Forensic Art as a Career: Insights from Karen Taylor
		To my knowledge, there is no in-place degree plan in any university specifically for the study of forensic art, though some individuals have designed self-directed programs. Training in forensic art topics is generally obtained through short format courses and workshops. Art skills compose only a small portion of the abilities required for forensic artists. People enter the field from various directions and must seek training and knowledge to augment their personal experience. Depending on which forensic art specialty practitioners choose, their education should be geared accordingly. To do composite images based on victim/witness descriptions, there can never be enough psychology training in sensitive memory-enhancing interview techniques. Age progressions are done to project growth or aging. To do child age progressions for the faces of long-term missing children, artists must study the complex patterns of craniofacial growth. To do fugitive updates for the faces of long-term fugitives, artists must acquire anatomical knowledge to project biological aging. Preparation of demonstrative evidence or trial displays is a highly specialized field that can involve drawing, sculpting, model-making, and computer graphics and animation skills. To make “educated” predictions, artists who work on unidentified deceased cases must study anatomy and learn about the many physiological changes that occur after death. To do postmortem drawings based on morgue photos, the artist should be advised by forensic pathologists. Those who produce facial reconstructions based on unidentified skulls should work in collaboration with various forensic scientists, particularly anthropologists and dental specialists. I would recommend that all aspiring forensic artists accept the responsibility of this work with seriousness and conviction. They should be prepared to acquire the fundamental knowledge required to properly perform many tasks. As with any worthwhile field of endeavor, you simply cannot “cut corners”. The victims of violent crimes and the citizens whose lives your work may help safeguard deserve your full efforts. For information about classes taught by Karen Taylor and Betty Pat. Gatliff, see Workshops.