Special effects makeup and custom prosthetics
Wounds, burns, cuts, bald caps, creatures. I design the prosthetics, make them in silicone, latex or gelatine, and apply them on set for film, TV, theatre or photography.
- Silicone, latex or gelatine prosthetics I make myself
- Realistic wounds, burns, scars, ageing
- On-set application with continuity and safe removal
- Film, series, commercials. Theatre, photography, emergency drills
A convincing wound isn’t improvised. It’s designed from the script, made in the right material and applied with time to spare. As an SFX makeup artist I do all three, and I make sure the piece is still where it should be on the last take of the day. I don’t sell off-the-shelf prosthetics: every piece is made from a mould of the actor and I apply it myself on the day.
What I make and apply
Custom prosthetics
I take a mould of the actor, sculpt the piece, cast it in silicone, latex or gelatine and paint it. Noses, cheekbones, brows, horns, scales, bald caps, ears. One-off pieces for a single character or several copies for several shooting days.
Wounds and trauma
Cuts, bites, bruises, open fractures, gunshots, bleeding. Fresh wounds or wounds at different stages of healing to keep continuity across a series.
Burns and scars
First to third-degree burns, old scars, keloids, skin grafts. With prosthetics or straight onto the skin, depending on the shot and how long it has to last.
Ageing
Wrinkles, thin skin, liver spots, grey hair, dental pieces. Stretch-and-stipple for twenty years older, full prosthetics for fifty.
Creatures
Fantasy or horror beings with pieces built into the face and body. I can combine it with Body Paint for a complete design.
How I work
Brief and references. Piece design and quote. Mould and fabrication of the piece. Test under real light. Application on set, continuity between takes and removal with skin-friendly removers.
Who it’s for
Film and TV production companies, agencies, theatre companies, photographers, drama schools. Also emergency drills, where a wound has to teach something to the person treating it.
Need an SFX makeup artist in Barcelona?
Send me the brief with references and dates and I’ll tell you which material suits and what it costs.
FAQ
What's the difference between silicone, latex or gelatine prosthetics?
Silicone is the most realistic and holds up through long days and close-ups; it's also the most expensive and slowest to make. Latex weighs little, flexes well and costs less: it works for theatre and large pieces. Gelatine blends into the skin, works for one-day wounds and comes off with warm water. I pick based on the scene and the budget.
How long does a custom prosthetic take to make?
It depends on the material, the size and whether you need more than one copy for several shooting days. I give you the exact turnaround with the quote, based on the job.
How long does a prosthetic stay on?
A well-applied silicone piece lasts a full shooting day, with touch-ups. Latex and gelatine last less in heat or sweat. On set I check the edges between takes.
Can it cause an allergic reaction?
I use professional products and professional adhesives. Before a long application I ask about allergies and, if there's any doubt, do a patch test on the forearm before applying.
Do you sell ready-made prosthetics?
No. There's no catalogue and no stock. Each prosthetic is made to measure for one actor and one character, and I usually apply it myself. If another makeup artist is going to apply it, I hand it over finished with application notes.
Do you make prosthetics for another makeup artist to apply?
Yes. I can deliver the pieces finished and painted with application notes, or make them and apply them myself on set. Tell me in the brief.
Do you do SFX makeup for photography?
Yes. Editorial shoots, campaigns, personal projects. For stills I can push wounds and textures further because they don't have to last a full shooting day.