Taxidermy Truths
Welcome to Taxidermy Truths, where we discuss the ins and outs of not only the taxidermy process, but the influences on the hunting community as a whole. With over 25 years in the Wildlife and Taxidermy industry, Douglas Cockcroft hosts open conversations with artists, experts and industry giants. From sustainable utilization to shipping rates, we dig into the reality of the experience after the safari and hear real stories, Worth Remembering.
Episodes
![Taxidermy Truths | Episode 11 | Why you should do Taxidermy in Africa](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/16880343/TaxidermyTruts_Thumbnail_u5n3g5_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday Jan 10, 2024
Wednesday Jan 10, 2024
Have you hunted in South Africa?
In this week’s episode of Taxidermy Truths, Doug unpacks and explains 5 reasons to consider doing your Taxidermy in South Africa:
1. Knowledge
2. Control
3. Price
4. Safety
5. Conservation
Make sure your memories and your investment are safe – you don’t want to miss this one.
![Taxidermy Truths | Episode 10 | The Taxidermist Timeline](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/16880343/TaxidermyTruts_Thumbnail_u5n3g5_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
As the year winds down, we look back with gratitude and reflect on the challenges and wins of a busy hunting season.
In this episode of Taxidermy Truths, Doug runs through the rhythm and events of a typical year in the studio – from the preparation phases to peak season and how we adapt as we progress.
Thank you for listening to Taxidermy Truths in 2023. If you have any suggestions about any topics you’d like us to cover in the new year, please drop us a comment below.
![Taxidermy Truths | Episode 9 | When Science meets Art](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/16880343/TaxidermyTruts_Thumbnail_u5n3g5_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Taxidermy is an extremely creative artform that is fueled by science.
We are extremely excited to share this week’s episode with you. Doug sits down with globally renowned Master Taxidermist, Travis de Villiers. They discuss the intricate processes involved in producing top quality work, and the considerations and inspiration it takes to produce anatomically correct works of art.
![Taxidermy Truths | Episode 8 | The Knock-on Effect](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/16880343/TaxidermyTruts_Thumbnail_u5n3g5_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
As in life, everything in the wildlife and hunting industry is connected. It’s like playing dominoes.
In this episode of Taxidermy Truths, Doug discusses the knock-on effect of good practice in the industry and the consequences for taxidermy if things don’t go as planned. He shares practical advice about field preparation, specimen preservation, paperwork and permits.
Listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Podbean or YouTube. Link in bio
![Taxidermy Truths | Episode 7 | The Impact of colour in the industry](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/16880343/TaxidermyTruts_Thumbnail_u5n3g5_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
The story of the orange shoes and the impact of colour in our industry If you have met with us at the shows in the States, you would recognize the orange shoes that have become synonymous with Splitting Image Taxidermy. Colour has had an incredible impact on our brand and our business over the years.In this short episode of Taxidermy Truths, Doug tells the story the orange shoes and discusses the importance of colour in taxidermy.
![Taxidermy Truths | Episode 6 | If you like it - Shoot it](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/16880343/TaxidermyTruts_Thumbnail_u5n3g5_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
“Photography is all about painting with light. It’s how you use light to change things, to be dramatic, while telling the truth.”
Photographer Karl Schoemaker has worked with Splitting Image Taxidermy for over 10 years, helping us to tell our story visually. His creativity and passion has been an incredible complement to the work our artists create.
In this episode Doug and Karl discuss the journey over the last decade, talking through some of the perfect shots, the complete fails and the parting shots that have made a huge impact.
Listen to the full episode on Podbean, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
![Taxidermy Truths | Episode 5 | Shooting the breeze with Simon Les Gras](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/16880343/TaxidermyTruts_Thumbnail_u5n3g5_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
Shooting the breeze with Simon le Gras
As the hunting tourism industry has changed over the years, so has the way hunting outfitters, taxidermists and wildlife artists approach the market.
Simon le Gras, from Simon Says advertising, sits down with Doug to reflect on a long journey together. They discuss the wins, the misfires, and the need for brands to differentiate themselves through authentic content.
As an artist and hunter himself, Simon has a unique perspective on how to connect brands to people through authentic experiences and stories.
![Taxidermy Truths | Episode 4 | Imitation is the best form of flattery](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/16880343/TaxidermyTruts_Thumbnail_u5n3g5_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
Imitation is the best form of flattery
Art is at the centre of what we do at Splitting Image. Every day we recreate the beauty we see in wildlife to capture a moment in time, a memory.
In this episode of Taxidermy Truths, Doug chats to fine artist Duncan Stewart. Duncan produces incredible wildlife art and is currently working on a diorama backdrop piece in our showroom. To see the work in progress – make sure you watch the video.
Doug and Duncan discuss how the appreciation and celebration of nature and wildlife inspires creativity and purpose.
![Taxidermy Truths | Episode 3 | The Pure Taxidermist](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/16880343/TaxidermyTruts_Thumbnail_u5n3g5_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
Splitting Image Taxidermy is a Pure Taxidermist in the sense that our business was built on the art of taxidermy, of creating beautiful and lifelike specimens for hunters to cherish their experiences in the field.
By creating an incredible product, we have been able to attract and grow an incredible market - as opposed to selling a product to an existing audience.
We have tried, tested, and invested in facilities, systems and talent that sets us apart. We believe in creating anatomically correct, beautiful animal artistry. From sculpting our mannikins, to the way we tan skins, and the detail we put into each mount – each step is carefully considered.
Whether it’s a high-profile animal or the common Impala, every mount is an opportunity for us to show respect and create art that has significance and value for our clients.
Listen to our podcast to hear how we apply this approach.
![Taxidermy Truths | Episode 2 | The value of an animal](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/16880343/TaxidermyTruts_Thumbnail_u5n3g5_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
In episode 2 of Taxidermy Truths, Douglas discusses the value of an animal and how hunting fits into the wildlife tourism value chain.
When something has a value, we protect and care for it.
From the economics to the experience, we dig into the truth about far-reaching impact of responsible hunting.
Do you have any topics you’d like us to discuss? Let us know in the comments.
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