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I used a head-form that I bought from Monster Makers,(http://www.monstermakers.com/)I used plastilene clay to start the face.
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This is a closeup of my work after I had begun sculpting. My technique in making a mask is a bit different.I am strictly amateur and not a very rich man, so a long time ago I began to experiment in different ways to make masks without using a mold. I first made masks from papier mache, but they were rigid and did not last very long. |
When I was in high school my drama teacher gave me access to ordering supplies for the make-up department using the school's budget and my catalog from Alcone Theactrical supply. I bought my first quart of liquid latex. I experimented with it, using small plastic molds from my Dick Smith monster makeup kits, and later after reading many makeup and mask books, I tried to make my own molds from plaster of paris ,but could never get the latex to release properly. So after much time and error I decided to combine the papier mache and latex. Basically the technique is mostly papier latex. I use plain paper towel cut into little squares , then I take water color disposable brushes to apply the latex and paper to the clay form. Overlapping the pieces just like papier mache, then using a hair dryer to dry the process a little at a time until all dry. |
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The good thing about my technique is that when sculpting the clay you dont have to worry about tiny minute details, if you want something such as a wrinkle or scar to show on the mask you have to make it larger than normal, When the latex dries it shrinks making it smaller on the mask. When you have put at least three layers of latex paper on and dried it, you will want to wait a good day for the mask to cool and set, before removing it,You will need to use baby powder to remove the mask from the form, using a powder brush to put the powder inside and out so that the latex wont stick to itself. |
After getting the mask off in one piece and repairing any tears if necessary, put the mask back on the form to be painted.I also used Monster Makers latex mask paint as well as latex,its excellent to work with.I always use a picture or drawing of the subject that I am to recreate in mask form, this time was gene simmons in Kiss makeup. To put on the base foundation I used an airbrush gun with white latex mask paint.Then I used one of my water color brushes to paint the details.
Any way always remember safety first ,read directions and safety precautions on everything you use.This is the finished product,its a fun hobby,and one that can be improved upon as time goes by.Always take pictures of your creations. I hope to be adding more pictures of my other works soon.
This is my latest creation The Autumn man, 2002,
these weremade in 2003 and 2004
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 These are my last masks I made in 2007.
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This is the famous Dick Smith make-up artist, visit this most amazing site now!
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This is the Famous Monster Maker and Genius Jack Pierce-creator of the Karloff-Frankenstein and The Chaney-Wolfman plus so many other of our beloved monsters.Click the Top pic to learn more about this incredible artist.
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Monster Model Making
Monster making for the amateur and home collector does'nt stop at the arts of special effects, I should say not. Back in the late sixties and early seventies model building stopped being just a model car, airplane,and ship making event, Monsters invaded our great pasttime. Below is a project that I originally made on my Son of Monster Museum page. I thought I would put it here to show that we all can be monster makers when we have a chance. The project was the Addams Family house, the basic procedures can be used for most any model made of polystyrene.
This is the box art of The Addams Family Haunted House Model kit. ( click each picture to see it being built one step at a time)
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