Books - Makeup Effects and Prosthetics

Grande Illusions: Books I & II

By Tom Savini

Tom Savini’s Grande Illusions and Grande Illusions II have been essential reading for aspiring makeup effects artists and film fans for years. Now, for the first time, both books have been combined into a comprehensive guide to the craft and art of makeup effects.

With hundreds of pictures and diagrams, Tom’s real-world experience on classic films is used to show readers exactly how he created each effect in an easy-to-follow step-by-step format.

This book offers a firsthand look at how cinematic illusions are made, with examples from films such as Friday the 13th, Creepshow, The Burning, Maniac, and many others.

In addition to demonstrating how he achieved each effect, Tom also teaches techniques such as head casting, mold making, punching hair, sketching, color plates, and casting teeth, giving aspiring artists a full understanding of the craft.

With introductions by Stephen King, George Romero, and Dick Smith, Grande Illusions is sure to delight film fans and become an essential resource for new makeup artists.

Tom Savini’s Grande Illusions: Books I & II is an essential resource for special effects artists at all skill levels, from beginner to professional.

Techniques of Three-Dimensional Makeup

By Lee Baygan

Techniques of Three-Dimensional Makeup is one of the most complete books on makeup prosthetics available.

The book covers topics such as:

• Making a Life Mask
• Breakdown of the Life Mask
• The Three-Piece Mold
• Casting Hands
• Modeling and Modeling Tools
• Modeling and Casting Large Pieces
• Foam Latex
• Making Teeth
• Making Ears
• Casting a Full Head
• Plus much more

An essential book for beginners that features detailed, step-by-step instructions with pictures.

Prosthetic Make-Up Artistry for Film and Television

By Clare Ramsey

Prosthetic makeup is a powerful tool that allows actors to transform into unique, otherworldly characters, limited only by the artist’s imagination. It can also be used in more subtle ways to alter physical appearances, such as creating aging, weight gain, or illness, which is useful in a variety of entertainment mediums and genres.

Prosthetic Make-Up Artistry for Film and Television illustrates two- and three-dimensional make-up techniques and covers topics like:

• life casting
• sculpting
• gelatine prosthetics
• airbrushing
• hair punching
• hand-laid hair techniques
• novelty teeth design and production

It is an essential resource for makeup and hair students in the film and television industry, as well as practitioners in theater, cosplay, and live action role play. With 424 color photographs and 14 line artworks, this book is superbly illustrated and written by Clare Ramsey, a makeup artist with years of experience and a particular passion for prosthetic makeup artistry.

Character Make-up

By Paul Thompson and Gil Romero

This essential how-to-guide is intended to be a helpful resource for both aspiring and professional makeup artists.

It was originally created as a textbook for Make-Up Designory, the largest makeup school in the country, with the goal of replicating the visual learning techniques used in the classroom. The guide is designed in an illustrated textbook format and covers a range of essential makeup techniques.

The guide features a step-by-step format with over 600 color photographs and illustrations, providing detailed instructions on a range of makeup techniques including aging, bald caps, airbrushing, facial hair, bruising, tattoos, injury simulation, and prosthetics. It also covers various character makeup effects.

Contains a wealth of useful information, tips, and techniques to help an artist achieve their desired results. Contains over 700 pages of high-quality reading material.

Theatrical FX Makup

By David Sartor and John Pivovarnick

Theatrical FX Makeup is an ideal resource for anyone interested in creating dramatic makeup effects, particularly those working in theater or film.

The book includes easy-to-follow instructions for creating a variety of effects using both professional-quality makeup products and everyday household items.

In addition to the step-by-step directions, the book also provides show and character-specific suggestions for using each effect and offers variations to help you customize the makeup to your needs.

This book includes a companion CD-ROM that showcases all of the illustrations in full color and provides easy access to the corresponding directions and supply lists.

This book is a must-have for makeup artists of all levels, with a wealth of information and techniques. It is especially useful for beginners and a great addition to any FX library.

Reel Characters

A Quick Reference for Creating Out of Kit Feature Quality Character Make-ups

By Randy Daudlin, Peter A Brandt, Barbara Daudlin, Natasha Diak, Tony Cerbini, Anne May, Monik Walmsley and Indiana Allemag

Reel Characters is a comprehensive resource designed to assist educators, directors, producers, and make-up artists in creating dramatic character make-ups.

