Module 9: Special Effects Makeup

This module officially welcomes you into the attention-grabbing world of special effects makeup. With a focus on simulating injuries and diseases, you’ll learn techniques that bring a chilling realism to your work, ensuring your creations have maximum impact.

You’ll practise effects such as bruises, cuts, burns, scars, and sutures, while also exploring fantasy applications like zombie makeup. This module develops both your technical skills and your creativity in the world of SFX.

Module 9 Preview — Makeup

Why This Module Matters

SFX makeup is a highly specialised skillset that opens doors in film, theatre, and creative industries. By mastering the art of injury simulation, you’ll be equipped to create convincing effects that tell powerful stories.

Learn realistic injury simulation techniques.
Practise creating bruises, cuts, scars, and burns.
Explore disease and fantasy effects like zombie makeup.
Build confidence in applying layered, cohesive SFX looks.

By the end, you’ll be able to design impactful, believable injury makeups that read clearly on camera and on stage.

What You’ll Learn

Injury & Disease Simulation
Learn to create realistic effects such as bruises, abrasions, scabs, burns, and pox marks.
Cuts, Scars & Sutures
Develop techniques for applying lacerations, scars, and stitched wounds.
Burns & Blood Effects
Explore products and methods for creating believable burns and layered blood effects.
Fantasy SFX Makeup
Practise zombie-inspired designs and experiment with fantasy embellishments.

What You’ll Do

Create Injury Simulations
Create realistic injury and disease simulations, including bruises, cuts, scars, and burns.
Design Cohesive SFX Makeup
Apply layered techniques to design cohesive special effects makeups.
Add Realistic Detail
Incorporate blood, dirt, perspiration, or tears to enhance realism and impact.
Explore Fantasy SFX Techniques
Explore fantasy SFX applications, such as zombie character design.

Module Topics

In Module 9, we will cover the following topics and beyond:

Introduction
SFX Injury and Disease Simulation
Bruising
Abrasions
Scabs
Tears and Perspiration
Artificial Dirt
Cuts and Lacerations
Sutures/Stitches
Bullet Wounds
Scars

Tattoos
Chicken Pox (Varicella) Simulation
Small Pox
Burns
Injury and Disease SFX for Fantasy Characters
Creating a Zombie Character
Zombie Character Technique
Character Contact Lenses
Demonstrations
Burns Makeup Demonstration
Assault Makeup Demonstration

Module Outcomes

By completing Module 9, you will:

Create realistic injury and disease simulations, including bruises, cuts, scars, and burns.
Apply layered techniques to design cohesive special effects makeups.
Incorporate blood, dirt, and perspiration details for added realism.
Explore fantasy SFX applications, such as zombie character design.

Guidance Every Step of the Way

Our tutors will guide you in creating convincing effects safely and effectively, helping you balance technical accuracy with creative storytelling in your SFX work.