not the gel.

I hope this post has helped you. Come back next week for more makeup know-how.

How to Make Fake Vomit

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 21:40:00 +0000

Many times in a movie you need an actor to vomit. Sometimes they are drunk, have just seen something disgusting, or maybe they are just really sick the actor must vomit convincingly. The trouble then comes in when the film maker must find a way to angle the camera to catch the "vomit" and make it appear that the actor is truly spewing vomit. The easiest way to do that is to make edible fake vomit. This can be done a variety of ways. One way is to mix pea soup and chilli or stew, another is to use bread and food coloring, and yet another way is apple sauce and gelatin. Those are just to name a few ways.

The recipe I like to use is a simple 4 step recipe. All you need is instant oatmeal, food coloring, a bowl, spoon, and maybe some corn puff cereal.

Step one-
You prepare to instant oatmeal by following the directions on the packet.You may want to add just a little bit more water then usual to make it more watery.

Step two-
Add green and yellow food coloring and maybe even some red. You can keep the color separated or blend them together to make it a murky brown color.

Step three-
Take a final look at your vomit. decide if you want it to be a bit chunkier or not. You can add some Corn Puffs if you feel it needs some chunks added.

Step four-
It is time to have the actor scoop your vomit into their mouth and project it out when the time comes. If the vomit does not come out the way you wish it to you can mix more water into it.

This recipe is completely edible and it is safe if the actor accidentally swallows some.

This is why it is always better to make edible vomit, so when you cant get the shot right you can always have your actor put it in their mouth.

If you want to know how to make even more gross body fluids you can check out this website.

Halloween and Prothetics

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:39:00 +0000

At work last week we offered make up applications for people who wanted to get dressed up for Halloween but didn't know how to do it them selves. So I thought it would be a cool idea to so a quick how to on prosthetic application.

A prosthetic, in make up, is a latex or foam latex wound or mask that is typically applied to the actor with pros-aid adhesive.

The first thing I did was some research on videos people may watch if trying to learn to apply a prosthetic on their own. I found one very informative YouTube video, Walking Dead Style Prosthetic Application. It walks you threw the full application process and is a great DIY for any beginner make up artist.

When applying a prosthetic there are some must have supplies...
- sponges
- pros-aid/ cream pros-aid*

*cream pros-aid is simply stronger then the normal liquid pros-aid and can be used if you are applying a heavy duty prosthetic.

- invisible powder

- RMG (grease paint)*

*used to paint the prosthetic

- Q-tips

- latex*

*used to hide the edges if needed and can't be done with the pros-aid

And finally to remove the prosthetic all you need is...

- Super-solve

- Q-tips

- Cotton balls

Fist to remove the prosthetic you work the q-tip around the edges until you have a nice lip. Then you GENTLY peal the prosthetic up while working the q-tip under the edge. This process can take several q-tips. Finally when done your actor may still have some residual pros-aid on his face. To remove that simply saturate a cotton ball and in small circular motions rub away the excess pros-aid.

If you wish to attempt your own prosthetic you can visit any local special FX store and purchase your own supplies.

If you are in the Orlando area you can visit AEO Studios.

If you are in the Tampa area you can visit FX Warerhouse.

Or you can always Google "Make up and SFX".

About Me

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 19:54:00 +0000

My name is Taylor, and I am a 21-year-old intern at AEO Studios, a make-up and SFX studio.


One day we had to practice prosthetic applications.

We are one of the few stores left that will actually talk to you and explain how to use the make up we are selling you. That is awesome for me because that me I am always learning something new. One of the best parts of working where I work is that I get to meet professionals in my field as well. So not only do I learn something from them but I also get to give it away to some one else later.

A prosthetic is a mask glued to your face.

Some day I hope to work my way over to England. I may not get to work on Doctor Who, they only hire people from England, but I hope to work for the BBC and maybe some day get to meet the production designer or art director for the show. I know that to do that I need to just keep practicing and hone my skills and I can make it there.

Any way this is my blog and I hope you all like it!