Taxidermy Truths

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.

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 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.

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

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.

“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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.