With so many different influences governing the vast world of prosthetics it is no wonder that many people succeeding in the profession do so from different spheres. Many of the make-up courses advertised offer training in prosthetic manufacture and application which is vital to the trainee. At the least, this gives the make-up artist a knowledge of the creative process and the methodology involved, if not a passion to study further.
The London College of Fashion offers a BA (Hons) Make Up and Prosthetics for the Performing Arts and their facilities are excellent.
Many Fine Art courses exist up and down the country where vocational training is given in sculpture, drawing, painting and design. It is often during this form of education that the seeds are planted for further investigation into the art of Prosthetic Make-up. A course at the LCF may seem like an option but if you sense your skills require hands-on experience rather than further formal training then home tutoring is possible.
Dick Smith, often respected as the 'godfather of prosthetic make-up' has a highly reputable courses available to buy on video or in written form. Smith is a wonderful teacher and has a reputation for sharing his knowledge with his many, many students. Be advised that the video you order is in a format suitable for UK video recorders.
Neil Gorton is currently televisions prosthetics guru with programs such as Gender Swap and Doctor Who keeping him very, very busy at the moment. His company, Millenium FX run a 7 week prosthetics course which is gradually building a fine reputation.
I once heard a reputable artist say that the business consisted of a group of little boys who grew up and never stopped playing with plasticine! Whilst this might appear derogatory it is an affectionate observation of a talented group of artists and model makers who breath life into the creations we see on stage or on screen. To find out more about the work of prosthetic artists or to check out what' happening in the world of make-up in general you may like to contact:
National Association of Screen Make-up Artists and Hairdressers, (NASMAH):
http://www.nasmah.org.uk Transatlantic chat is also available on Make-up Artist Magazine's website:
http://www.makeupmag.com which also gives vital information about the all-important Trade Show that takes place in January every year. Here you are able to meet some of the best artists in the business, ask their opinion and sit in on some fantastic tutorials.