Welcome to our Special Effects Makeup and Prosthetics book page! Here you will find a selection of books that cover the techniques and tricks of creating amazing special effects makeup and prosthetics.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, there’s a book for you. These books provide step-by-step instructions, industry tips, and inspiring examples of the transformative power of special effects makeup and prosthetics.
The books cover a wide range of topics, including stage, screen, cosplay, Halloween, and haunted attractions.
The book is organized into three sections: Simple Makeup, Advanced Materials and Techniques, and Advanced Makeup.
It includes tutorials for creating various character looks, such as a pirate, vampire, ghost, robot, burn victim, witch, zombie, and goblin. Each tutorial is illustrated with step-by-step, full-color photographs and includes instructions on creating fake teeth, applying bald caps, creating gory wounds and injuries, and making simple prosthetics.
This book is suitable for students of Stage Makeup courses and for theater technicians working and training on their own. It guides readers from the basics of foundation, highlight, and shadow to creating advanced creature makeups.
This book is divided into two sections: Paint and Buildups and Prosthetics. The first section shows a variety of characters created using two-dimensional painting techniques and materials that can be built up right on the skin, while the second section teaches how to apply a variety of store-bought prosthetics. Foam latex, silicone and prosthetic transfers are all covered. Each character is introduced with a full-page photograph of the finished makeup and illustrated with full-color, step-by-step photographs. The makeup tutorials in this book are designed to build on the lessons learned in the previous chapters, allowing readers to gradually expand on their skill set. The book also includes instruction on airbrushing, applying fake tattoos, making bald caps, PAX paint, wig application and a variety of other materials and skills. Five appendices cover topics including building a makeup kit, photographing your work and getting jobs as a makeup FX artist.
This is practical, easy-to-follow makeup book is suited for students of stage makeup courses, as well as for the theatre technician working and training on their own.
Gabriela Heath is a highly skilled and experienced makeup artist with a successful career in both the film and beauty industries. With over a decade of experience and numerous awards to her name, she has worked on a wide range of film and artistic projects and has a particular passion for special makeup effects.
This manual is a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in learning or improving their makeup skills, including special effects makeup. It covers building a makeup kit, using tools and materials, sanitization, patch testing, color theory, techniques for using materials like wax, latex, gelatine, silicone, and alcohol colors, and applying prosthetics. It is suitable for beginners, makeup enthusiasts, and anyone looking to expand their skillset.
Gabriela Heath’s manual provides beginner artists with the tools to succeed in the Film and TV industry through methods, techniques, and materials for special effects makeup. It includes step-by-step demonstrations for creative and hygienic application in the field.
The book is valuable for beginners in special effects makeup and anyone interested in SFX.
“Special Make-Up Effects” concentrates on the genre of horror characters and other special creations (fantasy, sci-fi, etc), giving tips about materials, techniques, and ‘tricks of the trade’ for Special Make-Up Effects.
This book shows how many of cinema’s most famous characters and effects were developed. It gives students and make-up artists the techniques they need to perform their own magic.
The book is a dedicated resource on special make-up effects, featuring new material from Academy Award-winning make-up artists. It has been written by a highly experienced make-up artist who has worked on more than 300 films.
A must-read for anyone interested in the art of make-up. It features behind-the-scenes stills and detailed descriptions of the techniques used by some of the most renowned make-up artists in the industry.
Special Make-Up Effects: From Man To Monster In Easy Steps
By Lawrence I Kelatow
“Special Make-up Effects” by Lawrence Kelatow teaches readers how to create makeup, prosthetics, and special effects through step-by-step instructions. The book covers design, lifecasting, mold making, casting prosthetics, and application. The author, a professional makeup artist, offers step-by-step instructions to help readers master these techniques.
The book provides easy-to-follow examples that demonstrate how to create “Out-of-the-kit” effects using minimal investment and without the need for molds or preparation.
Learn from this book how to:
Design of Special Makeup Effects
Out-Of-The-Kit Effects
One-piece molds
Lifecasting
Two-piece molds and much, much more!
This book is suitable for both beginners and experienced makeup artists looking to brush up on their skills and learn about the latest techniques.
Learn how the experts create fun and frightening horror make-ups. From simple to state of the art techniques for hobbyists, haunted attractions and the film industry.
