Zazu Puppet

1st Model

Animals & Creatures Props & Sets

A foam latex bust of Ludo from Jim Henson's Labyrinth

Ludo Bust

This project demonstrates my skills in creature fabrication, sculptural modelling, mould making, casting, and realistic finishing techniques. The bust was first sculpted in water-based clay over a wire armature, focusing on capturing Ludo’s distinctive anatomy, expression, and textured surface detail. A plaster mould was then produced to create a lightweight foam latex cast, replicating industry-standard practical effects processes used in film and television creature work.

The final piece was hand-painted using acrylics combined in a 50/50 Pax paint mix with Pros-Aide, allowing layered colour application and durable surface finishing. Through this project, I developed my understanding of material properties, fabrication workflows, and professional finishing techniques while strengthening my ability to produce detailed character work to a high presentation standard.

2nd Model

Animals & Creatures Props & Sets Screen & Story

A Large-scale Zazu puppet inspired by The Lion King West End production, combining sculpted detail with lightweight construction and mechanical beak movement.

Zazu Stage Puppet

This puppet was developed as a final major project exploring theatrical character fabrication and performance design. The head was sculpted in buff clay before being moulded using a silicone and fibreglass matrix mould, then cast in fibreglass to achieve a lightweight yet durable finish. The body was constructed primarily from foam and parachute silk to allow fluid movement and stage performance flexibility. A bicycle brake cable mechanism was integrated into the beak to create controlled, expressive movement during operation. The piece demonstrates a combination of sculpting, mould making, fibreglass casting, soft fabrication, and mechanical problem-solving, with a focus on translating an animated character into a functional theatrical puppet.

3rd Model

Props & Sets Products & Objects Exhibition & Display

A Praxinoscope Theatre inspired by 19th-century optical toys, exploring animation, historical reference, and mechanical illusion through a time-machine concept.

Praxinoscope Theatre

This module required the design and making of a model “time machine” influenced by a specific historical period, incorporating a method of setting coordinates. I researched early optical devices and based my design on the Praxinoscope, a 19th-century animation invention patented by Charles-Émile Reynaud in 1877. I developed the concept of time travel through animation strips depicting figures from different historical periods dancing, representing movement across time. The device consists of a central rotating drum with 12 mirrors and an outer strip of sequential images. As the drum spins, the images are reflected in the mirrors to create the illusion of motion. Expanding on the original design, I created a Praxinoscope Theatre with a viewing box, proscenium arch, and interchangeable scenic backdrops, framing the animation as a miniature stage performance.

Gallery

Ludo Clay sculpt

Zazu Clay sculpt

Zazu Puppet

Kaci Paddock

University of Hertfordshire

Model Design Character & Creative Effects

Stand: 24
Graduation: 2026

I specialise in creature effects, prop making, puppetry, and character fabrication. I use techniques like sculpting, mould making, fibreglass casting, foam running and painting. After graduating, I would like to work within the theatre, creature effects, or character prop making industries, continuing to develop my skills in professional fabrication and entertainment design.

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Zazu Puppet

Ludo Bust

Zazu Stage Puppet

Praxinoscope Theatre

Ludo Clay sculpt

Zazu Clay sculpt

Links

Portfolio kacipaddock.com Instagram @kacipaddockart_ LinkedIn kacipaddock03

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