Forensic artistry dates back to the turn of the century when Scotland Yard
experimented with the format and "wanted" posters plastered sheriffs' offices
across America's Wild West. From the 1950s to '70s, a photo kit was more commonly
used. It wasn't until the 1980s that forensic artistry became a bona fide
profession.
Most forensic artists are police officers with an interest in art. Many
start out with one or two composites that meet success and move on to a sketch
artist's position within the department. Others are professionally trained
artists who freelance.
There's much more to being a forensic artist than picking up a pencil and
drawing. Successful artists have to be sensitive listeners. Unless they're
attempting to reconstruct the face of an unidentified body, forensic artists
often deal with people who have been severely traumatized. They need to learn
how to extract information gently. It requires empathy.
There are four main components of forensic art:
- Composite imagery, including hand-drawn sketches, vehicles and weapons
- Image or photo modification, enhancing existing photos such as aging the
faces of missing children or the faces of fugitives
- Demonstrative evidence, which covers two- and three-dimensional sculptures
used for court exhibits
- Post-mortem identification and reconstructing features from intact and
skeletal bodies
Most forensic artists work in the area of composite imagery, although some
develop skills in other areas. Computers are increasingly being used as an
additional graphic tool.