General — Stan Winston School of Character Arts Forums

What's On Your Workbench? (Summer 2026)

Chris Ellerby — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 23:57:19 +0000

We love seeing current projects from our community members. Sharing your work on our forums not only gets your work seen by a large audience but also motivates and inspires other artists. We may even feature some of your projects on our social media!

You can either share images and videos below as comments on this discussion or post your own discussion with your work. So don't be shy, show us what you've got!

What's On Your Workbench?

About Magic Wheelchair

Chris Ellerby — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 00:21:53 +0000

PUTTING A SMILE ON THE FACE OF EVERY CHILD IN A WHEELCHAIR

Magic Wheelchair is a nonprofit organization that turns wheelchairs into the envy of every child. Ryan & Lana Weimer, the founders of Magic Wheelchair, have five children, three of whom were born with a form of Muscular Dystrophy called Spinal muscular Atrophy and will require the use of wheelchairs for the entirety of their lives.

Each Halloween Ryan has made the biggest baddest costumes he could for his kids. These wheelchair costumes have been tremendously successful. They have even been featured in newspapers, on television, and the subject of a very successful Kickstarter campaign.

Magic Wheelchair seeks to do this for every child in a wheelchair. The children pick the costumes and we are proud to showcase the uniqueness and individuality of each child.

Visit the Magic Wheelchair website: www.magicwheelchair.org

What's On Your Workbench? (Spring 2026)

Chris Ellerby — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:33:36 +0000

What's On Your Workbench?

animservo inquiry

ru73keepchopin — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 00:42:14 +0000

Hey there! I had a quick question about the animservo add on software add on for maya. I was going thru the animation for animatronics part one course and it says in the video that we were "sent the software" was I supposed to receive a software folder when I started the course? the only place I could find the animservo software was on a website for $100 and I can't really afford to get it currently and take the course. was wondering if there were any free versions of the software or free alternatives

Looking for a Werewolf Suit Fabricator

Lambert Li 0715 — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 16:15:16 +0000

Hi everyone,

My name is Lambert, and I'm a film directing student in New York.

I'm currently helping produce a student action-horror short that's scheduled to shoot in late October. We're looking for a Creature FX artist who might be interested in building a practical werewolf suit.

Our budget for the suit is around $2,000, and we're looking for:

Full-body performer suit
Standing on two legs
Functional jaw opening/closing
Durable enough for action scenes
Slightly feminine features, as the creature is meant to be a mother wolf

If anyone here is interested, or knows someone who might be, I'd love to connect. I'd also really appreciate any recommendations.I can provide the script, concept art, and reference images upon request.

Thanks so much!

Dental Acrylic for eyes

Rob Whiteside — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 12:09:43 +0000

Hi I just watched the:

Making Creature Eyes

John Cherevkaand was wondering why the dental acrylic for casting etc. The reason mainly being I have various clear resins such a epoxy etc and want to make some eyes for my pieces but could do without more shelf life casting liquids etc if I can avoid it. Is it a case of what they like/use and are used to or is there advantages?

What's Your Favorite Stan Winston School Course?

Chris Ellerby — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:25:44 +0000

With so many great courses here at the Stan Winston School of Character Arts, we've all had that one course that really clicked, the one that inspired you, leveled up your skills, or sent you straight into the shop to start building.

We'd love to hear about your favorite course!

Tell us:

Which specific course is your favorite
What you enjoyed most about it (the techniques, the instructor, the project, the "aha!" moment)
How it influenced your work or creative process

And if you have photos of something you made that was inspired by that course, please share them! Seeing how people apply what they've learned is one of the best parts of this community.

Whether you're a longtime member or just getting started, jump in and let us know which course left the biggest impression on you.

Looking forward to seeing what everyone shares!

