Ask A Forensic Artist

From shattered skulls to suspects of crime: how forensic artists help solve law enforcement's toughest cases.

A decomposed body is discovered in the woods, its identity known only to the killer. A woman survives a brutal rape, the image of her attacker haunts her daily. A detective searches for a fugitive on the run, his only clue a faded mug shot.

Where does Law Enforcement turn to put a face to these crimes?

To the forensic artist.

Far different from the glamorized, high-tech depictions on TV, this is the world of witnesses and victims, sketchbooks and suspects, clay and bones. Where an artist can sculpt a startling likeness onto the shattered face of an unidentified skull, or digitally alter a gruesome photo of a severed head, creating a lifelike image suitable for the evening news. You’ll learn how it’s all done, meet working forensic artists from all over the country, and even find out how you may be able to become a forensic artist yourself.