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| "Death Cab" (2012), David Kiolle MUA: Caitlyn Worland |
There is just something about blood that makes everything in life so
much more exciting. I’m not sure whether
it’s the colour, texture, or sometimes even the taste (depending on the brand)
that makes blood, the fake kind, so appealing.
What I do know for sure is that I love everything about it. As a special effects makeup artist I take advantage of and use fake blood quite often in my line of work. Due to this I saw it fit to sum up what I've discovered, learnt and love about fake blood , whilst also providing some examples of how I've used it.
Whilst I love the effect a bucket of blood can have when dropped onto the head of a pretty, curly haired blonde in a nice pastel dress, I do understand that there is a time and place for fake blood and that the rules surrounding this need to be understood.
What I do know for sure is that I love everything about it. As a special effects makeup artist I take advantage of and use fake blood quite often in my line of work. Due to this I saw it fit to sum up what I've discovered, learnt and love about fake blood , whilst also providing some examples of how I've used it.
Whilst I love the effect a bucket of blood can have when dropped onto the head of a pretty, curly haired blonde in a nice pastel dress, I do understand that there is a time and place for fake blood and that the rules surrounding this need to be understood.
Most makeup artists will jump straight to whatever blood they can get
their hands on and just throw it onto a wound or smear it onto clothing,
thinking it will automatically make the overall effect somewhat better. As much as I love blood (in the least serial
killer way possible), I know from research, experience, and the teachings of a wise SPFX makeup artist, that the addition of
the wrong blood, in the wrong amount and in the wrong pattern and place can
ruin a perfectly good, well crafted wound or overall character. It is important to learn about and experiment with all the different types of fake blood that are on the market.
FAKE BLOOD
1. Rubber Mask Grease Paint (RMGP)
It's all about layering when it comes to creating wounds and injuries so why not start with something that isn't actually blood. RMGP, when used in combination with products such as Fresh Scratch and Mouldlife Arterial Blood can create a very realistic looking wound or injury. There are two colours in this palette I use quite frequently for special effects - Red and Lake, and I advise you to get yourself familiar with both of these.
However, as this isn't a tutorial on how to create a wound or injury I won't venture much further into how to use this palette effectively. All you need to know with regards to RMGP and fake blood in general is that you should never just grab the first bottle you can find and throw it on your prosthetic. You need to layer it and combine it with other products to ensure you create the most realistic effect possible.
2. Kryolan Fresh Scratch
Fresh Scratch, an actual fake blood, is ideal for almost all open wounds, lacerations, scratches and wound effects. Personally, I use it to give my wounds a little more depth and impact as the deep colour, thick consistency and freshly glossy look this blood has allows for the wound to really come to life.
It can be used heavily as a wound filler or sparingly in the areas you really want to stand out and look even more grotesque. The shot of the facial wound to the left is an example of how Fresh Scratch can create depth in a wound. As can be seen it allows for a relatively 2-Dimensional latex prosthetic to appear much deeper than it actually is and therefore more realistic.
3. Mouldlife Arterial Blood
My preferred and most commonly relied on fake blood is the Mouldlife Arterial Blood. I buy mine in a 1L bottle and go through it way too quickly. I find it to be just the right density and thickness to hold its' shape and body when applied but to also be able to run and move when prompted. The Arterial blood in this brand is my preferred colour and tone as it is dark enough to be believable but still has a powerful impact on the audience.
Also, there are a couple of added bonuses with this blood - not only does it wash out of clothes, hair and brushes but it is also peppermint flavoured and non-toxic so can be used in and around the mouth safely and without discomfort to the actor or model.
The most important thing to remember when adding this kind of blood to your work is to not overdo it. It is tempting to just throw buckets of the stuff at a wound but creative control is vital when it comes to the application of fake blood. There should only be as much blood as the wound would produce in real life, regardless of whether it would look more dramatic or theatrical with copious amounts of blood. Sometimes, just by adding the slightest amount of blood you can create something more breathtaking, eerie and realistic than a mere blood bath ever could, and this is what will have the greatest impact on an audience.
To be honest though, there are thousands of types, brands and colours of fake blood out there and it comes down to personal preference and style. These are just a few of the products I've enjoyed using when it comes to special effects makeup and I hope to come across some new and exciting products to play with in the near future.
One last thing to remember, when it comes to fake blood - you can't be afraid of getting your hands dirty...
Yours in Blood & Gore,
Caity
It's all about layering when it comes to creating wounds and injuries so why not start with something that isn't actually blood. RMGP, when used in combination with products such as Fresh Scratch and Mouldlife Arterial Blood can create a very realistic looking wound or injury. There are two colours in this palette I use quite frequently for special effects - Red and Lake, and I advise you to get yourself familiar with both of these.
However, as this isn't a tutorial on how to create a wound or injury I won't venture much further into how to use this palette effectively. All you need to know with regards to RMGP and fake blood in general is that you should never just grab the first bottle you can find and throw it on your prosthetic. You need to layer it and combine it with other products to ensure you create the most realistic effect possible.
2. Kryolan Fresh Scratch
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| "Death Cab" (2012), Kurt Norvilas MUA: Caitlyn Worland |
It can be used heavily as a wound filler or sparingly in the areas you really want to stand out and look even more grotesque. The shot of the facial wound to the left is an example of how Fresh Scratch can create depth in a wound. As can be seen it allows for a relatively 2-Dimensional latex prosthetic to appear much deeper than it actually is and therefore more realistic.
3. Mouldlife Arterial Blood
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| Professional Makeup Academy |
Also, there are a couple of added bonuses with this blood - not only does it wash out of clothes, hair and brushes but it is also peppermint flavoured and non-toxic so can be used in and around the mouth safely and without discomfort to the actor or model.
The most important thing to remember when adding this kind of blood to your work is to not overdo it. It is tempting to just throw buckets of the stuff at a wound but creative control is vital when it comes to the application of fake blood. There should only be as much blood as the wound would produce in real life, regardless of whether it would look more dramatic or theatrical with copious amounts of blood. Sometimes, just by adding the slightest amount of blood you can create something more breathtaking, eerie and realistic than a mere blood bath ever could, and this is what will have the greatest impact on an audience.
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| "Death Cab" (2012) Caitlyn Worland |
One last thing to remember, when it comes to fake blood - you can't be afraid of getting your hands dirty...
Yours in Blood & Gore,
Caity
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