/Chris

How would you replicate this? ALIEN HIVE from movie "Black Friday" (2021)

caca25_ — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 21:24:01 +0000

Hello, I would like to replicate this "alien hive" from the movie Black Friday! (2021), I think plastic bags and bubble paper is the base, but how to make the black veins etc? any help is very welcome!! Thank you very much

Satellites

Darrell Green — Mon, 11 May 2026 06:37:27 +0000

Sorry but this is too cool not to share. If you are able to watch the sky tonight or tomorrow just after sunset, you will get the show of a lifetime. Multiple batches of 50 satellites just got dropped in low Earth orbit. They are presently going through MASSIVE intricate corrections to get into permanent orbit. This means you get to watch actual rocket burst adjustments as they start, stop, turn, reverse course and wander around like fireflies. Craziest night sky I have ever witnessed. Absolutely bizarre and exciting. I watched one at full speed come to a stop,sit for over five minutes, then course correct with full rocket burn in 90 degree corrections, four times. Truly a once in a lifetime show.

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zedabyu — Mon, 18 May 2026 08:37:38 +0000

I am on free trial casually browsing a few tutorials and they played well with no issues but after a few courses, the player stopped working for all the courses, even those that I have visited successfully previously. I have tried clearing my browser cache and it is still producing the same error. Has anyone encountered this before?

Event opportunity in Tallahassee, FL for Special FX demos, costuming, practical FX

Infinity Dave — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 01:49:32 +0000

Hello, I run an event called Infinity Con in Tallahassee, FL. I am looking for fx demos throughout the weekend for the july 11-12 event. If anyone is in South GA, Alabama or North FL and might be interested in something like this, please let me know! I would be interested in other disciplines as well in the visual and FX world. Look forward to hearing from some of you!

UK equivalents for GE Silicone I Clear & VM&P Naphtha

bengi buse altun — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:57:30 +0000

I've been watching How to Paint Realistic Silicone Skin - Silicone Painting Techniques, and couldn't find the some exact same materials in UK. I'm searching the equivalents of GE Silicone I Caulking - Clear and VM&P Naphtha. I would be really glad if someone helps.

What is your favorite disguise makeup?

Chris Ellerby — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:40:41 +0000

In honor of the release of our new course, "Out Of The Kit Makeup: Prosthetics, Paint & Hair Work," which focuses on character transformations, we would like to reach out to our community here and ask....

What is your favorite disguise makeup?

Disguise makeups have given us some of the most memorable character moments in film and television, from subtle identity shifts to full-on unrecognizable transformations.

Drop your favorites below and tell us what makes them stand out. We can’t wait to see what inspires you!

/Chris

What do I do if I encounter a playback error

Nicholas Garcia — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 05:22:28 +0000

I recently signed up for a monthly subscription and as I was watching a few videos on building a animatronic the videos just stopped working altogether. Is this a technical issue on the website and or is there something I need to do? I already tried clearing my cashe on my browser and that didn’t help.

I'm an old skool Illustrator & Sculptor, returning online after years.

Dream Sorcerer — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:32:03 +0000

Hey everyone,
I haven't been online for years! I've been creating a mythologically called 'Titans of Gaia' and it's been evolving since 2005. I'm extremely slow at what I do because I have Chronic pain, fatigue and other health conditions. So I can only do a limited amount of either drawing and sculpting, like 10-30 minutes, which is followed by rest times. It can vary though.
Please don't get me wrong though. I'm not seeking sympathy whatsoever. I'm actually trying to inspire somehow. I believe that we can still inspire even when we're not in a good place!

So I wanted to share my work with you, and I hope that it resonates with you, amazing artists.

When you get the time, please do check out my website and YouTube channel:
https://www.titansofgaia.me/
https://www.youtube.com/@DreamSorcerer75

So this was the first sculpture that I posted in Conceptart.org in 2005. It's also the first character I created for my world: 'Titans of Gaia.'

'Neko Ryu' (2005) Materials used: Super Sculpey

And this is one of the sculptures that I finished at the end of January 2026:

'The Piscean' (2025-2026) Materials used: Super Sculpey, Apoxie Sculpt, Milliput, Das Clay, Wood, Tin foil, Vellum paper, various gauges of steel wire.

