Forensic sculptors of all genres use similar materials. These materials include clay, a human or plaster skull, depth markers, history files, medical reports, archaeological research and, in some cases, pictures to build their sculptures.
Forensic sculptors give unknown victims of crime a way to speak from their graves. In a CBS story, forensic sculptor Frank Bender was interviewed, and the amazing world of forensic sculpting was introduced to the common man.
The forensic sculptor uses the skull as a base for his creation. He is intimately aware of how deep skin tissue is, how a person's skin folds and sags at differing ages and the exact proportions needed to recreate a human being's face.
Bender gives insight into the process when he says he never concentrates on just one area of the face but rather uses his hands to feel how the entire composition of the face should be. This is a common technique used by forensic artists.
Many forensic sculptors use pictures of crime scenes to connect with the crime. This gives the sculptor a better sense of who the victim might be.
When an aged progressed sculpture is needed, sculptors may use factors such as whether someone smokes or drinks, and what environment he lives in, to influence how the person may have aged.
Forensic sculptures have been able to provide medical students with an in-depth three-dimensional look at the human body. Sculptures may reveal subcutaneous layers of skin, muscle tissue or even in-depth detailing of body parts like the eye or brain.
Archaeologists have found the use of forensic sculptures useful to recreate lost civilizations, as well as to help determine the pattern of human development in specific locations of the world.
Forensic sculptors use their knowledge of the human body alongside ancient remains to provide faces for people. This enlightens scientists, giving them a better understanding of past cultures.
Schools like the Duncan and Jordanstone College of Arts and Design teach artists how to become forensic sculptors. These artists must have extensive training in human anatomy as well as in-depth knowledge of the sculpting process.