Thread: Wall Illusion

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Originally Posted by cyberpred

LOL.

You guys kill me.

It is really great to see how many creative people there are out there.

Sam your idea is very original. Are you planning on the monster to touch them?

C.

Originally, I hadn't planned on touching them, just reaching out to claw at them. At most, I may grab a hand or two of the adults, but even that is still debatable. Nowadays, just touching someone is a liability. Next thing you know, there's someone suing because they feel they or their children were touched in an inappropriate manner. So, I'm mainly sticking with "nearly missing" the victims and maybe some loud growls/yells. Although, I often have far better results being subtle. Less can be more, especially if you let the guests' imaginations fill in the gaps. What was that? Are those eyes? Is it a person or just a dummy? Will it attack? Can it attack? Is there a wall there? What does the creature look like?

Here's another concept sketch for a sign to sit at the main entrance.



A hidden light source will illuminate the sign. I saw a pack of 5 LED tap lights at Walmart for $5. They were in the paint/hardware section.

Sorry TS for not commenting on your concept earlier. I love the idea as it's very original. I will be keeping an eye on this thread with graet interest! :O)

I've spent the last two days working on my wreath . . .



. . . and my "Welcome" sign . . .



I also received my Special FX Unit (a.k.a. Lightning FX Box) today. It's pretty awesome, but I'm going to have to use a bulb that isn't so bright. I only had a 200 Watt bulb to test with, and I'm afraid I'll blind everyone. I may also have to use a blue gel to cool the color of the light, which is too warm for my taste.

My wreath isn't as full as I'd like it to be (it's a little flat), but that's okay. It's only an accent piece anyway. I recycled an old vinyl plant that a family member was going to throw out. I sprayed the leaves black, letting a tiny bit of the green showing through, then I added a pinch of burgundy. The veins were hand-painted.

I didn't realize it at first, but the sign is based on one that used to sit outside the gates of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland while the attraction was being constructed. It's funny how much that ride is embedded into my subconscious. I may even design applications for anyone who actually asks for one.

Next, I think I'll work on creating the arched window.

It works! I made a maquette of the wall illusion this afternoon, and it works! The glare from the black light really does help hide tiny flaws. If the maquette works with an intense black light at close range, imagine how much more effective it will be with the real thing.

I couldn't resist sticking my finger between the two large portraits, and it promptly faded to inky blackness. It was creepy!



There are other photos to see if you click on the image.

Here's a project update:

I'm working on the arched window, which is nearly complete. The "glass" is a layer of plastic (for gloss) and vellum (light dispersal).


The inside has a cluster of bright white LEDs glued to a jewel case lid. This creates a source for moonlight. The lightning source (regular light bulb) will sit a few inches behind the LED cluster.


Despite wires and whatnot being in the light path, the vellum disperses both light sources very well, and there are no cast shadows or hindrances that can be seen. It works perfectly.

I love this one from supernatural on the cw...

YouTube - Supernatural - Mystery Spot

Here's a test video of my window!