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Oct 28, 20213 min read

Merrow Design

After research, for this look, the artist decided that she wanted to create a dual image for the final look. This means she will have 3 images combined into one. This will need to be completed in 3 separate shoots to capture the 3 different looks. The artist wants to follow the research fully and create an authentic creature while also creating a second creature of nightmare. They choose to do this to demonstrate how easy it is for folklore to be misinterpreted based on incorrect information.



Figure 1, Mermaid Tail & Fin

For this looks first shoot the artist will create a mermaid type creature with a pig nose and sharp teeth. The character will still be beautiful to look at. They will have a mermaid tail which will blend into the abdomen of the model using prosthetic pieces created for a realistic and flawless blend. They will also wear a blue bikini top which will be covered with scales and shells to create a sea creature look.

The second part of the shoot with being very similar to the first except the model will be beautiful with no nose or teeth. Resulting in them looking like normal humans with a tail. There may be the opportunity to also add in the 3rd look while doing the 2nd shoot, where the model is now fully human showing the transformation from sea creature to beautiful merrow and finally human.

Look one will take place in the water, look 2 will be on the shorelines and potentially look 3 will be on dry land near the water.



Figure 2, Prosthetic Scales

The prosthetic pieces which will be used on the chest and abdomen of the model will be scales made to look like the tail purchased. They will be blue, teal and turquoise with iridescent powders over the top to mimic scales like a fish. These will be placed across the top of the tail on the abdomen and over the chest area of the model and blended into the skin.



Figure 3, Merrow Tiara

Hair will be a long wig that will be styled in long curls and pinned back on top to create a sort of crown of hair around the head. The artist will then add adornments into the hair for added effect. There will be 2 wigs used for this, one wig will be styled as if the merrow has just come out of the water so will have shells, seaweed and be wet looking slightly. Then the second wig will be dry curls with shells in. Both wigs will also have a crown of sorts. This will either be an actual crown or one made from shells.



Figure 4, Merrow Face Chart

For the makeup within this look, the artist will be using a mixture of blues, turquoises, greens and possibly purples depending on the colours within their mermaid tail. The artist will apply dark blue lipstick to the lips to make the teeth used in one of the looks even more menacing. The pig nose will be shaded in different shades of blues with a rosy pink cheek. Eyebrows will be well defined in either dark brown or blue to match the wig which will be applied. The only change to the makeup throughout the 3 shoots will be that the pig nose is removed in looks 2 & 3.


Potentially all 3 shoots could take place on the same day with correct planning as image 3 could be done first followed by image 2 and image 1 begin the final look of the day. This will allow for better time management of the overall planning, process, and result. It would also mean crew were only required for 1 day instead of 2.



Reference List

Figure List

Figure 1, Mermaid Tail & Fin

Figure 2, Prosthetic Scales

Figure 3, Merrow Tiara

Figure 4, Merrow Face Chart, K. Ellison (2021)




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Kailegh Ellison Glam to Gore.jpg

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Glam to Gore is a blog written by a second year foundation degree student. It follows her journey through the final year.

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