What’s a taxidermist’s job?

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A taxidermist is a man or woman who stuffs and mounts dead animals for display in homes, museums or other settings. He or she carefully removes and tans an animal’s skin, makes a plaster cast of the carcass, uses clay or foam to create a realistic impression of the cast, and attaches the skin to the artificial figure. Most amateur taxidermists acquire skills through practice, video instruction, and seminars, while professionals who operate their own businesses often complete accredited taxidermy school programs to master the trade.

A taxidermist may use a number of different tools, supplies, and techniques to perform an assembly job. He or she uses a scalpel and precision scissors to remove an animal’s skin, feathers or scales. Various types of chemicals and salts are employed to preserve and soften a skin that is left to dry in an oven or in the open air. A professional will usually hand-shape the remaining carcass to achieve a realistic representation, then use plaster to make a mold of the animal. He then uses the mold to form a sculpture, known as a mannequin, out of polyurethane foam or a special type of clay.

Mannequins usually don’t come out of the mold in perfect, finished shape. A taxidermist must use his artistic talent and various sculpting tools to render details on the mannequin, such as eyelids, muscle bulges, and paws. He or she uses needles, thread, and staples to carefully secure the skin to the mannequin. The professional then paints, molds and inserts artificial eyes, teeth and claws into a finished piece and attaches the animal to a plate or mount.

There are no strict educational requirements to become a taxidermist, although most people have at least a high school diploma and have experience with sculpture or other art forms. Many people, especially those who perform taxidermy as a hobby, do not receive formal training. Instead, they learn the craft by watching instructional videos and books, attending local or regional taxidermy seminars, and participating in rigorous practices.

Professional taxidermists generally seek certification by completing a program at a taxidermy school, which can take anywhere from two weeks to several months. Students receive classroom instruction on the history of commerce, current trends in procedures and equipment, and strategies for starting their own businesses. New professionals usually work as apprentices or assistants in an experienced taxidermist’s workshop for a certain period of time to familiarize themselves with the tools and techniques and start building a stable client base.

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