What type of skills and attitudes are definitely needed to be a taxidermist?
I'm thinking of growing up to be a taxidermist since it interest me in both scientific and art terms. I don't really know in depth of what I really need, so I'm hoping to get answers from different points of views and people with experience. I'm still young, but I want to know what I need for the future. I hope that's not to much to ask. #taxidermy
1 answer
Daniela Silva
Daniela’s Answer
Hi Kathy,
Taxidermy is the art of preserving dead animals with the object of restoring a lifelike appearance for display as trophies or museum exhibits. The process involves preparing, tanning, stuffing, mounting and retouching animals that include fish, birds, small mammals and large game. Taxidermists may work part- or full-time in sports or taxidermy shops. Some work for natural history museums. Many enter the field with the goal of opening their own taxidermy shops.
Course topics typically include tools, techniques and knowledge related to specific types of animals, generally small game, birds, fish and large game. Additional courses may include state and federal taxidermy regulations, air brushing techniques and entrepreneurship. Students can typically take individual courses or complete certificate and diploma programs of varying lengths.
The National Taxidermists Association (NTA) offers voluntary professional certification. Though professional certification isn't mandatory to practice as a taxidermist, earning professional certification can help improve taxidermists' career opportunities or businesses.
More in: http://study.com/articles/How_to_Become_a_Taxidermist_Education_and_Career_Roadmap.html
All the Best!