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Shauna Cooke

Design for Stage + Screen

My name is Shauna Cooke and I am a 4th year graduating student of Character Design for Stage and Screen. I have a strong passion for character creation and I love making abstract ideas come to life. My interests lie in makeup design, prosthetic design, sculpture, painting and coming up with new ideas and concepts. I have worked on numerous film and photography shoots, both professional and student level. I don’t see any job as unachievable and I love working around different logistical issues to make something work!

**The Púca:** This character design delves into the enigmatic nature of this iconic shape-shifting creature from Irish folklore.

I created a silicone prosthetic that embodies the essence of this elusive being, drawing inspiration from its ability to morph into various forms, including human, horse, cow, and goat. I wanted to bring the idea of shapeshifting to life by showing it in the Púca’s physical features. Incorporating elements of anatomy from each animal, I curated a design that seamlessly blends muscle, veins and bone, capturing the Púca’s transformative nature. Every detail in my design reflects the fascinating and mysterious nature of this creature.

**3D digital sculpt with drawing overlay**

**The Sídhe:** Commonly known as ‘The Fae’, the Sídhe are creatures that are heard about a lot in rural Ireland. I wanted to honour this creatures deep connection to nature and bring its characteristics to life.

Utilizing silicone prosthetics reminiscent of ancient Irish stone carvings, such as the Triskel. I juxtaposed the hardness of the stone against the softness of lush foliage, symbolizing the Sídhe's role as protectors of the natural world. I added dried sphagnum moss to the head, incorporating it with the rest of the look as a nod to its historical significance in Irish culture. This unconventional choice of 'hair' not only adds an authentic touch but also serves as a visual representation of the symbiotic relationship between the Sídhe and the land they inhabit. With careful attention, I aimed to reflect my personal fascination with the Sídhe and their significance in Irish folklore through my design

**3D digital sculpts with drawing overlay**

**The Banshee:** This character design introduces a fresh concept while staying true to the classic depiction of the banshee in Irish folklore.

Through the use of silicone prosthetics and silicone dyes, I crafted haunting black tears that spell out ‘death’ (Bás) in both Irish and Ogham script, infusing ancient symbolism with contemporary design sensibilities. This twist offers a captivating interpretation of the Banshee’s mournful cry, traditionally believed to foreshadow the death of a family member. By juxtaposing ancient script with modern prosthetic techniques, my design breathes new life into the iconic figure of the Banshee, inviting viewers to explore the timeless mystique of Irish mythology through a fresh lens.

Irish Folk Tales Resurrected:

For my graduate project, I wanted to create something that is a lot more personal. Growing up, I always heard stories of these mythical creatures from family members and developed an extreme curiosity for these alleged creatures. I wanted to reintroduce this rich oral tradition that Irish people have always had, take elements of these stories I’ve always heard and make them come to life. I have a fascination with nature and the rich Irish culture which I also wanted to be prominent in my work.

Character MakeUp Design

2021 2022 2023 2024

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