Over 26 terrifying make-ups and hundreds of pro techniques, (with Zombies and Vampires Galore!) Over 750 photos to illustrate the techniques used.
Professional techniques include easy step-by-step instructions for: Foam latex appliances, Pros-Aide transfers, encapsulated silicone appliances, airbrushing, mold making, sculpting, 3D out of the kit techniques, making dentures, face casting plus simple paint and powder make-ups too!
Instructions for: Foam Latex Appliances, Pros-aide Transfers, Encapsulated Silicone Appliances, Gelatin Appliance, Airbrushing, Advanced Mold Making, Sculpting, Making Dentures, Face Casting and much more.
A very detailed chapter on painting prosthetics and monsters.
Creating disguise makeups, likeness makeups, and obtaining complete realism in your makeups.
Expanded and more detailed entire chapter on age makeup without the use of prosthetics. All the advanced prosthetic techniques will be expanded upon using encapsulated silicone, gelatin, foam latex and pros-aide transfers, and NEW DIRECT MOLD TRANSFERS (this one technique alone is well worth this small price of the book!)
An entire chapter to Haunted House makeup techniques.
How to light and photograph your makeups to have your portfolio look amazing.
If you have a haunted house or simply a desire to do SFX makeup and monster makeup, this is the book for you!
Where Book 1 focus on simpler techniques and makeups, and Book 2 was more advanced in the lab techniques and had makeups by many celebrity makeup artists, Book 3 is all about the characters!
There’s sections on new and updated techniques, body painting, aliens, undead, demons and the possessed, and a huge section on how the cover makeup was created including the props and costume/armor.
Using Adobe Photoshop as a creature/makeup design tool is also discussed.
Are you on a budget and want to create simple makeup effects for a short film, cosplay or for example Halloween? Then Special Fx Makeup Using HouseholdItems is for you! It shows you how to create different makeup effects with ingredients that you most likely already have at home. A great book for beginners who are just starting out with makeup effects, and those who like to dress up for Halloween and other events.
The book shows, among other things, how to create frost and snow effects, bruises, wounds, scars and injuries, frostbite, and it contains five recipes for homemade artificial blood.
Written by Sarah Jones who is an international professional Makeup FX Artist
Special Effects Makeup: Navigating Common Mistakes in the Film Industry is designed to help both beginners and experienced artists avoid common pitfalls in special effects makeup. Through a blend of technical insights, personal anecdotes, and professional advice, Monica Santos shares invaluable lessons learned from years of transforming actors into extraordinary characters.
Key Features:
Comprehensive Overview: Explore the history, evolution, and cultural impact of special effects makeup (SFX makeup)
Technical Guidance: Learn about the latest materials, tools, and techniques, including life casting, prosthetic creation, and painting methods.
Common Mistakes: Identify and avoid frequent errors in prosthetic application, tattoo cover-ups, and working in challenging environments.
Safety and Hygiene: Understand the importance of personal hygiene, safe handling of chemicals, and maintaining a clean workspace.
Design and Conceptualization: Discover crucial lessons in creating compelling and realistic effects that enhance storytelling.
Behind the Scenes: Gain insights from blockbuster films and productions and understand the challenges and triumphs faced in the industry.
Whether you’re a budding special effects artist or a seasoned professional looking to refine your skills, this book is a must-have resource for mastering the art of special effects makeup. Embrace each mistake as an opportunity to grow and excel in this thrilling field.
Monica Santos is an experienced special effects makeup artist with over 15 years in Colombia’s film and television industry. She has collaborated with major production companies and national channels, creating transformative character effects. Monica is also passionate about sharing her expertise and mentoring others in the field.
Make your simulations come alive with this cookbook for medical-trauma moulage. Medical Moulage: How to Make Your Simulations Come Alive is excellent book for anyone involved in maulage and simulation for hospitals, the military, schools, Red Cross and other rescue personnel.
Key Features:
Large, beautiful, hardbound book with over 300 special effects recipes and scenarios for field and clinical simulations.
Simple recipes designed for the beginner through advanced user including 1,200 vibrant, full-color illustrations, step-by-step directions, ingredient customization, pre-make, storage and “Set the Stage,” a quick guide to staging realistic training in both field and clinical environments.
