Prosthetic Makeup Fundamentals
Course overview
This course introduces participants to the design and creation of prosthetic makeup for film and audiovisual productions.
During the course, participants will work through the main stages of the process: from character analysis to sculpting, and from mould-making to prosthetic fabrication and application. Particular attention will be paid to material selection, colouring and seamlessly integrating the effect with the performer’s face.
The course is primarily hands-on and offers participants the opportunity to work closely with Dalia Colli in her Livorno lab, using methods and techniques drawn from professional experience on film sets.
This is not an online video course: all activities take place in person and include supervised practical exercises and direct guidance from the instructor.
What you will learn
By the end of the course, you will have acquired the knowledge required to:
- analyse a character and translate an idea into a prosthetic makeup concept;
- understand the main materials used in prosthetic makeup;
- correctly prepare tools, surfaces and the workspace;
- understand the fundamentals of lifecasting and impression taking;
- sculpt a prosthetic piece with attention to anatomy, volume and expression;
- design and create a mould;
- prepare, finish and pre-colour a prosthetic piece;
- apply a prosthetic piece to the face accurately and safely;
- minimise visible edges and seams;
- colour and blend the effect seamlessly with the skin;
- safely remove the prosthetic piece and complete the final clean-up;
- organise the work according to the schedule and requirements of a film set
Who this course is for
This course is intended for:
- makeup artists who want to develop skills in prosthetic effects;
- students of makeup, set design, costume design and other artistic disciplines;
- audiovisual professionals interested in character creation;
- sculptors, model-makers and creatives who want to apply their skills to film;
- people with basic makeup training who want to develop more specialised skills.
The class is limited to a maximum of six participants, allowing the instructor to provide individual guidance throughout the practical exercises.
Course programme
1. Introduction to prosthetic makeup
An overview of prosthetic makeup applications in film. Analysis of professional examples and an introduction to the main roles involved in designing and creating a character.
2. Character design
Analysis of the script or creative brief, the artistic requirements and the intended effect. Study of proportions, volumes and the relationship between the original design, the performer and the final result on screen.
3. Materials, tools and safety
An overview of the main materials used in a prosthetic makeup lab. Workspace preparation, correct use of tools and safety procedures during fabrication and application.
4. Lifecasting and positive casting
An introduction to lifecasting techniques. Preparing the model, taking the impression and creating the positive cast on which the prosthetic will be sculpted.
5. Prosthetic sculpting
Building volumes and sculpting the effect. Study of anatomy, skin textures, transitions and fine edges to achieve a realistic result.
6. Mould-making
Preparing the sculpture, defining the separation lines and creating the mould. Opening, cleaning and inspecting the mould surfaces.
7. Prosthetic fabrication and finishing
Preparing the material, filling the mould, removing and finishing the prosthetic piece. Checking its thickness, edges and any imperfections.
8. Application on a model
Preparing the skin, positioning and adhering the prosthetic, and blending the edges. Correcting the seams and integrating the prosthetic with the performer’s face.
9. Colouring and finishing
Pre-colouring and final colouring techniques. Recreating skin tones, translucency, variations in pigmentation, capillaries and textures for an effective camera-ready result.
10. Removal and final review
Safely removing the prosthetic and cleaning the skin and workspace. Reviewing the completed work and providing guidance for continued independent practice.
Materials included
The course fee includes:
- consumable materials used during the practical exercises;
- sculpting, mould-making and application products;
- use of the lab’s tools and equipment;
- a model for the final exercise, where applicable;
- supporting technical handouts;
- photographic documentation of the main working stages;
- direct guidance from the instructor;
- a final attendance certificate.
Any personal tools required will be communicated before the course begins.
Requirements
Basic knowledge of makeup or previous experience in an artistic, technical or craft-based field is recommended.
Professional experience in prosthetic makeup is not required, but participants should have:
- good manual skills;
- precision and attention to detail;
- a willingness to work with technical materials;
- the ability to follow every stage of the project;
- comfortable clothing suitable for practical lab work.
The course is classified as Intermediate because it covers the entire process of fabricating and applying a prosthetic piece, rather than providing only an introductory demonstration.
Instructor
Dalia Colli is an Italian makeup artist and prosthetic makeup designer who has worked in the film industry since 2002.
After completing her artistic education and studying at the Academy of Fine Arts, she began her career in a special makeup effects workshop in Rome. There, she specialised in sculpting, modelling, mould-making and studying materials for prosthetic makeup.
She has worked with directors including Matteo Garrone, Marco Bellocchio, Ermanno Olmi and Ron Howard. Her long-standing collaboration with Matteo Garrone has included films such as Gomorrah, Reality, Dogman and Pinocchio.
Her work on Pinocchio earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. Throughout her career, she has received major national and international recognition, including three David di Donatello Awards.
Today, alongside her work in film, she teaches professional courses at her Livorno lab, sharing techniques, working methods and knowledge developed directly on set.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need previous experience in prosthetic makeup?
No. However, basic knowledge of makeup, sculpting, modelling or another artistic or practical discipline is recommended. The course guides participants through every main stage of the process.
Is the course available online?
No. The course takes place exclusively in person at Dalia Colli’s lab in Livorno. The techniques require direct use of professional materials, tools and equipment.
Are materials included?
Yes. The consumable materials required for the practical exercises are included. Before the course begins, participants will be informed if they need to bring any commonly used personal tools.
Do I need to bring a model?
Details of the practical exercises and any requirement to bring a model will be communicated before the course begins. Some applications may be carried out between participants or on models arranged by the lab.
How many participants are admitted?
The course is limited to a maximum of six participants. The small class size allows the instructor to provide individual guidance throughout the different stages of the work.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. An attendance certificate will be issued at the end of the course. The certificate confirms participation but does not constitute a legally recognised academic qualification.
How can I apply?
Complete the application form linked from this page. Applications will be assessed according to availability and any course requirements. Your place will be confirmed only after you have been contacted by the course team.
Can I attend if I live outside Livorno?
Yes. You can specify your city of residence in the application form. Information about the local area and possible accommodation options can be provided upon request.
What happens if the course does not reach the minimum number of participants?
If the course is postponed or does not go ahead, confirmed participants will be contacted directly and provided with information about the new dates or any applicable refund arrangements.