Thank you for stopping by!

Best wishes,

DreamSorcerer,

What is your Stan Winston Birthday?

Darrell Green — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 19:11:51 +0000

Today is my Stan Winston Birthday!!! I need to go back and look to see how many years it has been. I am still a newb and feel freshly newb'd each time a new class comes out. I truly love that each year I am dazzled with new classes. At one point I had aspirations of watching every hour of available content. It just isn't possible for me and I am truly grateful for that goal being pushed farther and farther out every year.

Happy Birthday Me!!!!

How many years old are you with SWSCA?

How to make a UNIVERSAL head shell mold??

James Shaver — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 22:28:01 +0000

I am wondering if there is a way to make a "universal" one size fits everybody type of head form that is made in making Star Wars Wookie characters? I'm not wanting to make Wookies of course but want to learn the process of how they do the head form where the mouth moves

Information on Practical Effects

BoBn — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 20:59:19 +0000

I am currently writing a research paper on Visual Effects vs. Practical Effects. I am looking for reliable sources to help provide information on the overall cost of practical effects (including material cost and work time cost), the time given to these departments before production, and the general capabilities of practical effects. This information would then be compared to the information on digital effects. Any sources or information would be much appreciated.

Feeling stuck - How would you choose a career when you love it all but it remains out of reach

PiratedPotato — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 03:00:45 +0000

Hi everyone!

I'm writing here today because I would love some outside perspective from people who've navigated careers in film/TV, but am not comfortable asking those around me directly. I used to watch some courses here and thought maybe this could be a nice place where to ask.

So, I work in the movie/TV industry and genuinely love being a part of it. It's what I've always wanted and I am extremely grateful for making it this far. It didn't start how I expected, but I didn't care then haha I started as an Assistant client coordinator (VFX) - Doing a lot of data entries. Then I got to give Rotoscopy a go and before I could finish my training , I... was laid off. I'm finally working again after two long years, back as an assistant client coordinator. Overall been in the VFX industry for about 4 years.

I love storytelling, creativity and the feeling of building something great with others. The problem is, I can't seem to figure out where I fit...I really do not want to sound ungrateful! But I don't want to remain an assistant forever, and I seem to be stuck.. .While I love what I do, I've noticed that since I did Rotoscopy, I truely miss the feeling of getting my hands on the project directly.

I've had different interests across the pipeline. As a kid I thought I'd be an actress (not really my thing hahaha), then a director (which still sounds super fun, but a bit insane to believe in haha) ! Then an FX artist or anything working on set, but there are just not a lot of opportunities for those in my area. Then I discovered more of the management side, and I do like it, but again, I can't quite get my hands onto anything and I'm realizing more and more that it is what I crave. Roto was interesting, but also not exactly what I'd love to do most for the years to come.

There arean't many productions shooting physically here (Qc, Canada), so traditional on-set work doesn't feel realistic or stable, and I wish for something stable as much as I can get it. I have been working remote for years and am doing pretty good with it too. Another factor is that I'm very family-oriented. Constant travel by myself is hard to picture for me unless I could bring my partner along - But I respect that world a ton and know it's how many careers are built.

So I'm torn. I want to stay in the industry, but I can't seem to find my place, or my path. I'd love to find something creatively fullfilling, with some level of stability and without the need to relocate permanently (which is another option that I was told to consider).

On top of that, there are specific types of projects I dream of working on and I really wonder if I'm being too unrealistic to think maybe someday I'll work on one of these productions, with a role that is filled with creative excitement and a more grounded lifestyle.

How did you figure out which role was best for you?
Did you have to grieve a version of a career you imagined in order to do something more realistic?
Are there roles you'd recommend?

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this!
Looking forward to hearing your stories!

What's On Your Workbench? (Winter 2025/2026)

Chris Ellerby — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 18:46:53 +0000

What's On Your Workbench?

