Taxidermy (from the Greek for arrangement of skin) is the art of preparing, stuffing, and mounting the skins of animals for display, for sources of study or the preservation of a beloved pet. A person who practices taxidermy is called a taxidermist. A taxidermist is aided by familiarity with anatomy, sculpture, painting, and tanning. I gained this familiarity by attending workshops from the 'Nederlandsche Vereniging voor Preparateurs' (Dutch Taxidermy Association), practicing with a licensed taxidermist, and extensive field- and desk study. 

The professional taxidermist aims for a most lifelike mounted animal. 
When I practice taxidermy I’m not aiming to bring the life back into the animal by posing it into a lifelike position; I prefer a position that shows the lack of life.