How do you begin to make something that only exists in the deepest, darkest, sickest, most twisted part of your imagination? Master creature creators Steve Johnson and Billy Bryan walk you through the steps of turning simple plastic bags into creatures that will scare your little sister so much her great-grandkids will have nightmares.

Beginner Level

1h 52m of duration

English (auto), Spanish (auto)

Discuss on our Forums

Curriculum

1. Title & Introduction - 45s

2. Materials - 11min

3. Sketching Out a Concept - 3min

4. The Ethics of Good Design - 3min

5. Tracing & Sealing the Bag Outline - 7min

6. The Bag & String Mechanism - 5min

7. Inspiration: Genesis of a Concept - 12min

8. The Inner String & Bag Pulley - 10min

9. The Outer String & Bag Pulley - 9min

10. Combining the Sleeves & Adding Spikes - 15min

11. Concealing the Top Ring & Adding More Texture - 12min

12. Practical Effects as an Art Form - 2min

13. Performing a Water Test - 3min

14. A Brief Discussion on Painting - 4min

15. Mixing Methyl Cellulose Slime - 6min

16. Mounting the Gag Vertically & Pouring in the Slime - 8min

17. It's Alive - 51s

18. Wrap Up - 2min

Materials

CLICK on the links below to find the materials you need for this lesson.

Some items might be harder to find, but a little internet scouring usually finds you everything you'll need.

Reynolds Advanced Materials

Smooth-On Inc.

GreatArt UK

FOR YOUR WORK STATION

Air Compressor

Latex Gloves

AIRBRUSHES

Swain’s Iwata Airbrush Set

EPOXYS/GLUES

Super 77 Spray Adhesive

LATEX/SILICONE

Slip Cast Latex

PAINTS

Acrylic Airbrush Paint Set

THINNERS/SOLVENTS

Pure Ammonia

TOOLS

Crimping, Pliers and Gripping Tools

Needle Nose Tweezers

Cutting Tools

Scissors

Measuring Tools

Large Ruler

Tailor’s Tape Measure

Power Tools

Cordless Drill

Torches, Solder and Accessories

Soldering Iron

SUPPLIES

Duct Tape

Food Coloring

Empty Small Plastic Containers

Large Roll White Paper

Masking Tape

Methyl Cellulose Slime

Mixing Buckets

Monofilament Line

Pencil

Plastic Drop Cloth

Plywood Board

Polyethylene Painter’s Plastic

Stir Sticks

Ultra Slime

Water

Wood Screws

HEALTH/SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

When working with toxic and/or dangerous materials or tools:

ALWAYS read labels for appropriate use guidelines

ALWAYS wear a high-grade respirator

ALWAYS work in a well-ventilated area

ALWAYS protect your skin

ALWAYS wear eye protection

Artist BiographySteve Johnson

Veteran FX Master & Legendary Creature Designer. The "Mad Scientist" of Monster Making.

See Full Bio

Additional Purchasing Options

Notice: DVDs do not include closed captions.

Get FREE Popular Course Content!

Free lessons from 16 of our most popular courses, taught by Hollywood's leading FX artists. Plus our newsletter with new courses, artist stories and special offers.