Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1512433
72 • THE ARTISAN WINTER 2024 THE GUARDIANS e Guardians of the Galaxy have graced our screens in previous films, but in Vol. 3, significant updates were in store. Nebula, portrayed by Karen Gillan, has always been a standout character with a striking appearance. Her make-up was applied by Melissa Meinhart and Sabrina Wilson for this film. Crucial updates were made to improve application time and the actor's comfort, such as the entire make-up became three silicone pieces, with one piece for her neck, made using a collapsible core that could easily slip over her head and then be securely glued in place. One of the biggest challenges was concealing Karen's thick and long hair to create the perfect bald head shape. In earlier films, she had shaved her head, or had a very short haircut, but for Vol. 3, Sean Smith used a combination of hard-hold gel, water, and a blow dryer to mold her hair, section by section, ensuring it stayed in place throughout the day. Dave Bautista as Drax was applied by make-up artists John Moore, Robin Pritchard, and Matt Sprunger. Drax's iconic appearance involves a silicone base layer with airbrush spatter for texture, on top of which transfer appliances are applied and sealed. roughout the film, the make-up team skillfully maintained continuity with various stages of Drax's beaten-up and charred-dirt appearances. Kraglin, brought to life by Sean Gunn, was transformed by Samantha Ward and Adam Walls. Legacy sculpted a new silicone appliance for Kraglin's head, it included a 3D-printed fin outfitted with lights that were remote controlled. Multiple tattoos, scars, and custom teeth were created and applied to complete his rugged look. Zoe Saldana's Gamora, who had previously been a Guardian, joined a gang known as e Ravagers. e talented team, led by Vera Steimberg and Will Huff, returned to do her make-up L-R: Kraglin (Sean Gunn), Drax (Dave Bautista), Nebula (Karen Gillan), and Mantis (Pom Klementieff) Gamora (Zoe Saldana) Adam Warlock (Will Poulter) Vera Steimberg touching up Gamora