This comprehensive moulage manual includes staged wounds, cyanosis, mottling, blisters that rupture, sutured wounds, odors and just about everything in-between.
Heighten the realism in your training simulations with this easy to use moulage training manual. And create moulage that looks, feels, sounds and smells like it’s the real thing!
Welcome to your personal CrisisFX course! CrisisFX: Ein SFX Make up Kurs (German Edition) is comprehensive course book on SFX makeup. An exciting and creative field that combines art, science, and imagination! In the book you’ll learn everything you need to master the fundamentals of special effects makeup and create your own stunning looks.
This book isn’t just for beginners; it guides you step-by-step through the fascinating world of SFX. Begin by understanding the basic structures of the skin, because a solid understanding of anatomy is crucial for creating realistic effects. Next, they delve into color theory, an essential tool for mixing and applying the perfect tones for your masterpieces.
The main section of the book features detailed makeup tutorials that show you how to create various wounds, injuries, and other effects. From cuts and burns to elaborate transformations, the instructions are clear and easy to follow, so you’ll gain confidence and skill with every step.
The book is designed for beginners. Additionally, they offer the unique opportunity to receive a certificate of completion via email after submitting a photo of a wound.
Enjoy! They are happy to answer any questions you may have.
By Nina Matuszak, Justin Lendermann and Julian Kerpen
Discover the art of realistic emergency simulation – your ultimate makeup tutorial book!
Dive into the fascinating world of emergency simulation and learn how to create realistic injuries, scars, and wounds using makeup and special effects. Whether for film and theater productions, first aid courses, practical exercises in paramedic training, or other training/emergency scenarios, everything is explained simply and concisely. The book covers 20 “injuries” – from realistically designed bruises to authentic depictions of open abdominal wounds or amputations.
Special Features:
QR codes for video tutorials: No more searching! Simply scan the QR code and get started immediately.
Practical materials list: Find all the necessary supplies at a glance.
Step-by-step instructions: Easy to understand and suitable for all experience levels.
Level up! Take your training and exercises to the next level!
Special Effects Make-up für Halloween, Cosplay, Kostümpartys & Co. Mit Tutorials und DIY-Rezepten (German Edition)
By Jennifer Brinker
Whether for Mardi Gras, Carnival, or Halloween, for your next costume party, or for a cosplay project: With these makeup techniques, you can transform into the character of your choice and become the star of the event!
Dive into the fascinating world of special effects and let your creativity run wild! In Das Grundlagenbuch SFX-Make-up, SFX makeup artist Jennifer Brinker shows you which materials you need and which techniques you can use to bring your visions to life.
Here you’ll learn everything you need to know about body painting, face masks, fake blood, and more to achieve breathtaking special effects. From creepy figures with horns and wounds to cheerful, colorful mythical creatures, there’s something for everyone! Be inspired by the impressive looks and create your own masterpiece.
Whether you’re new to this topic or already have experience, thanks to the detailed step-by-step instructions with step-by-step illustrations, you’ll be able to create your own look.
The Foam Latex Logbook, or "I Love the Smell of Latex in the Morning!"
By Todd Debreceni
This is a logbook for special makeup effects lab/shop technicians to keep track of each foam latex run in order to troubleshoot if necessary later. The Shop Monkey’s Guide to Running Foam Latex also provides an overview of foam latex in the special makeup effects industry in addition to how you can make your own oven for baking foam latex.
The log will keep track of job name, foam runners, date, time, room temperature, room humidity, mold information, latex batch, foaming agent batch, cure agent batch, additives, gel agent batch, mix times, gel time, oven temperature, bake time, results, and notes.
In addition, this logbook contains batch measurements and mixing instructions, as well as foam latex notes and observations that can be helpful for troubleshooting potential problems that may occur.
This book is intended to be a comprehensive reference addition to any shop/lab that runs foam latex for the entertainment industry.
Special Effects handbook full of need to know information, tips, tricks and how to’s for any aspiring makeup artist. Great book for older kids and teens.
Do you know of any books that should be on this list? We'd love to hear from you - get in touch! We're always looking to expand our collection with books covering makeup artists, monster makers, special effects, prop making, stagecraft, and more.
Disclaimer: All information on this website is provided for informational purposes only. SFXzone is not responsible for any injuries, damages, or losses resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided.
