I know you want to be a forensic artist and start taking classes right this minute, but you need to do some homework first. Forensic art is a very small, very niche field, so it can be extremely competitive as well. The people who will have a massive advantage over you, no matter how well you draw, are already in law enforcement. If you aren’t, you need to be willing to join. Why? That’s where the work is. So before you plunk down your money, read the previous link and Ten Steps to Become a Forensic Artist.
If you’re still game, here are some classes to consider to get you on your way to a forensic art career. It’s always a good idea to email the instructor and get clear answers to any questions you might have. If they don’t respond, consider that a red flag.
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FBI Forensic Facial Imaging
FBI Academy, Quantico, VA
Instructors: FBI Forensic Artists
AAFA: Unfortunately, all FBI Laboratory Specialized Training has been suspended until further notice. The above link will take you to forensic art services the FBI offers, and will be updated if training becomes available.
Introduction to Composite Art, Getting Started
May 7 – 11, 2012
September 24- 29, 2012
Westmont, NJ
Instructor: Charles T. Jackson
NOTE: This coursework is only open to Law Enforcement employees, regardless of capacity (Police Officer, Court Clerk, Dispatcher, Parking Enforcement, etc)
AAFA: I’ve known Det. Jackson since the first IAI conference I attended nine years ago. He’s not only an accomplished composite artist, but also one of the most enthusiastic, hard-working, and generous instructors you’re going to find. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a composite artist, this is the class the start with.
Advanced Composite Imaging
June 4 – 8, 2012
October 22 – 26th, 2012
Westmont, NJ
Instructor: Charles T. Jackson
NOTE: This coursework is only open to Law Enforcement employees, regardless of capacity (Police Officer, Court Clerk, Dispatcher, Parking Enforcement, etc)
AAFA: Once you’ve gotten the introduction class under your belt, continue on with Det. Jackson’s advanced class. Be prepared to draw… a lot.
Mystery Solved: Facial Reconstruction
Click here for downloadable flyer
Alexandria, VA
Nine-week workshop in 3D clay facial reconstruction
Spring 2012
Instructor: Joe Mullins
AAFA: I’ve known Joe for years too, but that’s not why I recommend his classes. It’s because he’s one of the tops in the field of facial reconstruction, and will teach you everything he knows.
Forensic Imaging Techniques
Check site for upcoming dates.
University of South Florida
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Instructors: NCMEC Forensic Artists
AAFA: I was privileged to take this class a few years ago, and can’t recommend it more highly. Learn from the best artists in digital facial age progression techniques.
Forensic Sculpture
Click here for downloadable flyer
New York Academy of Art
Summer 2012
Instructor: Joe Mullins
AAFA: If you can’t get to Virginia, go to New York City instead. A great class, to be sure.
Composite Drawing
Check site for upcoming dates.
Evanston, Illinois
Instructor: Lois Gibson
AAFA: I’m proud to know Lois Gibson, and admire her greatly; not just for her talent, but for her tenacity in working to promote the field of forensic art. She’s a pioneer in the field and takes artists under her wing to encourage them and help them improve their skills.
Compositure Methodology Course
Online Training
Instructor: Gil Zamora
AAFA: I took Gil’s workshop at an IAI conference, and came away with my head spinning. He is immensely talented, very generous with his knowledge, and humble to boot. To watch how effortlessly he draws will amaze you.
Facial Reconstruction Sculpture
Instructor: Betty Pat Gatliff
Basic: October 1-5, 2012
Advanced: October 8-12, 2012
AAFA: Hurry and and learn from the woman that pioneered facial reconstruction. This might be your last chance; Betty Pat swears she’s retiring this time!
2012 International Association for Identification Annual Educational Conference
July 22-28, 2012
Phoenix, AZ
AAFA: I’ve always enjoyed the IAI conferences, and this will be my 9th year in a row attending. If you want to meet forensic artists from all over the country, and get some training in the process, plan on attending.
Advanced 2-D Identification Techniques
April 30-May 4, 2012
Scottsdale, Arizona
Instructor: Karen T. Taylor
For more information contact: ktt@karenttaylor.com
Forensic Facial Reconstruction Sculpture
May 7-May 11, 2012
Scottsdale, Arizona
Instructor: Karen T. Taylor
For more information contact: ktt@karenttaylor.com
Police Composite Sketching
Online Training
Instructor: Steven Mancusi
For more information contact: smancusi@forartist.com
Stuart Parks Forensic Associates
Various Classes
Various Locations
Instructors: Rick and Carrie Parks
Note: The certification earned through these classes are not an IAI certification.
For more information contact: carrie@stuartparks.com or rick@stuartparks.com
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Blog
February 18, 2012
Posted by Lisa Bailey