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How to Become a Forensic Artist

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By eHow Contributing Writer
(9 Ratings)

We all have seen the gripping episode of "America's Most Wanted" or "Law and Order" where the Forensic Artist creates such a life-like sketch that the bad guy is caught immediately. Forensic art can be a satisfying and exciting career. These few steps will help you become a forensic artist and catch the bad guys.

Difficulty: Challenging
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Locate the hiring officials at the institution you wish to work at and find out what qualifications are needed to become a forensic artist at their organization. Determine if more schooling is necessary for your position, sometimes a high school diploma is the minimum other agencies require higher education.

  2. Step 2

    Practice drawing realistic and accurate drawings from your imagination of the people you know. Learn to draw portraits that are anatomically correct and accurately proportioned.

  3. Step 3

    Check for any specific courses on forensic art in your area at a community college, university or law enforcement agency. Inquire whether a degree in law enforcement or criminal justice is necessary to become part of a forensic art team.

  4. Step 4

    Take the necessary courses to get hired at the organization you wish to work as a forensic artist. Prepare for background checks and a series of formal training from the organization. You will most likely be extensively tested and educated on that agencies' procedure of forensic art rendering.

  5. Step 5

    Become certified in forensic art through the Forensic Artists Certification Board, and visit the website for details on certification. Try to become certified before looking for a position. You will no doubt need to be certified before being fully accepted to your forensic art job.

Tips & Warnings
  • Practice drawing from memory and description as much as possible. This valuable skill will aid you as a forensic artist and will form the bulk of your work in the field.
  • Ask your friends and family to help you by describing someone they know that you have never met. Try to draw them from their description alone; this exercise will help you perfect your skills in realistic imaginative rendering.
  • Try to get training in formal art and criminal justice. This schooling will aid you immensely when looking for a position as a forensic artist.

Comments  

kirsteen90 said

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on 11/19/2008 what further art education or courses would i need to do after sixth form to become a forensic artist.kirsteen

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