time to be skooled
theres no propmaking skools...take as many art classes as you can..take drawing, painting, human figure drawing and sculpturing...
i learned all my stuff by trial and error, get your hands on every information on the product at smooth-on and boat stores for fiberglass
at smooth-on i try most of there product out to see how things work, the more you know about the product the better it will come when the time id right to use it...
start out by grabing magzines that have something in building from wood working to fiberglass (just an exp.)
there is a video prop magzine out the that comes bi-monthly (i'll try to find it)
i get car audio magzines to get different techincs of fiberglass and wood working
i also get airbrush magzines b/c i do airbrushing
i pick at peoples minds when i visit the store ask questions and they will show you how to use itl, how it works and what will work best for your project
and how to get into the bussiness its hard (lots of compeitions) but its up to you need to market yourself get your name out there, you might be in the right place at the right time with some of your work or you might meet someone that needs something for a show or even a wedding, then they might send your name to someone else that needs a product. but most of the time you'll have to be grandfather in a propshop or you can make one but you'll have to market it once again
me i know people thats how i got my job...sometimes the job is fun but then it has its moments, you'll get someone that doesnt know like the product so you'll have to redo it but then you need to love what you do of not its not for you
a real prop shop would have
-design team
-sculpture team
-lab work (moulding) team
-anmatronics team (electronics)
-painting and finshing team
one person can do it but for a movie then need more due for time (actors needs the props)
i hope i shed some light here, but manily just take all art classes and stage carft class
good luck