1. Level 5- Design and application SFX

11th September 2023

During the summer, we were required to come up with three ideas for our special effects module for level 5. I thought I had my three ideas all set, but when I attended the first lesson, I realised that my ideas weren't as good as I had initially thought. My main idea was a siren, and although I found my design interesting, my tutor pointed out that sirens have been overdone and even my design, while somewhat original, was still too similar to what's already been done. That's not what we're aiming for. We have a lot of creative freedom, so having an out-of-the-box design is more ideal, especially when it comes to showcasing our work in our portfolios. I began with some ideas from Pinterest, which I really enjoy using as a starting point. I usually start by creating sketches and incorporating certain elements from each image. I've also learned the importance of following other SFX artists and industry professionals, and my Instagram is now filled with inspiration and insights into how the industry works. 

Two of my favourite special effects artists are @scream_queen.fx on Instagram and @prorenfx's. They create some crazy, cool special effects looks, from creatures to gore, often working on films. I really like having visual inspiration and seeing what other people come up with in the vast and varied world of special effects. It seems like a lot of these things are possible. Then there's PAM, who creates videos on tips and tricks for the industry that I also like to follow. There's always something to learn in this industry.

Figure 1: Alien (Maire, 2024)

Figure 2: Black eye (Marino, 2022)

Figure 3: Siren Sketch (Keites-Gorman, 2023)

I was really focused on the siren, so I didn't develop my next two ideas as much. One was a tree monster with horns and spikes, inspired by Game of Thrones. I was aiming for a tree troll look, but I realized it wasn't unique enough as it had been done before. Maybe with more inspiration and experimenting with the silhouette, it could have worked. 

Figure 4: Troll Sketch (Keites-Gorman, 2023)

Then, I found the idea of a goblin creature on my Pinterest board. I found it interesting and enjoyed creating its ears and bone structure. I liked this design and it ended up being similar to the character I chose in the end.

Figure 5: Creature (Keites-Gorman, 2023).

Figure 6: Globin Sketch (Keites-Gorman, 2023)

So upon receiving feedback on my design, I realized that I needed to start over and come up with a new plan. After considering the feedback and my own opinions, my favourite idea was the goblin. However, I was facing a creative block and was unsure about pursuing the goblin concept. Then, suddenly, I had a bright idea - why not explore the concept of a gargoyle? It was quite similar to a goblin, and I felt it had potential. So, I went home and started sketching and creating a storyboard. This idea felt right, and I soon had a sketch I was happy with, which my tutor also approved. While creating the storyboard, I noticed that many gargoyles had a decayed, mossy, and eroded appearance. I really liked this aspect and wanted to incorporate it into my character to add depth and texture, so it wouldn't be just one flat colour. 

Figure 7: Gargoyle sketch (Keites-Gorman, 2023)

Figure 8: Gargoyle ears (Keites-Gorman, 2023)

I really love this design, but it wasn't easy to create. The design involves a full face of prosthetics, including the forehead, nose, chin, cheeks, horns, and ears. I will provide more details about the sculpting process in the upcoming section. Although I love the design, it was challenging. I faced some difficulties and setbacks, especially when the pieces disintegrated even after multiple attempts. However, this experience has been a great challenge and has improved my confidence in working with special effects. I have learned a lot from pursuing this design, it was frustrating. But I would not change the lessons and resilience I gained during this; it's one of the best things I have achieved this year.

References

Marino, M. (n.d) Instagram. Available at: https://www.instagram.com/prorenfx/.(Accessed: 11 September 2023).

Maire, C. (n.d) Instagram. Available at: https://www.instagram.com/scream_queen.fx/. (Accessed: 11 September 2023).

PAM (n.d) Instagram. Available at: https://www.instagram.com/pam_london/. (Accessed: 11 September 2023).

Figure list

Figure 1: Marie, C. (2024). Alien. [Image]. Instagram. Available at: https://www.instagram.com/scream_queen.fx/. (Accessed on September 11, 2023). 
Figure 2: Marino, M. (2024). Black eye. [Image]. Instagram. Available at: https://www.instagram.com/prorenfx/. (Accessed on September 11, 2023). 
Figure 3: Keites-Gorman, E. (202). Siren Sketch. [Own Work]. York College, UK. 
Figure 4: Keites-Gorman, E. (2023). Troll Sketch. [Own Work]. York College, UK. 
Figure 5: Keites-Gorman, E. (2023) 'Creature,' Pinterest. Available at: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/596023331960964623/ (Accessed: September 11, 2023). 
Figure 6: Keites-Gorman, E. (2023). Goblin Sketch. [Own Work]. York College, UK. 
Figure 7: Keites-Gorman, E. (2023). Gargoyle Sketch. [Own Work]. York College, UK. 
Figure 8: Keites-Gorman, E. (2023). Gargoyle ears. [Own Work]. York College, UK.