Come sculpt with me.
I’m Steve Johnson. I’ve spent more than forty years making creatures for the screen. Now I want to share the process with you – join me for four online workshops. We’ll take a character from its first shapes to a clay bust with an expression, a personality and a life of its own.
Bookings and guide requests are handled by Bueno Productions.
Inside the workshop
A little clay. A strange idea.
Let’s see where it goes.
Watch the trailer for a taste of the workshop and the world of practical creature effects we’ll be exploring together.
Video not loading? Watch the trailer on Vimeo.
From armature to character
Let’s find your creature.
I’ll build an original character bust live, explaining the decisions as I go. You can work along with me or take those principles in your own direction. We’ll explore how proportion, silhouette and expression change the character in front of you.
Give the idea a shape.
Armature, proportion and silhouette.
Find the personality.
Form, structure and expression.
Make it believable.
Detail, texture and refinement.
Bring it together.
Final details and presentation.
Learn with me, live
You’ll see the decisions, too.
Sometimes a shape doesn’t work. An expression feels wrong. You step back, look again and change direction. That’s part of sculpting, and I want you to see it happen.
Ask questions while we work. Along the way, I’ll share stories and lessons from a career in practical effects.
Beginners, experienced sculptors, artists, makers and curious film fans are welcome. Bring your tools and an idea you’d like to explore.
Your place includes
Four sessions together.
Plenty to return to.
- Four live online workshops with demonstrations and questions.
- Access to session recordings for 12 months.
- A preparation, materials and supplier guide.
- A completion certificate personally signed by me.
The certificate is a Masterclass keepsake, rather than an accredited qualification.
Before we begin
A few practical details.
What materials will I need?
Clay, an armature, sculpting tools and a suitable work surface. Materials are purchased separately; allow approximately $150 USD, depending on what you already have and where you live. Find the full materials and supplier guide on the Bueno Productions course page.
What does the Masterclass cost?
The standard fee is $995 USD, with an early bird price of $895 USD for the first 10 bookings. Check Bueno Productions for current availability, offers and the price payable before booking.
What if I can’t attend every session?
Recordings are available to participants for 12 months, so you can catch up and revisit the demonstrations.
Where do I book or get the guide?
My partners at Bueno Productions handle bookings and payments. They also provide the free 36-page guide, Inside the Workshop. The buttons below take you to the relevant page on their website.
Your place at the workbench
Let’s make something
with a little personality.
Ready to join me? Book through Bueno Productions. If you’d like a closer look first, request your free copy of Inside the Workshop.
Both links open Bueno Productions, where you can complete your booking or request the guide.