I have an idea on how I can learn taxidermy without spending money on school, but I would like an opinion. I thought about buying books and videos, and to get experience I would offer to do mounts for free until I get good enough to charge. I would let the customer know that I don't have experience and I will reimburse them for the cost of supplies if they arent satisfied. I have a friend that could supervise me while I do my first mounts. I'd appreciate hearing anyones opinion on my idea.
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I did the same thing but it will get very costly to you if you tell people you will refund the material pricing if not happy. I did not have any problem with getting exsperimantal work. Just tell them there may be problems and you dont want them to be suprised. good luck
When you offer to do projects for free as a learning experince what are you going to tell them when your good enough to charge? Oh I don't do it for free any more I charge $300.00 plus for a deer head. Do you really think they will stick around? To many peolple out there today are price shoppers and we all know that. I to started this way thinking that I would keep them as a client when I was good enough to chage a fair rate. Ya right they will leave you in a heart beat! Remember they are coming to you for a free mount not for you to learn! I know this happened to me the minute I got good enough to gharge a fair rate they said I was to expensive, so you see they are nothing but price shoppers, and that also goes for you friends who you think are realy your friends.
Still charge for your work of learning. Think of this, what will it cost you to keep the lighs on, heating your place, water, chemicals to just name a few. Are you giving this away too? Do not cut yourself short learn the right way you will be a better business person.
If you can watch and learn from your friend and ask him if you could help him with some of his mounts. Start be learning on how to skin, flesh, and so on.
Thanks for the advice everyone. I got some good responses and it will help alot.