|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return to homepage
Who can become a forensic artist?
Just about anyone can learn how to do forensic art. Our composite and forensic courses have had a variety of students with a wide variety of backgrounds. There is no "ideal" background or student. We have had patrol officers, detectives, records clerks, dispatch, reserves, chiefs of police, and artists. We have had law enforcement students with drawing ability of the highest caliber, students with gallery shows, students who have illustrated books, students who are already working composite artists, and students who couldn't draw blood with a knife.
If we were to recommend a particular background, we would suggest a strong desire to learn and succeed. Students with existing drawing skills and talent do not have to practice as much and may find the course easier-however-we have had very successful composite artists who learned their drawing skills in class.
If you are an artist seeking to add to your art experience, this composite training can provide you with interesting and worthwhile skills. Your success at becoming a composite artist is only limited to your desire to work in this field.
We have found that the finest composite artists possess certain characteristics
:If, on the other hand, you consider yourself to be God's gift to law enforcement, the single most important factor in solving a case, with skills and abilities of enormous proportion, PLEASE take two humble pills, a cold shower, and get a life.
Return to the top of the page
How much education or training do you need to become a forensic artist?
You do not need a four-year college degree. You do need to attend special forensic art training. There are several good classes across the country; however, we would not be honest if we did not say that we think ours is the finest training available. Check out our classes, general information, and instructors.
More on education and training
It helps (though not essential) to have the following background:
The following would be considered definite blocks to becoming a forensic artist:
If you have the personality of an overcooked zucchini.
If you have an inability to understand the words "confidential information"
If you believe law enforcement is really like "Dirty Harry", "Lethal Force" and "The X Files"
If you lack a wit of common sense
If you're just plain weird
If you relate to the above-mentioned statements, please attend one of the other training courses.
Ok, I really want to learn, but there are three important issues to cover next:
How can I/my department pay for training?
And/or
How much can I earn in this field?
And possibly
Why does this training cost so much?
A list of ideas for law enforcement funding sources:
Return to FAQ
Return to FAQ
Now, I really am surprised at you for even asking this question.
Compared to what? A four-year college degree? A three month special training program? This is professional skill development which will teach you a skill in a week. It is a bargain price for the training. Do not compare it to adult education college interest programs like "Memory albums for fun and profit."
Return to FAQ Let's talk more about education and training.
Start with our "Composite Drawing for Law Enforcement" (our Basic class). Once you have finished the Basic class, we recommend the "Composite Drawing Workshop I" as a follow up within the first year. "Composite Drawing Workshop II" could be taken a year later. "Composite Drawing Workshop III" is a refresher to be taken if you have not attended a class for a few years. "Advanced Forensic Art" and some of the other classes can be taken at any time after the first class.
More on these classes.
Wow, that's a lot of classes and training. Do I need all of them and do I take them in order and what is the difference between the classes???
No, you do not need to take any other class other than our Basic if you do not want to. The classes are arranged in order of how likely you will have those types of cases. Basic is basic. "Composite Drawing Workshop I" is the most important follow up materials. "Composite Drawing Workshop II" is full of original materials not taught anywhere else in the U.S. "Composite Drawing Workshop III" is a concentrated refresher of Basic and Workshop I. Advanced Forensic Art is like facial reconstruction and aging of missing children--most students take this course because they are interested in these topics.
I'm already a composite artist working in the field. Do I still need the basic class?
Our basic class is the foundation for all our other classes. You could start with one of the workshops as long as we know you are coming to class and can spend some time on some of our techniques during "recess".
I'm an artist. What class do I need?
Again, our basic class is the foundation for all our other classes. We do have a "Composite Drawing for Artists" class but we don't offer it as often.
Rick and I teach more classes to more students than every other composite school combined. We are approved in 9 states P.O.S.T. Academies, I.A.I. approved, and to date have won five national awards for training excellence. The FBI had us train their artists. We allow you to sit into any class at any time after you have attended it should you need a one or two day refresher. We follow up with letters to your department thanking them for sending you. AND...we are a lot of fun!
Return to the top of the page
Aren't computers doing all the composites any more?
The computer software companies would like you to think so. The problem is that they don't work as well as a composite artist. They cost more, need upgrades, can be hard to get a likeness, have no proven long term success rate, don't know diddly about how people recognize and remember faces and are out of business every time there is a power failure. Composite artists are set for Y2K
On the other hand, freehand composite artists have a success rate of 30-80%. Have you noticed that every national case where there is a composite, it is always hand drawn?
What opportunities are in this field for a Police Officer?
That depends on how many people above you that you manage to irritate.(!) 98% of our students are in law enforcement and draw between 6-40 sketches a year. It is done as part of their regular job. There are a handful of full time forensic artists in the country.
What opportunities are in this field for an artist?
You should consider this another skill you can offer as an artist rather than a full time career. There are less than ten full time composite artists who are freelance. If you are determined enough, however, nothing is holding you back.
Return to FAQ
The International Association for Identification has a certification program. To test, you must have three successful identifications, have attended a class that is approved (like our Basic Class), be a composite artist for at least a year, be a member, and so forth.
We have recently started a certification class/testing where you attend the class and test out during the week. This certifies that you have reached a level of knowledge, training, and drawing expertise.
Return to FAQ
OK, enough questions.
Return to FAQ
Last updated DD/MM/YR