These are questions I answer most frequently. Thanks for your support.  

What are your masks made of?
My mask-making process consists of a somewhat eccentric self-taught methodology. I build up my mask skeleton with very heavy papers such as bristol board, chipboard, and cardboard. The key is to find a paper-based material that is thick enough to handle wet paper mache and not completely collapse. I have about five or six basic forms that I use to build different animal heads and I utilize an exacto knife to cut them into pieces before construction. These forms create short snouts, long faces, curved faces, etc. Once I build these forms I can add an infinite variety of modifications to make each mask unique (ears, horns, spikes, etc.) When I'm happy with the construction, I wrap the whole piece in paper mache. I recommend searching Youtube for a paper mache recipe. There are many paper mache variations and I find most of them to work just fine. This wrapping process hides all of the ugly seams and the marks left by the glue gun. Once again, I use a thicker paper. The thin newspaper that is traditionally used in paper mache does not work for me. I suggest trying builder's paper from a hardware store or thick craft paper with a rough texture. After the mask is dry for 24 hours, I coat the whole piece in white gesso. This seals the mask and creates a vibrant base coat. Gesso is not an essential step but it does make the top colors brighter and bolder. I then use acrylic paint and a very watered down black wash on top of that. The black wash brings out textures and creates shadows. I also use a Faber-Castell brush pen to create sharp india ink lines. The final step is to add ornamentation like bells and cloth to decorate my mask.

Do you take commissions?
I've taken on many mask commissions for a lot of unusual events (weddings, a yo-yo performer, festival events, etc.) but I rarely take on new jobs these days. I prefer to follow my own strange visions. If you have a big project like a music video or a film assignment, I will consider it. Otherwise, I recommend shopping for what I already have in my web store. My store updates constantly with new masks because I am always working.

Do you rent your masks out for projects?
Yes, I do. If you are interested in renting a mask in my store then please send me an email and we can work out a quote. The bulk of the renting price will go towards shipping costs so please let me know the mailing location. The renter is responsible for return shipping costs. Also, if you plan on using my masks for a professional feature (film, music videos, album covers, etc.) please let me know.

Do you take post submissions for your False Face Instagram account? Do you have a recommendation for photographing my masks?
I have an Instagram account which features masks and outfits. I will occasionally take submissions but only rarely. I'll be the first to admit I have a very narrow and rigid set of criteria for posting on that account. I try to avoid overly pop culture focused images (a Star Wars cosplay outfit for example) but will consider mainstream material if there is a variation on the theme. If you want to promote your own mask creations, I will add that I avoid false face posts that are not modeled in some unique and interesting way. A photo of a mask hanging on the wall is not enough for me. I want to see a photographic environment that compliments the model. Here is the criteria I set for photographing my own work: no visible sign of 'modernity' or contemporary looking clothing. I also try not to use any modern art-making materials either (such as silicone or plastics). I want my work to feel displaced from time and obvious context. This is not to say you must follow my self-imposed 'rules', I simply recommend that you give yourself an aesthetic criteria for showing off your creations. Create an all encompassing vision for your work. You can never go wrong with shooting work in a natural, wild environment in decent lighting.

How do set the prices for selling your work?
I get this question from students a lot. I first consider the amount of time it took to create the work. However, if I have already gotten 'value' out of a mask or outfit then I take that into consideration. If I have already sold photos featuring that mask then I am more likely to sell it at a lesser price. I try not to become too attached to my artwork because I know that most buyers will take good care of my pieces and, if the masks hang in new spaces, they are essentially being advertised to a new audience. As most artists know, you only have so much studio space and it’s great to give artwork a new home. Lastly, I am a huge believer that art should be affordable to everyone. I intentionally keep my prices lower because I want the work to connect with people of all incomes. Art should not just be for the wealthy.