A taxidermist is someone who stuffs and mounts dead animals for display in homes, museums, and other places. He or she carefully removes and tans an animal’s hide, creates a plaster mold of the carcass, creates a lifelike cast from the mold using clay or foam, and attaches the hide to the artificial figure. Professional taxidermists often complete accredited taxidermy school programs to master the trade, while most amateur taxidermists learn through practice, video instruction, and seminars.
To mount an object, a taxidermist may employ a variety of tools, supplies, and techniques. He or she removes an animal’s hide, feathers, or scales with a scalpel and precision scissors. A variety of chemicals and salts are used to preserve and soften a hide before it is dried in a kiln or outdoors. A professional usually shapes the remaining carcass hand to achieve a lifelike representation before making a mold of the animal out of plaster. He or she then takes the mold and creates a mannequin sculpture out of polyurethane foam or a special type of clay.
Mannequins rarely emerge from the mold in perfect, finished shape. To represent details in the mannequin, such as eyelids, muscle bulges, and paws, a taxidermist must use his or her artistic talent and various sculpting tools. He or she then carefully attaches the hide to the mannequin with needles, thread, and staples. After that, the artist paints, shapes, and adds artificial eyes, teeth, and claws to the finished piece before mounting it on a plaque or mount.
To become a taxidermist, there are no specific educational requirements, though most people have at least a high school diploma and experience with sculpting or other forms of art. Many people do not receive formal training, especially those who do taxidermy as a hobby. Instead, they learn watching instructional videotapes and books, attending local or regional taxidermy seminars, and putting their skills to the test.
Professional taxidermists typically obtain certification completing a program at a taxidermy school, which can take anywhere from two weeks to several months to complete. Students learn about the history of the industry, current procedures and equipment, and how to start their own businesses in the classroom. For a period of time, new professionals often work as apprentices or assistants in an experienced taxidermist’s shop to gain experience with tools and techniques and to establish a steady client base.