Scars and wounds

Today's studio session was way more interesting than the other one and I am over the moon with the results. This special effects stuff is so awesome, but I don't think I'm more into it than I'm more into beauty though I love playing with this stuff! Unfortunately we haven't got time to practice more of this stuff and also we didn't know how to do the black eye but Sue told us that we will do it another day and everything will be fine.

DEMO PICTURES:

PRODUCTS USED:

• Moulding wax, Cine Wax (colourless is better);
• Latex Neill's Materials;
• Barrier foam Kryolan;
• Fake blood (Kensington Gore is better because it is professional and photographs well, looks real in photos not like the joke shop ones);
• Wound filler: slightly fibrous, to give the wound depth  (but we can try with coffe mixed with blood if we don't have it).

Other products that can be used:

• Kryolan Supracolour;
• Collodian for creating scars - not necessary to powder for a shiny finish;
• Tuplast to create old scars;
• Pus (can be mixed with blood);
• Isopropyl  alcohol to clean the brushes/ustensils/skin and to mix with Supracolour to achieve a less defined colour;
• Vaseline (for adding shine to black eyes);
• Acetone;
• Foundation/concealer palette.

TOOLS USED:

• Sculpting tools (preferably to buy metal ones - see Ebay);
• Black stippling sponge: coarse and good for breaking up the colour;
• Paint brushes/flicking brushes;
• Hairdryer;
• Hairpins.

HEALTH AND SAFETY:

1. If your client is allergic to latex, you can use sealer instead to put on top of the wax;
2. If you mix Supracolour with isopropyl alcohol do not use near the eye;
3. When using collodian, PUT A PROTECTOR (BARRIER FOAM) UNDERNEATH;
4. Always test the heat from a hairdryer on yourself before using it on the model;
5. Do not use protector under sculpting wax.

Other information:

• Always do your homework before creating a scar: research the scar/cut etc, it can have different colours and depths and looks during it's life - photograph and document it;
• Think about the context of the wound;
• The hairdryer can be used to set/dry the wound but always check on yourself if it's not too hot.

HOW TO:

1. Take a bit of wax onto the back of the hand, it needs to be warmed up before it is put onto the skin. The consistency needs to be similar to butter;
2. Make sure there is no grease in the area or the wax won't stay in place as well;
3. You don't want any hard edges, if there is a lot of excess product and it starts to pick up then just wipe off the excess from the tool;
4. To create a deeper cut, roll up the wax and blend out the edges;
5. To blend out the edges, use a tiny bit of moisturiser on top of the wax and it will blend out. 
6. Cut into the wax to create the wound/gash;
7. Apply a thin layer of latex over the top of the wax, bringing it slightly over the edges to seal it. 
8. Dry with a cool hairdryer until clear;
9. You can flick colour onto the skin using a paintbrush, it gives a good look of blood splatter;
10. Use a hairpin dipped in blood to create scratches or just the end of your spatula;
11. Using a hairpin again to add wound filler into the cut to add depth;
12. Use a black stippling sponge with the fake blood.

REMOVING:

• When removing wax/latex, scrape off and out of the bowls and put into the bin. Do not throw down the sink;
• For collodion use spirit gum;
• Everything else, water is fine to remove. 

MY RESULTS:

REFLECTION:

I haven't got time to try the collodion too even if I was really interested in it but there's another time do it too. I didn't want the cut really deep as I was afraid I will fail to do it, so I started with something smaller, next time I hope I'll be brave enough to do something bigger. I am super pleased of the result anyway.