Right now I am trying to learn taxidermy through books and video's. I'm sure most of you know that a lot of mistakes are made and learned from. My question, is a person better off to go and take a course from a person to learn from the start or struggle along until they have a good base of knowledge and can work with someone to hone the skills. So far I have only done about a dozen fish and haven't got a handle on the painting and it still takes me a long time to skin and scrape skin.
I should be able to get a few deer this year from family to start with. I am just planning on getting a kit and going for it. Would I be better off taking a weekend seminar to get started or again gain some knowledge through trial and error before working with someone.
Thanks bill
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Taxidermy is a hands on trade. You can learn only so much from books and videos, but unless you get right to it and do it yourself you will never learn to be a taxidermist. It's like an auto mechanic. Just because you learned to name all the parts in an engine and can point out there location doesn't mean you now know how to fix one.
Only actual hands on training is going to give you the skills needed to be good at taxidermy. And it won't come fast either. You have to be patient and persistent. Probably taking either a class with a good taxidermy school or becoming an apprentice in a shop would be your best way to learn this trade the right way.
Read the books and watch the videos as an aid to learning, but not as a solution to it.
Bill I too am just starting out in taxidermy.I started with a few videos but you just cant get the feel for it by watching it.I have taken a few simenars from people and have learn alot more than if i was just doing it myself.If you want you can call me and i can let you know who i went to and what all we did.If i dont answer just leave me a message and i will call you back.thanks
Brad 614-595-6901
through a community college. We are starting with small game. Right now I am doing two squirrel. In January we start big game, April birds and then fish. The costs are great! Very hands on and I am learning alot. But it's only as good as the questions that you ask. I've already learned a ton. Just a thought.
I agree with Evelyn. I am self taught. I learned with books and videos. I was doing decent work then but the way I got better was with a little help from taxidermists at my state association. I made alot of good friends and they allowed me in their shop and gave me tips and pointers. Now as far as the painting you are pretty much on your own. I thing that has to be an aquired knowledge. I personally think it is hard to teach someone to airbrush a fish. You can watch and get tips but you have to have the skill. Just do not give up and hang in there it will come to you. I strted this when I was 13 and 22 years later I am still learning.
Todd B
With all the avenues of intel out there and being self taught id say the biggest help was actually working for a master...Now that where the problem starts not to many will allow ya to see the miracle happen.
I did the Northwestern School of Taxidermy mail course's..I even have my JW Elwood diploma hagning on the wall..Even tho it is outdated many of the basics I learnd through that are still and standard in the shop....
Tapes are good and can be great to buff up on new idea's and gain increased insight...
Since Ive been asked to be a advisor to a nearby college I see the advantage of a continuous course but not all can afford the time and $$$$$$ to do that..The one thing that turned me off on schools is that its one persons opinion and technique.The college im working with is going to be exspanding that aspect to multiple techniques which I find very interesting since there are many ways to skin a cat LOL and no one has all the answers.....
In the long run "IF" you have the true desire to continue and NEVER say "thats good enough",I feel sorry for those who think they hit the pinnacle of thier ability.
Defintely go to your state meeting and you will see everyone dont start off great they all are still learning even the big boys KNOW theres always room for improvment in thier work..
I started when I was 7 now 37 years later I too am still learning.My next mount will always be BETTER!
The main word to instill in yourself is PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!!!
I know their are some people who do seminars within a few hours driving time but I need to try for weekend formats.
I offer classes, yet I ALWAYS first suggest learning as much as you can on your own first. That practice and failure is so important. That base you spoke of is very important. I tell folks to wear out a video, read the book and later, attend state shows ( you have a great one in Mich) before the investment of private instructions. Thats coming from a guy who makes money from teaching. Every student I had that had a good foundation seemed to grasp things better. Ive taught true beginners, but for the money they spend, I still say build the foundation the best you can first. Let these guys here help you with their offers as well!
I guess I'll keep plugging away until I get to a point I can get the most from a one on one session.