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Smells as inspiration -

Smell triggers memory recall, which will help the person being questioned give a better description.

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Smells as inspiration -

According to freelance forensic artist Melissa Cooper, this can take the witness back to the scene and “it’s a perfect state to be in.”

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They can’t let their creative juices flow -

Forensic artists usually err more on the side of a sketchy portrait than one that looks extremely realistic. This is because people are actually more likely to not recognize someone they know if there is a detail wrong in the sketch.

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They can’t let their creative juices flow -

Former FBI forensic artist Lisa Bailey explains: “[Artists] are by necessity keeping their own self-expression and artistry out of it, and not adding information that would create a 'prettier’ image that could lead someone away from recognition.”

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They might just have a skull as a reference -

Sometimes forensic artists have to recreate facial features based on the skull of a deceased person. They usually sculpt it using a 3D replica and clay.

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They might just have a skull as a reference -

“The skull says so much. It can tell you where the eyes angled, where the nostrils went, where the eyebrows were. Given the choice of a photo of a corpse that’s decomposing or a skull, I’d take the skull,” says Cooper.

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Sketches might get a smile -

If there is anything off or unique about the person’s teeth, then the sketch should reflect that. So sometimes people are depicted with a smile or a grin.

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Sketches might get a smile -

“If there's anything unusual about the teeth, like gaps or crookedness, then we'll sculpt it with parted lips, or with a small smile, because someone might recognize the person just because of the teeth,” says Cooper.

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They might have to look into birds' nests for clues -

Forensic artists need to collect as much information as possible, but when dealing with decomposing bodies, things such as hair color can be a problem to identify.

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They might have to look into birds' nests for clues -

Cooper says that “a good place to find that is in a bird’s nest nearby ... Birds love hair."

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They might rely on surveillance footage -

Being a forensic sketch artist is not just about sketching people based on witnesses’ memory. Sometimes they’re called in to draw sketches based on footage that is not very clear.

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They might rely on surveillance footage -

“If they have only a three-quarters shot of someone’s head from above, I can look at that,” says Cooper. “Knowing the anatomy of the head, I can show them what the rest of the person would look like,” she added.

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Ears can be a tough nut to crack -

Most people will recall facial features such as the eyes, nose, mouth, or chin, but will have trouble recalling ears.

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Ears can be a tough nut to crack -

Some sketch artists use catalogs of images they show witnesses, so that they might assist identify a certain feature.

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They might use technology -

Artists often use software to manipulate sketches before they’re released to the public.

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They might use technology -

Editing includes opening the eyes, closing the mouth, adjusting the jaw, or realigning the head, among other things.

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They might sketch someone the police already know -

Forensic artists sometimes do a sketch based on a suspect the police already have on file.

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They might sketch someone the police already know -

They usually do this to see if a witness matches the image with their own description.

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They work for free sometimes -

Many a skilled sketch artist has lent his/her skill to a good cause. An example would be sketching a missing child years after their disappearance.

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They work for free sometimes -

Artists skilled in age progression will sketch how the person possibly looks like after years have passed. They sometimes do this for families, for instance.

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Sketches are signed by witnesses -

Once a sketch is completed, it’s considered police evidence. The witness is required to sign it.

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Sketches are signed by witnesses -

Witnesses do so usually on the back of the sketch, to avoid their signatures being recognized if the sketch goes public.

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Some detectives are reluctant to use sketches -

Former detective and sketch artist Charles Jackson says: “The most surprising thing about the job is that it’s hard to get detectives to use the tool.”

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Some detectives are reluctant to use sketches -

This is because detectives have concerns about witnesses testifying to evidence based on memory. Though Jackson says that those who do use sketches end up having a positive experience.

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Most forensic artists don’t work full-time -

Most forensic artists work as freelance consultants and are called in by law enforcement agencies when needed.

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Most sketch artists won’t do other work -

Although some artists do occasional gigs outside law enforcement, the majority stick to their jobs. Sometimes they do get really weird requests.

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Most sketch artists won’t do other work -

Cooper recalls one occasion when she “had someone from the 'Ellen Show' wanting me to do a composite of a Chupacabra, which Ellen’s wife apparently saw outside their house." She added: “Someone else wanted to help interpret a dream for them. There’s an element of integrity to the job. I declined.”

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Luck plays a role -

They might draw the best sketch, but people must see it so it can do its job.

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Luck plays a role -

“The right person needs to be looking at the right time. The best, most accurate facial approximation in the world can't do its job if a family member or friend isn't looking,” says Bailey.

Source: (Mental Floss)

See also: The dark history of secret police

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