Special Effects Courses at Vancouver FX

Vancouver FX is a special effects production studio and private training facility, providing a creative environment for artists of all backgrounds and styles. We offer classes and workshops on special effects makeup, prosthetic character creation, anatomy and sculpture, mold making, airbrushing, life casting, 3d modelling, and 3D printing for TV & film.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, our classes are designed to provide you with the tools, techniques, and guidance you need to grow and develop your skills. Our TV & Film Industry instructors are passionate about their craft and dedicated to helping you reach your full potential.

Enrollment is open to all students 21 years and older, both Canadian and international. We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive community, where all styles of artists can come together to learn, create, and grow.

Ready to take your artistic skills to the next level? Register for one of our classes or workshops today!

Take a peek inside the classroom and view student work on our Instagram HERE

Upcoming Courses & Saturday Workshops

Special Effects Makeup For Beginners Workshop (One Day)

Are you fascinated by Hollywood-style transformations, realistic wounds, and otherworldly creatures brought to life on the big screen? If you’ve ever wanted to master the art of creating bruises, scars, monsters, and more, this one-day intensive workshop is the perfect place to start. Designed especially for beginners, you’ll learn how to produce professional-level FX makeup looks and gain the confidence to bring your wildest visions to life

Why Attend This Workshop?

Hands-On Experience: Get plenty of practice applying makeup under the guidance of experienced industry special effects artist Dallas Harvey.

Fast-Paced & Fun: In just one day, you’ll walk away with foundational skills that can be built on for future, more advanced projects.

Professional Insights: Discover insider tips and tricks used in film, theater, and haunted attractions.

Workshop Breakdown

Introduction to Special FX Makeup

• Foundations of FX Design: Get a basic understanding of FX makeup techniques. We’ll discuss the basic principles of color theory, texture, and how lighting affects your final look.

• Essential FX Kits & Tools: Explore the variety of brushes, sponges, stipple tools, and other specialized equipment used by professional makeup artists.

• Color Layering Techniques: Learn how to use different makeup colors (browns, blues, purples, reds, and yellows) to create realistic discoloration for bruises.

• Blood & Gore Effects: Practice creating fresh cuts, dried wounds, and scabs using specialized fake blood formulas.

• Safe Application Methods: Understand the safest ways to apply and remove various products to avoid skin irritation.
  
  Working with Professional FX Materials

• 3D Transfer Prosthetics & Silicone Prosthetics: Get to know the properties of popular FX substances, how they differ from one another, and when to use each.

• Safe Handling & Cleanup: Learn best practices for storage, disposal, and hygiene to maintain professional standards and ensure safety on set.
  
  Prosthetic Application & Removal Techniques

• Building Character Prosthetics: Gain a basic understanding of how to work with ready-made prosthetic pieces

• Blending & Seamless Finishing: Learn to blend edges into skin or additional makeup for a realistic finish.

• Proper Removal & Aftercare: Discover how to gently remove prosthetics and care for the skin post-makeup, ensuring comfort and longevity of the prosthetics.

Who Should Attend?

• Aspiring Makeup Artists: If you’re eager to add special effects to your skill set or break into film and theater makeup.

• Cosplayers & Halloween Enthusiasts: Perfect for those who want to step up their costume game and create memorable characters.

• Teachers & Creatives: Ideal for educators looking to include FX makeup in school plays or community events, and for creative individuals wanting to explore a new artistic hobby.

What’s Included:

• All Core Materials & Tools: We provide the essential products and tools you’ll need during the workshop (brushes, sponges, FX palettes, fake blood, etc.).

• Hands-On Practice: Work on your own or team up with fellow attendees to practice application techniques.

• Expert Feedback: Get personalized guidance, tips, and critiques throughout the session from a professional FX artist.

Leave with newfound skills and a set of practice materials to continue experimenting at home.

Transform imagination into reality with cinematic special effects makeup—no prior experience required. If you’re ready to dive into the world of FX artistry and learn how to make the impossible look real, sign up for our one-day Special Effects Makeup for Beginners Workshop and unleash your creativity!

Date: Saturday, April 5th, 2025 from 11am-6pm

Tuition fee: $500 CAD / Student

No experience required, all materials included.

Contact us to register using the form below or email us HERE

Dental Acrylic Teeth FX Workshop (One Day)

Don’t miss out on this chance to create hyper-realistic custom teeth for characters, creatures, or special effects!
This intensive workshop is perfect for Makeup FX artists, dental technicians, model makers and beginners looking to master the art of designing and crafting professional-grade acrylic teeth for film, theater, cosplay and personal projects!

What You’ll Learn:

– Professional techniques for sculpting & designing FX teeth
– How to cast an actors teeth & create a copy in plaster
– Vacu-forming techniques & troubleshooting
– Working with high-quality dental acrylics & resins
– Custom fitting methods for comfort & realism
– Coloring, finishing, and polishing for a natural or theatrical look
– Safe application, wear, and removal procedures

Date: Saturday, April 19th, 2025 from 11am-6pm

Tuition Fee: $500 CAD / Student

Taught by FX Industry Artist Dallas Harvey

No experience required, all materials included.

Sign up now – transform your skills in just one day!

Contact us to register using the form below or email us HERE

Foam Latex Prosthetics: Sculpture, Mold Making & Painting (8 Thursday Classes)

Learn how to create a TV/Film-quality horror, fantasy, sci-fi, or realistic character makeup in this comprehensive, hands-on course at Vancouver FX Studio.

Designed for artists of all levels, this eight-week Thursday night program will guide you step by step—from initial concept to final paint job —in crafting a custom foam latex character prosthetic. You’ll gain in-depth knowledge of sculpting, molding, casting, and troubleshooting, setting you up for real-world special effects success.

What You’ll Learn

• Prosthetic Design & Sculpting

Develop your artistic vision and learn professional sculpting techniques using a life cast. Discover how anatomy and texture bring character designs to life in clay, and troubleshoot common sculpting challenges.

• Foam Latex Mixing & Casting

Gain expertise in mixing, casting, and baking foam latex prosthetics. Understand proper techniques for consistent, realistic results and learn to troubleshoot issues like air bubbles or miscasts.

• Advanced Pre-Painting Techniques

Master pre-painting methods to achieve lifelike finishes before application. Explore blending, coloration, and texturing tips that elevate your prosthetic’s overall realism.

• Finishing & Real-World FX Tips

Walk away with professional insights on refining and finalizing your character makeup for film, TV, or stage. This includes troubleshooting tips to ensure your creations hold up under various conditions.

Taught by FX artist Dallas Harvey, this course combines live demonstrations, lectures, and hands-on practice. You’ll leave with a plaster mold for creating additional foam latex pieces, a custom made pre-painted foam latex prosthetic, and the confidence to create original prosthetics from start to finish for your next project!

All clay, molding materials, and a set of basic sculpting tools are provided.*
*Students must bring their own organic vapor respirator.

No prior sculpting experience required—just bring your creativity!

Dates: Thursday Nights, April 24th – June 12th from 7-10pm (8 Weeks)

Tuition Fee: $2200 CAD / Student

Contact us to register using the form below or email us HERE