As far as a portfolio is concerned we understand that every applicant for Special Make-up Effects will come from a different background, with a range of different skill sets that leads to this specialist subject area.
Portfolios should contain your best work in a well-presented manner. Content that we are looking for is basically anything creative, for example, sculpting, painting techniques, art & design, life drawings and sketches, SFX make-up applications and concepts, digital art, photography, hair work, wig-making, prop making, all kinds of experimentation and justifications you make and many more.
Focus on special effects make-up and art, we are mostly looking for art that shows an understanding of the anatomy, this is essential core knowledge that would be beneficial to understand from the start of the degree.
Your portfolio should contain only your best pieces of work, make sure that you take a good picture with no unnecessary noise in the background so we can see your work to the best standard.
Our recommendations for a beginner in the specialism would be to work on drawing and sculpting skills (both pretty cheap to do). Have a look at some online resources like Stuart Bray’s website and YouTube channel “learn make-up effects”. Stuart is excellent and has some fine knowledge on his sites, Stan Winston School, they do a free months trial where you can view all of their videos too, and Todd Debrecini has a great collection of books available – these are brilliant, they basically show you all of the skillsets that you will be learning and could do with learning the basics of.
Please be aware that we will ask you questions about any individual piece of work in your portfolio during the interview, especially if you are applying via experience or do not possess the standard entry requirements.
If you have any other enquiries relating to this you can contact the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Team to discuss, their contact details can be found at the bottom of the specific course page by searching the Special Effects and Make-Up subject area.
You can also chat with our staff directly every Wednesday from 2 pm - 4 pm and periodically throughout the working week.
Alternatively, chat with our current students who will be able to share this information with you and any other course-related queries.
Or book onto one of our Open Days or Course Advice Days to find out more and speak with the team.
At the University of Bolton, we understand our students have different requirements and we pride ourselves on the positive and supportive learning environment we provide. Being voted No. 1 for Student Satisfaction for the past three years (Complete University Guide, North West) is a testament to our approach.
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