My name is Sam Pelletier, and I'm a visual arts student interested in creating masks for performance, or for display! I'd love to work with small theatrical groups, photographers, and other artists, both to grow in experience and to express myself through the unique art of maskmaking.
Maskmaking is a fascinating and challenging artform because it requires a mindfulness of the expression of the mask and the body language and expression of the performer. The mask is more than just a hollow thing you put on your face, it's something that has to look and feel right both for the performer and for the character. It's something that's embodied. Masks aren't just worn, they're objects that trigger an inner transformation, and I'm mindful of that whenever I create a mask.
I'd love to hear from you. Whether you're a local theatre troup looking for someone to make masks for a production, or just someone with a weird project you need masks for, I can hook you up. Send me an e-mail at sampelletier at gmail dot com with what you're looking for, and I'll get back to you ASAP.
If you're an individual looking for a unique mask for halloween or for a party or even just for display, I can also do that.
Prices are negotiable, however there's a few base prices to give you an idea of how much I charge. For reference, a half-mask covers the area around the eyes and nose, a face mask covers the entire face from the forehead to the chin, and a full-head mask covers the entire head and neck, and can be tucked under the shirt for a more realistic appearance.
| Half-mask: | $100 |
| Face mask: | $250 |
| Full-head mask*: | $600 |
*There are times in the year where I just don't have the space or the spare time to prepare moulds for full-head masks. It never hurts to ask, though.
This set of prices may change as I continue to learn the tricks of the trade.
The masks can cost more or less, depending on your choice of material and the complexity of the design, and will cost significantly less if you decide to use a design I've already sculpted, and more if you wish to retain exclusive rights to the sculpt.
Since each commissioned mask is assembled by hand, I can accommodate requests for mechanical apparati like hinged jaws and bladder effects. Other body parts can also be requested, such as hands, feet, tails, etc.
Latex: Like regular halloween masks, this stretchy material is easy to work with and moulds easily. It doesn't breathe easily, and tends to flop around if not reinforced, but it does the job.
Polyurethane foam: This expanding soft plastic-based foam is very light and is great for half-face masks. Used to make soft props in movies.
Silicone rubber: Nothing beats silicone rubber for realism. Though this material tends to be airtight (and can leave your face a bit sweaty!) its vaccuum-sealing nature allows it an almost prosthetic-like appearance without the hassle of long application times. Feels almost like real skin. I use medical grade platinum-cure silicone which is very safe on the skin.
Regular store-bought latex masks are habitually $50 to $100. The cost I list here mostly covers the mouldmaking process. Making a mould for a mask, even a simple latex halloween one and especially a full-headed one, is very expensive and time-consuming. Keep in mind, also, that what you are getting is a unique, hand-crafted object that nobody else has. It's a work of art. Well, I think so, anyway!