Grind.
What the fake is this?

Fake Believe is an in-depth look at the photo and film projects created by Stacey Ransom & Jason Mitchell (aka: Ransom & Mitchell), our many creative collaborators and those who inspire us.

Our core belief is that ludicrous ideas should realized and the word “impossible” should be banished. We’re sharing our behind-the-scenes photos and step-by-step breakdowns that answer our favorite question: “how’d you do that?”

We’ll also offer advice, tips & tricks on how any of these projects could translate into home decor, costumes and other mad exploits. In other words … yes, you should try this at home.

FakeBelieve
  • featured projects
    • PROJECT Monster Hunter (Alex Pardee)
    • PROJECT It Will Be Ours
    • PROJECT Gilded Promises
    • PROJECT Luvin’ Rockets (Josh Ellingson)
  • mise en scene
    • set building
    • prop making
    • faux finishing
  • camera work
    • behind the lens
    • lighting tricks
  • process
    • workflow
    • photoshop’ery
    • printing
  • series
    • Under The Veil
    • SideShow

It Will Be Ours – Set Design

  • Posted on August 1September 18
  • byStacey Ransom

Caged – Faux Golden Birds

  • Posted on July 31September 18
  • byStacey Ransom

Finding another Josh Ellingson

  • Posted on July 4September 9
  • byJason Mitchell

Por Qué Amor / Why Love

  • Posted on October 12October 12
  • byStacey Ransom
  • 2 minute read

Safe Inside

  • Posted on September 21September 25
  • byStacey Ransom
  • 2 minute read

Debut of Under The Veil at Arc Gallery

  • Posted on September 9September 18
  • byStacey Ransom
  • 4 minute read

Let it go

  • Posted on September 9September 18
  • byStacey Ransom
  • 3 minute read

Stadium lighting in the studio

  • Posted on September 9September 18
  • byJason Mitchell
  • 3 minute read

Aging glass and mirrors / tarnishing metal

  • Posted on September 8September 9
  • byStacey Ransom
  • 2 minute read

Water stains & aging on wallpaper

  • Posted on September 8September 18
  • byStacey Ransom
  • 2 minute read

Blood ‘N’ Guts for a Consumed Animal Carcass

  • Posted on September 8September 9
  • byStacey Ransom
  • 2 minute read

It Will Be Ours – Set Design

  • Posted on August 1September 18
  • byStacey Ransom
  • 2 minute read

Caged – Faux Golden Birds

  • Posted on July 31September 18
  • byStacey Ransom
  • 3 minute read

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  • We made some mini prints for our @artspansf open studio the end of next week. These are 4x6 prints in 5x7 mattes, bagged and ready to drop into a frame. Only available then, so join us Oct 27&28 from 11am-7pm. More details at our FB event page. #artspan #openstudio #ransommitchell
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  • We just put up a new post on our FakeBelieve site with access for everyone that talks about our process in developing the two images in this series. Find it at http://fakebelieve.net/por-que-amor-why-love/ An excerpt: Jason and I have long been moved by Kahlo’s heartbreakingly complex works that symbolically tackle gut-wrenching topics of abandonment, abuse, and betrayal, while also championing resilience, strength and unapologetic confidence. In Por Qué Amor we explored the emotional and physical suffering that result from “loving” relationships that are laced with aggression, cruelty and pain. #ransommitchell #FridaKahlo #wonderlandsf #sufferlove #forgetove #porqueamor #whylove
    248 4
  • If you’re in SF, don’t forget you can find our work at @lovedtodeath in the Haight! Our lovely friends have a nice collection available, including some items only available through them! #Repost @lovedtodeath with @get_repost ・・・ Another great work from local art loves Ransom & Mitchell..... { The Pharaoh's Daughters } Ransom & Mitchell Photo Art Print Framed 8" X 10". { The Pharaoh's Daughters } Ransom & Mitchell photographic print. From their wondrously magical "Rough & Ready Sideshow" collection. Comes framed in a gold 8" x 10" frame, ready to hang. #lovedtodeath #sanfrancisco #SF #haightstreet #haightashbury #ransom&mitchell #photography #art #artprints #oddities #localart #supportart #sanfranciscoartist
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  • We’re literally on pins and needles about our new promo piece. The piece contains a thorny bunch of CG elements perfect for creating our scenic respite for the roughest of desert dwellers. We’ll write up a breakdown on our FakeBelieve site soon. Let us know what you’re curious to learn more about this scene. #desertlife #haveaseat #ransommitchell
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  • The FourSquared closing reception is going down now until 3pm. Swing by for a last peek at the works and grab one for yourself! #foursquared #undertheveil
    46 0
  • Find @misalignedhead showing his figurative work at @photoindependent in LA this weekend. Check out his new encaustic series — the wax is sooo yummy!! #Repost @misalignedhead with @get_repost ・・・ Catch me this weekend in LA at the @photoindependent art fair at The Reef. Find my booth #311 for limited edition prints, silk banners, zine, and encaustic panels. I have passes available, give me a buzz today! Otherwise, use discount code FAIR50 for discounted tix. You can see (and purchase) what I’m bringing to the fair on my store (link in bio). Come by and say hello! #fineartphotography #photoindependent #fabrikexpo
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What inspires us
  • Boing Boing
  • Eric Hart’s Prop Agenda
  • Instrucables
  • Neatorama
  • Propnomicon
Find Us
R&M portfolio
R&M online store
Artists who share
  • Alex Pardee
  • Dan Reeder
  • Emi Slade
  • Jason Freeny
  • John Casey
  • Jonni Good
  • Lance Cardinal
  • Stuntkid
  • Tom Banwell

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