Memento Mori FX

"Bringing Creature and Character Creations to Life"

Mahopac Monster Makers Club

Monster Makers Club Workshops

The Mahopac Monster Makers Club is a unique workshop experience designed for young artists and aspiring SFX creators aged 13 and over. Our workshops are six weeks, artists will dive into the world of special effects makeup, creature design, and character creation, guided by industry professionals. Each session combines hands-on learning with creative exploration, covering everything from color theory and basic wound effects to complex makeup techniques using liquid latex, wax, and more. Campers will have the opportunity to design and paint their own masks, create realistic scars and burns, and even learn how to age their characters using SFX methods. In the final weeks, they’ll put it all together to create their own original characters, complete with custom costumes and props, and capture their creations in a professional green screen photoshoot to start a digital portfolio. Each participant will receive a certificate of participation and take home any masks or props they create. This camp is perfect for young artists, monster and horror enthusiasts looking to spark their creativity, expand their skills, and dive into the thrilling world of special effects makeup. Space is limited to 6 participants.

Workshop Schedule and Program

Dates: March 30th – May 8th
Days: Mondays and Fridays
Time: 4pm – 5pm
Ages: 10-15
Cost: $600 for the full 6 weeks if booked before (Save $50)
Goal: Teach SFX basics, including mask painting, costume design, and character makeup creation, culminating in a portfolio of character photos with green screen backgrounds.

*Tuition includes SFX Makeup kit. Parents should purchase a foundation that matches their teen’s skin-tone prior to class start date. Please pack snacks or a lunch if desired.

Week 1: Introduction to SFX Basics, Color Theory, and Hygiene

Objective: Introduce fundamental SFX skills, color theory, hygiene, and basic wound effects.

  • Day 1: Color Theory, Shadows & Highlights, Hygiene
    • Overview of color mixing, shadows, and highlights for makeup depth.
    • Hygiene & safety basics: cleaning brushes, makeup removal, and tool maintenance.
    • Activity: Practice applying highlights and shadows on arms and hands to create depth.
  • Day 2: Fake Blood, Bruises, and Simple Wounds
    • Demonstrate recipes for different types of fake blood (fresh, dried, scab).
    • Activity: Students create their own fake blood and practice creating bruises, scratches, and small cuts using stipple sponges and wax.

Week 2: Skull Makeup & Burn Effects

Objective: Learn to create skull makeup and realistic burn effects of varying severity.

  • Day 1: Skull Makeup
    • Teach various skull styles: sugar skulls or classic black-and-white designs.
    • Activity: Students practice skull designs with a focus on contour and shading.
  • Day 2: Burn Makeup (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Degree)
    • Explain techniques for creating burn effects of varying severity.
    • Activity: Use paint for 1st-degree burns, add wax and red tones for 2nd-degree burns, and build textured layering for 3rd-degree burns.

Week 3: Liquid Latex & Skin Textures

Objective: Use liquid latex to create textures, scars, and realistic aging effects.

  • Day 1: Creepy Skin Textures & Wounds
    • Learn how to mix latex with cotton to create open wounds and decayed skin textures.
    • Activity: Students practice creating different skin textures and open wounds using liquid latex.
  • Day 2: Old Age Makeup – Stretch & Stipple Technique
    • Teach the “stretch and stipple” technique with latex for realistic wrinkles and age lines.
    • Activity: Students apply old-age effects on hands and faces.

Week 4: Mask Making, Costume Distressing, and Wardrobe

Objective: Design and paint masks, distress costumes, and prepare costumes for character building.

  • Day 1: Mask Making & Painting
    • Teach mask painting, from base colors to distressing techniques.
    • Activity: Students start with base painting on blank masks and add unique details.
  • Day 2: Costume Distressing & Wardrobe Design
    • Kids bring in old clothes for “distressing” (cutting, staining, adding blood).
    • Activity: Use scissors, fake blood, and paint to create tattered, distressed costumes.

Week 5: Full Zombie Makeup Application

Objective: Complete a full zombie transformation, integrating all makeup techniques.

  • Day 1: Full Zombie Makeup Practice
    • Review bruise, cut, and decay techniques to create a cohesive zombie look.
    • Activity: Students apply all techniques learned for a full zombie transformation, focusing on texture, wounds, and costume integration.
  • Day 2: Zombie Makeup Finalization & Practice Photos
    • Fine-tune zombie makeup and take practice photos to capture their work.
    • Activity: Students finalize zombie makeup, take photos with a green screen background.

Week 6: Design Your Own Character

Objective: Use all learned techniques to create an original character, with final photos taken for a portfolio.

  • Day 1: Character Creation & Makeup Application
    • Students plan their unique character design, incorporating skills from Weeks 1-5.
    • Activity: Apply makeup and finalize their character look, preparing for the photoshoot.
  • Day 2: Green Screen Photoshoot for Portfolio
    • Students wear their character makeup and costume for a final green screen photoshoot.
    • Activity: Capture portfolio photos of each participant’s character, showcasing poses and close-up details.

Graduation

At the end of the program, each student will receive a certificate of participation and a digital portfolio showcasing their work. Plus, they’ll get to take home any masks or props they created, making each piece a lasting memento of their Monster Makers Club journey.

*Remember, space is limited to 10 participants

For more information or to register, send us a message

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