What does a taxidermist do?

A taxidermist is a man or a woman who stuffs and mounts deceased animals to be depicted in homes, museums or other environments. He or she carefully removes and tanned the skin of the animal, creates a gypsum form of a carcass, uses clay or foam to create a life from a mold and connects to an artificial figure. Most amateur taxidermists acquire the skills of practice, video and seminars, while experts who run their own businesses often complete accredited school programs for taxidermia to master the store. It uses scalpel and precise scissors to remove animal skin, feathers or weights. Several types of chemicals and salts are used to maintain and soften the skin, which is left to dry in an oven or in the open air. The professional usually shapes the remaining carcasses manually to achieve a living representation, and then uses plaster form of the animal. It then uses a form to create a statue known as mannequin, polyurethane foam or special type of clayy.

dummies often cannot come out of a form in a perfect, finished form. The taxidermist must use his artistic talent and various sculptural instruments to represent details in a mannequin such as lids, muscle bulges and paws. Then uses needles, thread and clamps for careful connection to the mannequin. The professional then paints, shapes and puts artificial eyes, teeth and claws into a finished piece and provides an animal on a plaque or mounted.

There are no strict educational requirements to become a taxidermist, although most individuals have at least a high school and experience with sculpture or other artistic forms. Many individuals, especially those who perform taxiderms as a hobby, do not receive formal training. Instead, they learn to watch teaching videos and books, participate in local or regional taxidermia seminars and engage in strict practice.

professional taxidermiThey are generally looking for certification by completing the program at the Taxidermie School, which can take anywhere from two weeks to a few months. Students receive teaching in the classroom about the history of trade, current trends in the procedures and equipment and strategies for opening their own businesses. New experts often work as apprentices or assistants in the store of an experienced taxidermist for a certain time to get acquainted with instruments and techniques and start building a stable client base.