Can anyone tell me what the best video out there is for a beginner to watch if they were thinking of entering a competition. And also where to get it.
Thanks
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Being a competition taxidermists is a LONG way from a VHS tape for a beginner. Bill Yox mounts a deer exactly like I do. Ken Walker mounts a bear exactly like I do. Stefan Savides mounts a bird exactly like I do. And Frank Kotula mounts a fish just like I do. Only difference it they have magic in their hands and I don't. If YOU have that magic, you'll find it quickly but you'll also find that you have to bust your ass constantly to keep it.
McKenzie sells two very good videos on mounting and finishing deer. I'm sure WASCO and Van Dykes also have good tapes. Watching that tape won't make you a champion however. You're going to have to get good at it all by yourself.
He didn't say he'd be raking in any blue ribbons just yet. I think it's a good idea for him to enter. He'll learn very quickly what he's doing right/wrong. And, who knows, he may just have the "magic" you speak of. =)
I just wanted him to know that the videos don't teach "competition" per se, just technique. I hope he does enter and does well. We need much more "magic" in this industry.
I should be doing as far as competition as compared to commercial. I know for competition some commercial techniques wont fly so thats what im really after.
Attention to detail is what is needed to win blue ribbons. That is after you learn anantomy of the animal and where all the feather or hair patterns belong. You need to read reference photos and see the animal and know what is going on. If one thing on the animalmoves there are a lot of things that change. Competing and working your way up through the ranks is the only way
awhile back and I think I know what you're asking. There was a post by John C on 01-06-04 as a reply to post "competitors question" on 01-05-04. There are some good things to look for in that list. Hell, until a few months ago I had no idea what a replacement nose was. I may be wrong, but I'm assuming you want to know that you need to use a replacement nose or rebuild with an artificial septum, earliners should be used, better grade of eyes, and as Dean said thoroughly attending to detail. I just bought the world seminar with Ronnie Galliard from WASCO. It has some good information, but if you'll search the archives for each individual part- eyes, ears, nose, seams, antlers, you should find a little bit on each. Good luck.