A Complete Guide to Special Effects Makeup: Conceptual Creations by Japanese Makeup Artists

by Tokyo SFX Makeup Workshop

Created by some of Japan's most talented and up-and-coming special effects make-up artists, this is the first Japanese language Special Effects Make-Up "how-to" guide! From easy "scar" make-ups to basic techniques to masks and full-scale prosthetics, each process is covered in a fully illustrated, step-by-step process.

Genres: Nonfiction, Film, Reference, Art

136 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Eyehavenofilter · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly detailed and expertly photographed big soft bound book on special effect makeup. Featuring step by step instructions covering the basics, from simple makeup and masks, scars,gashes, to mold and cast making, all of this done by the fastidious Japanese Conceptual Makeup Artists who have worked on major motion picture worldwide.
Some of these creations are beautiful, some are terrifying, exquisitely rendered with multiple materials, but only one or two are 2nd rate.
this is something I can look at over and over and use for inspiration many times. (if it doesn't give me nightmares in the meantime?)
some of these artists are really delving into psycho territory with their masks....creepy yet fascinating!

[Tate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book as a gift for one of the interns on our special effects staff and the illustrations and educational content were so amazing I wound up reading it myself. Of special note is the breakdown of character work, especially monsters and other creatures that go bump in the night. There is a wonderful section on molding and casting, acrylic teeth, and other basic fabrication techniques that are essential skills for anyone wishing to learn about makeup effects.

[Jesse Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the basics are the same as most books, I'm rating this higher for two reasons. First, it showed me something I've never seen before.

Second, I'm intrigued by the sheer range. It goes from kit-or-kitchen level stuff anyone could do, to fairly standard foam latex application, to making silver jewelry.

[Seizure Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't get this in time to actually use it for Halloween, but it has some flat-out amazing examples to work from. The instructions seem to be straight forward and easy to follow, with lots of photographic documentation. The biggest caveat is that this is not a 'from household items' kinda book. Most projects do require some professional tools or materials, such as technical gelatin, alginate, silicone, ceramic clay, and/or Pros-Aide (which, believe it or don't, has nothing to do with prostate health, but was originally a surgical adhesive that works on latex foam). One project requires the use of a metal bar grinder, a router and a blow torch. You need to be pretty serious to use this book; I gave it the full five for making me feel like I could even come close to doing anything as cool as what these professionals produce.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I cannot always refer to it for material since I don't aquire my stuff from Japan, I absolutely adore this as a reference book! I look to it for my every project. It is simple, efficient, well described and the works are various and quite beautiful. It took me some time before I found this book. It was perfect at the time, and it still is now. Having a short tips section about material: time, climate, storing, baking, etc would have been great but it's not necessarily meant for beginners, therefor I should've known certain elements. Plus you can find all that on youtube anyway!

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The number one book for any person interested in sfx make-up. Easy to understand directions and wonderful pictures. This book is in highly recommended and in high-demand because it went out of print. I've been searching for a while for a copy under $70 but couldn't find one,and I just recently found out on Amazon that they're reprinting it in September so the price will only be $20. Hurray!

[Victoria.g · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful, before I had absolutely no experience with special effects make up but after reading and practicing I gained more skills and confidence in it.

[Christina Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book all the time for inspiration!

[Lotte Fleck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book!