Special Makeup & Prosthetic Effects

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. FIRST: A budget.
This is what you are willing to spend on a particular project. Without a budget, we do not know the best route to take to fit your needs.
SECOND: Reference Photos.
If you have a specific idea about a project, we will need to see as many reference photos possible to get the most realism for your project.
THIRD: Time-Frame:
How long do we have to perform this job?

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. Mike Shoe's work at CFFX stands out from all the others in this industry because Mike Shoe takes his time to do as much research as possible on the subject before actually starting it. Mike will not accept a job unless he is absolutely positive that he can execute it at the highest professional quality. Mike also only uses the best materials on the market to give the project the most realism. There are no 'easy ways out' when Mike performs a job.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I absolutely love my job, and every aspect of my job. Since i was a young child, i had dreamed of 'making monsters', and now, its exactly what i do. There is no single thing that i 'like' about what i do. Because i 'love' everything i do.

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. I wish people/customers understood this profession more. It is not the most sought after job that is 'needed' and believe that due to this, it does not get the credit it deserves. Special Effects requires A LOT of intense labor; lifecasting, sculpting, mold making, casting materials, painting, hair-work, animatronics, creature suits, etc.. Most of these will keep one up for hours on end trying to finish a project. In this industry, everything needed to be done and was needed yesterday. To sum it up, i just wish people/customers understood the amount of time/labor that goes into projects 'behind the scenes'.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!
Do not waste money on schooling. In this industry, its not about your credentials, its about your talent and who you know. Schools will teach you the 'basics' of the industry, but will not give you experience you need to work in a 'shop'. Do as much research as possible, get your hands on any and all material referring to this field and 'devour' it. The internet is a great place for finding out more about the industry. Print out as much information possible, and put it in a binder/folder for references.