The book includes 12 character make-up examples, a guide to using contact lenses, and detailed information on wigs and hair pieces.

With 442 color photographs and 160 pages of easy-to-follow instructions, this book will inspire readers to take standard materials and push them to new creative heights.

Hurt ‘Em Reel Good 2nd Edition

A Quick Reference for Out of Kit Make-up FX

By Randy Daudlin, Chris Irving and Micholina Storer

Hurt ‘Em Reel Good is a guidebook for make-up artists of all levels, providing detailed information and product recommendations for creating out-of-kit make-up effects.

These techniques can be used to create a wide range of characters and looks, and can be performed quickly and easily with a properly stocked make-up kit, without the need for cumbersome equipment or extensive preparation.

Subjects covered include:

• bruising
• burns
• injury simulation
• character effects
• forensics 101
• how to remove make-up.

This book is meant to educate and inspire make-up artists to expand their skills and create dynamic make-up effects on the spot.

Reel Tips & Tricks

A Quick Reference For Out of Kit Make-up Effects

By Randy Daudlin, Chris Irvine, Micholina Storer, Matthew DeWilde, Colin Penman, Neil Morrill and Trina Brink

Reel Tips & Tricks is the latest book in a series on out-of-kit make-up effects by author Randy Daudlin. In this book, five professional make-up artists with over a hundred years of combined experience share some of their favorite out-of-kit make-up techniques.

The book provides detailed instructions and product recommendations for creating a wide range of effects, including inexpensive eyes, burns, twisted characters, and spontaneous blood work.

With over twenty-two practical tips and a dozen graphic tricks, this book is sure to inspire make-up artists of all levels to push the boundaries of out-of-kit make-up even further.

Special Effects Make-up

By Janus Vinther

Special Effects Make-up is a guide to creating realistic and horrifying make-up for film and theater.

It includes step-by-step instructions for creating a variety of effects, such as bullet wounds, severed fingers, slashed throats, and burns.

There is also a chapter on character make-up featuring classic figures like Dracula and the Terminator.

This book is filled with colorful, gory illustrations and is a valuable resource for make-up artists and designers working in film and theater, as well as for those looking to make a memorable impression on Halloween.

Special Effects Guide of Real Human Wounds and Injuries

By Benito Garcia

This book is a unique resource for the special effects industry, providing high-definition, color reference photos for creating a variety of makeup effects, including cuts, scrapes, stitches, and skin ulcers. With an easy-to-follow index and detailed descriptions of each image, this book makes it easy to find and understand the reference material you need.

It is not a step-by-step guide to creating special effects makeup, but rather a reference guide featuring real-life injuries, wounds, and skin conditions to help you achieve professional-quality special effects makeup. Use this book as a reference for creating realistic and believable makeup effects.

This book is specifically designed for makeup artists, providing a comprehensive reference guide to injuries, wounds, and skin conditions without the need to purchase expensive medical books. Keep it in your studio or kit for quick reference when time is of the essence.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced makeup artist, this book is an invaluable tool for bringing your special effects visions to life.

Hollywood Makeup Lab

Industry Secrets and Techniques

By Bruna Nogueira and Diane Namm

Explore the world of special effects makeup with Bruna Nogueira, a seasoned makeup artist who has worked on blockbuster films such as The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

In The Hollywood Makeup Lab, Nogueira shares tips and tricks for creating stunning fantasy, science fiction, and horror looks using makeup.

With insights from Nogueira’s work on the set of Crime Scene Investigation and her experience teaching in the Professional Hollywood Workshop, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about the magic of movie makeup.

Whether you’re a makeup artist looking to improve your skills or a makeup enthusiast looking for inspiration, The Hollywood Makeup Lab has something for everyone.

Dick Smiths Do It Yourself Monster Make-up Handbook

By Dick Smith

Learn how to transform your face into fifteen monsters with award-winning makeup artist Dick Smith’s instructions and techniques.

This book, which has inspired many modern makeup artists, provides step-by-step guidance on using makeup and other materials to create a range of monstrous looks.

A valuable addition to our library’s research collection!