Sharp FX are one of the top creature and makeup FX studios in Australia and are one of the few companies currently working in the industry to offer in-house FX courses.
In the Advanced Prosthetic Makeup Effects Course students learn the skills needed to start a career in the exciting industry of special makeup effects. Including both silicone and foam prosthetics, this course is designed to give students the knowledge and understanding they need to create prosthetic makeup effects guided by an industry professional. Covering all aspects of creating a multi-piece prosthetic, this is the most comprehensive prosthetic makeup effects course Australia wide.
How long does the course go for?
The course is held over 22 lessons on Sundays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Where is the course held?
Melbourne – 3/42-44 Garden Blvd, Dingley Village, Victoria, Australia.
Who teaches the course?
You will be taught by Russell Sharp, a working professional with over 25 years experience in the film, television and theme park industries.
Russell’s credits include: Late Night With The Devil, Prey, The Dark Lurking, Ghost Rider, House Of Wax, Anacondas, Troy, The Matrix 2 & 3, Babe 2, Queen of the Damned and The Hobbit Trilogy.
Are there any prerequisites or age limits for the course?
No previous special makeup effects experience is required, beginners are welcome.
Due to the level of maturity required to perform many workshop tasks, we prefer students to be over 18 years old.
How many students are in a class?
We take no more than 14 students for the course.
What do you get at the end of the course?
Graduate students will receive a certificate of completion from Sharp FX and a digital copy of photos of their work. We’ve also launched the new Sharp FX Shop, where you’ll find a wide range of silicone and foam latex prosthetics. Course participants receive 10% off all shop purchases during the course and for 12 months after completing it, giving students affordable access to the tools they need to keep creating.
Is the course accredited?
This is a private course and does not offer an accredited qualification. However, all participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from Sharp FX Pty Ltd.
Because the course isn’t restricted by formal accreditation requirements, we focus entirely on practical, hands-on training, without theory heavy lessons or written exams. In an industry where portfolios carry more weight than paperwork, this approach ensures students gain real, applicable skills.
The course is led by a working industry professional who brings the latest techniques, standards, and insights directly from the field.
When does the course start and what is the cost?
We are currently taking enrolments for a commencement date of June 1st 2025. Please contact us for payment plan details and link to fill out an expression of interest form.
ENROL NOW
Course Outline:
• Prosthetic character design
• Selecting the best model
• 2D to 3D
• Understanding products – plasters,
latex, silicone, urethanes, resins
• Making & applying a bald cap
• Full head cast
• Preparing life cast for sculpting
• Sculpting a prosthetic makeup
• Bulking up sculpture
• Smoothing sculpture
• Making & using texture stamps
• Sculpting skin texture & detailing
• Creating a multi-piece prosthetic
• Separating a multi-piece prosthetic
• Snap moulds in plaster & alginate
• Positive mould creation
• Mould keys, walling up, under cuts
• Creating a blend edge
• Prosthetic flashing & cutting edge
• Negative moulds & multi-piece moulds
• De-moulding & cleaning
• Mould prep
• Running foam latex
• Foam latex injecting
• Removing seams
• Pre-painting & airbrushing
• Silicone vs Foam: Benefits & limitations
• Creating a single piece silicone prosthetic
• Moulding silicone prosthetics
• Running silicone prosthetics
• Pre-painting silicone prosthetics
• Silicone prosthetic application
• Hair punching vs. hair laying vs. hair knotting
• Multi-piece foam latex prosthetic application
• Photographing your prosthetic character
• Importance of a photographic portfolio
Testimonials from Previous Students:
“I completed the Advanced Special Effects Makeup Course with SharpFX in 2012… what a way to spend your weekend!! Russell is a great instructor, so generous with his time and knowledge. I had so much fun and learnt so much, so much so that when I finished the course, I just wanted to sign up again for another year!!”
Sarah Butler
2012 Student
“I recommend this course for anyone wanting to enter the SPFX industry. The many techniques that are taught have been tried and tested and perfected by a working professional. You gain a real insight into what it would be like working as a SPFX artist, and finish with a folio to match.”
Liz Jenkinson
2012 Student
“The Sharp FX course provided me with an incredible skill set, valuable industry knowledge and experience within a real FX workshop. It also raised my artwork to a level that I would NEVER have achieved on my own. If you want to learn the art of prosthetics, don’t toil away in isolation! This is where you should be!”
Robin Smith
2012 Student
“In studying the 2013 Sharp FX course I developed the skills and knowledge necessary to translate my ideas into a real living creature – a truly rewarding challenge! Under direct supervision from Russell I completed the course with confidence in my abilities and ultimately a sense of pride in what I had achieved.”
Chay Scofield
2013 Student
NOW TAKING ENROLMENTS FOR 2025
PLACES ARE STRICTLY LIMITED!
How to Enrol:
To register your interest in the course, please fill out the form below or contact us via email: info@sharpfx.com.au