Tomahawk stuck in neck

Sahlah Tepes — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 20:54:52 +0000

Hey there,

I need to create a piece with a tomahawk stuck in the neck. It will be where the neck meets the chest/shoulder area. Normally for pieces with weapons stuck in the body, I would use a stabilizer vest or belt, but for this, since the arms are exposed, it would be hard to hide even a cross-chest belt. Does anyone have any suggestions? Would appreciate any advice on how to achieve this look. Thank you. Hope you're all having a great day.

ISO Black heart predator wall hanger

Inkingmadman — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 02:00:17 +0000

Hello I am ISO BLACKHEART models kit of the Elder Predator wall hanger unpainted 1:1. If anyone has one im your huckleberry, hmu!!

What's On Your Workbench? (Fall 2025)

Chris Ellerby — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 05:20:49 +0000

What's On Your Workbench?

How would you replicate this?

Jose Velasquez — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 01:53:05 +0000

I'm a veterinary anatomist and I'm venturing into the world of art with the intention of replicating real anatomical parts of animals. This is an image of a real horse's large intestine that I prepared with polyurethane expanding foam to maintain its shape (the piece measures about one meter long, half a meter wide, and about 50 centimeters high).

I want to create a synthetic piece like this (I thought maybe using flexible foam so it wouldn't be too heavy) but I don't know how to copy it. I don't know if the best way would be to directly copy this piece with silicone (rebound or body double), or perhaps scan and print it and then sculpt over the printed piece (I don't talented enough yet to just sculpt it out from zero), but I don't know what kind of mold to make afterwards, and what material to use for the final piece. The intention is a piece to be used for teaching, it has to be light. Any recommendations? I'm a beginner.

Chapters won’t auto play

Kristie Le Roy — Sat, 08 Nov 2025 01:37:15 +0000

I’ve been watching the tutorials on my smart TVs browser, but it stops/pauses about 3 seconds before the end of each chapter and I have to physically resume it so it goes onto the next chapter in the course. Most of the time it’s not a big deal, but some courses the chapters are so short and I’m continually having to resume it. Anyone had this issue and resolved it? I’ve checked my TVs browser settings.

Halloween costume

Little lise — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 11:01:06 +0000

I did this for the first time i seen a video and thought i would try it it stayed on all night came off easily i used tissue latex glue foundation and vaseline for base cut a hole in the mouth used fave paint and red blood gel and a can of strongbow cut it in half

KISS molding a sculpture (Part 7 Jason) for silicone mask making

James Shaver — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 16:42:47 +0000

I know the teachers on the site use alot of high end products for molding BUT not everybody can readily afford thee products and I am not trying to undermine their techniques BUT i can tell you that a simple application of BONDO fiberglass liquid resin and three types of fiberglass (tissue paper/mat/cloth) can get the job done when you are a tight budget

Part 2 Lies of P: Half Fighter Puppet

Shell-D Cosplay — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:55:04 +0000

Here are some progress images, I couldn't add more to the post.

Bears..many bear <3

TVBear — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 21:24:19 +0000

I had to create a new account as I completely lost track of my use account back during the pandemic and an SSD failure.

Anyways, starting to get back online - loving building new bears for my new venture. https://tvbears.org - I used to be the CEO of another practical effects company, so now getting back to making in-camera magic

I will also be on the lookout for a SFX builder to assist me with some projects either in London or LA in the near future.

Hope y'all are doing well and keeping busy.

Matthew Mason

Can you create a mould from casting plaster if your sculpture is made out of NSP Chavant?

Tiffany — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 12:49:25 +0000

Hello,

I am looking for some advice.

I have created a small sculpture using NSP Chavant, and I am wanting to create a mould out of casting plaster that I can then use to slip cast with traditional clay and fire in a kiln. Is this possible, or will the chavant melt due to the heat of the plaster when its hardening? I was going to use Macwax to spray on my sculpt to make it easier to realise.

Has anyone ever done this before?

Thanks.