Though the average movie audience member might have a hard time differentiating foam, gelatin, or bondo makeup prosthetics, Makeup Design grads are trained to know the benefits of each and how to apply these pieces to an actor in the most realistic – or fantastic – way.

As we’ve recently blogged, select Makeup Design students have the chance toward the end of their year to apply the skills they’re accumulating at VFS in high-stakes mentorship projects at local special makeup effects studios.

Now, those students will be all the more prepared for the industry’s evolving demands due to the Makeup Design department’s newly-introduced silicone prosthetics curriculum.

While using gel-filled silicone appliances can be a more time-consuming and expensive route to go, many film studios are turning to this material to provide the highest quality makeup prosthetics for their productions. Films like Watchmen, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and the upcoming The Chronicles of Narnia: The Silver Chair illustrate the kinds of visuals makeup artists can achieve with silicone.

Very few makeup programs in North America are taking the same approach to teaching silicone prosthetics. Starting later this spring, students in their final term will get a comprehensive, hands-on experience in creating and applying gel-filled silicone appliances — a skill that will help to significantly enhance their portfolios and highlight Makeup Design’s ability to recognize and meet the industry’s ever-changing demands.

If you haven’t already, check out our video tours of Makeup Design’s campuses or see students at work in our flickr page photos.