My first latex mask attempt

[Tinalera]

Hello all

I've been out the barrens for a while. Just wanted to show you I wasnt' TOTALLY slacking off Here are pics of my first attempt at a latex mask. (Also been making a music video for a friend)

It's rough, and not pretty to look at, but I'm getting the gist of how to do this. I've been learning much by error. I also have to thank Directorik for his advice, it has been invaluable! Anyfeedback from anyone who's worked with latex would be appreciated!
This first attempt looks like it does for a couple of reasons (IE I didn't follow rules)

1, I didn't have a totally smooth model to work from, particularly on the "head" area.
2. I poured what I could, but I didn't have enough to "fill" the mold.

 

[knightly]

Cool, can't wait to see it on someone. I came across this as well: http://learnprostheticmakeup.com/

Maybe that will help a bit.

 

[Zensteve]

There are a lot great opportunities out there, if you can master the art of casting.

Keep going!

 

[Buddy Greenfield]

Hell yeah, nice job so far.


-Thanks-

 

[Papertwinproductions]

It's getting there, nice job

 

[Ernest Worthing]

looks good!

i can really see the potential with some paint on it!

 

[Tinalera]

Thanks for all the comments!

Thanks Knightly for the link, I'll look into that!

I've since painted it. Now I don't have an aircompressor or spray, or it's been done in acrylic, so don't expect stunning realism! lol. Again, it's a first attempt, I'll post it being "modelled" shortly. Not to mention my hand isn't the steadiest. I may have to look around and see how much an airbrush artist would charge. Also, the "eyes" aren't perfect, I will do better better trimming next time-also hope to add a "neck" I notice my mask has "bumps" wihich is probably air bubbles I didn't get out.

I'm going to see about "sanding" the mold to get it smoother. Also have more latex to pour in. It's been fun to make, but latex is messy, sticky and stinky (lots of ammonia!). And the next time I see one of those "sexy latex" girls in skin tight latex, I'm gonna hope they shaved their body hair, cause if that stuff itsn't quite dry it's nasty to get out of hair with it does dry!


Pics coming shortly.

 

[Tinalera]

Okay, the shot is a little blurry, and not an extreme closeup. Pretty close to being done, still some more touching up. For my first attempt I'm happy with it, learning what to do next time. Like I said, maybe hire an airbrush artist for a "more real" look (unless someone has an air compressor they want to get rid of! )


But it is progress, and I can easily see now what some of the high quality masks can go for hundreds-the more detail, the more work!

 

[knightly]

Looks pretty good to me for a first attempt. Well done!

 

[bird]

Nice work, Tina!



In the future, any chance you'd move into scaled down Action figure molding/modeling?

 

[Tinalera]

I do collect action figures sometimes-I specialise in female characters. I've wondered about it, it wouldn't be much different really than this. Was there anything you had in mind there Bird?

Maybe down the road. Right now I'm just trying to get casting skills down. I'm hoping for my next mask for it to be a full head and neck.

Knightly: Thanks! I'm pleased with the first attempt. Like I said, I really would like to get into airbrushing, but I don't have the funds for an aircompressor right now. Acrylic just doesn't get as much realism for "softness" as it were.

 

[Tinalera]

BTW @ ZenSteve-


I meant to respond about the casting: It's a nice thought if I could get good enough to actually *coughmakemoneycough* at this hobby, so we'll see. Like filmmaking, you learn by doing, make mistakes, lather rinse repeat At the least, making masks helps me to understand interest even more.

I already have a potential commission-a friend of mine wants me to make a demonic clown mask lol.

 

[bird]

I do collect action figures sometimes-I specialise in female characters. I've wondered about it, it wouldn't be much different really than this. Was there anything you had in mind there Bird?

In fact, I do! I'm hoping my feature animation will be done by December 25, 2012 , and I would like to package either a standard size figure or a miniature (more likely) with a dvd. The character is female, too, and very campy/sloppy so the crafting wouldn't have to be pristine. Anywho, it's a ways off until completion, but thought I'd throw an iron in the fire to see if you'd be interested. Thanks much!

 

[Tinalera]

I'm intrigued Bird! (Sent you a PM)

 

[Papertwinproductions]

Real good first attempt.

 

[Tinalera]

Real good first attempt.

Thanks! I learned so much with the first attempt, I'm hoping either the second or third will actually be a whole head-right now it's only half. A closeup of the mask would show "acne" (or in this case, air bubbles that got into the latex).

I have a clearer pic I may post later.

 

[Tinalera]

Here's a clearer (unfortunately lol) picture of the mask

Yes she needs a "nose job", and the bubbles I learned about the hard way.

I'm thinking next time I will probably try and add eye lashes, maybe make the eyes a little more realistic, stuff like that. I've learned that bubbles can be avoided by a steady pour. A lot of learning.

I almost prefer the previous blurred picture

 

[Papertwinproductions]

The face structure is spot on. The features are going to take a while to get to grips with, but I'd be proud of this.

 

[Tinalera]

For a first attempt I am very pleased with it, make no mistake I just tend to be my own worst critic(aren't we all? lol). Yea, the features will take work, but that comes with practice. I now know though why people sell high quality masks for hundreds of dollars-the amount of work is incredible just to get what I got!