Photo Study #40: CreaFX - Encore

Several years ago, I had purchased a CreaFX "Frank" mask. CreaFX is a high-end mask, makeup and prosthetic company located in Florence, Italy. 

While the mask was interesting and well-fitting, the eyeholes were too large and I sold it. As you know, that is the thing that absolutely kills a mask for me.

I had contacted Danilo (the owner) recently and explained the situation. "Would it be possible to get a new Frank, but reduce the eyeholes?"

And the answer was "Yes!"

I sent Danilo pics of where the previous eyeholes were too large for me and I received a new version of a "Frank" that I am truly happy with.

With that said, there are a few caveats:

The mask is THIN

CreaFX tends to make masks that are about half the thickness of a Studio135 Chiseled mask and about about 40% the thickness of a CFX, Realflesh or Metamorphose mask. While this is great for the face, there is a higher tendency for the neck to wrinkle. The mask comes in an "standard" version and an "applied" version (even thinner to be worn with prosthetic adhesive). Also, you need to be a bit more gentle with the mask as it is thinner than US- or Canadian-based masks.

It has a small bib

This is definitely NOT the mask to wear with a wide open shirt. The bib is small and unsculpted, so you are limited to leaving the collar and perhaps one other button open.

The ears are (still) the weakest part of the sculpt

The design of the ears on the mask are not as well defined as other makers, although I DO see improvements from the original Frank mask I had purchased.

With that said, the mask is beautifully made; the flashing is perfect, so no seams are visible and the paintjob is top-notch, with subtle gradations and little imperfections that make it perfectly realistic.

The mask is cut on the smaller side, but because of the thinness of the mask, it provides a superior fit. 

Eyeholes (reduced) are now perfect. Danilo and I jokingly refer to this as the "Americano mod"

Lip fitment is excellent, with a strong 8.75 on the Silva scale.

Hair punching was done by CreaFX. I know from the experience of punchers like Jerry Almond or Anne-Marie Scott that punching a very thin mask is difficult. I felt that it was worth the additional cost to have it done by the manufacturer - this way, if anything did go wrong, it could be fixed (or a new mask cast) right there. I sent Danilo some reference pics, and he did a beautiful job of adapting this to the mask.

So I can definitely recommend the CreaFX "Frank" with the americano mod for anyone looking for a thinner, good looking young guy mask.