- This course is full. Register below to join the waiting list or express your interest in participating on this course if we run it again. If we have sufficient interest we will run this again soon.
| Start Date | Duration | Cost | Max Participant Numbers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday 13th December – Online half day Thursday 15th December – In person course commences | 5.5 x Days | €800 | 10 |
Overview
This hands-on, immersive sculpting workshop, delivered in partnership with Creative Futures Academy, takes participants from concept and anatomy study through to a finished character bust over five intensive studio days. An initial online orientation covers design principles, materials, and preparation. The in-studio block then focuses on practical sculpting techniques — from blocking and anatomy to surface detail and final presentation.
“Dream up your own character — an ancient elder, a creepy zombie, a wild monster, or a hero from your favourite tale. Go as weird or wonderful as you like — the only limit is your imagination!”
The course emphasizes observation, iteration, and professional industry techniques in character sculpture.
All materials are provided.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will:
• Understand head anatomy and its application to character design
• Be able to sculpt a human or stylised bust from armature to finish
• Apply surface detail techniques for realism or stylisation
• Photograph and present their work professionally
• Take away a finished bust for their portfolio
Schedule
Online Orientation (13th December)
10am – 2pm
• Course introduction and expectations
• Materials overview (clays, tools, armatures)
• Reference gathering: anatomy, expression, stylisation
• Session to explore character ideas
• Q&A and prep for in-studio work
Day 1 – 15th Dec: Concept & Block-In
• Build armature and block in skull/neck mass
• Map proportions and feature guidelines
• Begin shaping cranium and jaw structure
Goal: Bust structure roughed out, ready for features
Day 2 – 16th Dec: Features (Eyes, Nose, Mouth, Ears)
• Sculpt and integrate main features
• Demo on eye and eyelid sculpting
• Placement and proportion refinement
Goal: All primary features in place
Day 3 – 17th Dec: Refining Planes & Anatomy
• Define planes of the head, refine brow, cheek, jaw
• Correct asymmetry and proportions
• Transition smoothing
Goal: A cohesive, anatomically sound bust
Day 4 – 18th Dec: Surface Detail & Character
• Demo: skin folds, wrinkles, texture
• Add age/character details, scars, or stylised elements
• Hairline, horns, or other design features
Goal: Near-finished bust with detailed surface
Day 5 – 19th Dec: Finalisation & Presentation
• Final polish, presentation adjustments
• Photography session (lighting, angle, documentation)• Group critique and feedback
• Wrap-up:
• Goal: Completed bust and professional photos for portfolio
Tutor information
Paul McDonnell – Fabricator & Visual Storyteller
With over three decades of hands-on experience, Paul McDonnell is one of Ireland’s most accomplished modelmakers and practical effects artists. Highly skilled in puppet fabrication, miniature set design, and tactile world-building, Paul’s work spans an extraordinary range — from six-metre tall giants walking the streets to intricately detailed, hand-built worlds that fit on a tabletop. His craft is rooted in transformation: bringing inanimate objects to life with story, emotion, and physical presence.
As Creative Director of Stiúideo Fia, Paul leads with a maker’s mindset — shaping ideas through material, light, and movement. Whether building environments, designing creatures, or guiding teams, his approach blends technical precision with artistic intuition, always in service of narrative clarity.
A dedicated educator and mentor, Paul has trained hundreds of emerging artists in modelmaking, fabrication, and animation. He believes that great stories begin with great craft — in what we shape with our hands and bring to life frame by frame. From large-scale public works to miniature cinematic moments, Paul is committed to making the invisible visible through tangible, camera-ready artistry.
Who This Course Is For
This is not a beginner’s level course, so if you apply you will need to provide some evidence of your previous work and ability.
On the application form you will be asked to upload a link to your digital portfolio. Please be clear what is yours and what is collaborative work in your portfolio. You will also need to upload a short video of why you want to do this course.
• Artists with some experience in clay or 3D work who want to develop character bust sculpting skills
• Animators, model makers, puppet fabricators, or visual artists expanding into head and bust work
• Students or professionals building portfolio pieces for screen, theatre, or fine art
If you would like to get more information about the course please watch this video
Venue Information
Stiúideo Fia, Tír an Fhia, 8A, Lettermore, Co. Galway, H91 YY43 Google Map
We do not provide accommodation for this course. Please see a list of available accommodation in the area Stiúideo Fia Accommodation List
Costs/fee
Course fee €850 per person. (Normally this workshop would cost €1500 per person without CCIS support)
Deadline for expressions of interest
Monday 10th November at 12noon
Dates and times of the course
Orientation (online) – 13th December 10.00 to 14.00
Thursday 15th to Monday 19th December – 9.00 to 18.00
Due to our funding, this course is only available to those resident in the Republic Of Ireland.
For any queries, please contact frankeaveney@furthr.ie
Please register your interest by emailing microcreds@iadt.ie