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

A really beautiful book. I got it to learn about special fx makeup, but it also includes a brief section on basic beauty makeup. However, its true amazingness is in the colorful, detailed photos of the prosthetics being created and applied, proving to the world that this is a true art form that takes dedication and talent.Admittedly, a few of its explanations aren't as detailed as I would like, and i think it's more of a showcase of beautiful work than a serious text for instruction in sfx makeup. but I still love it and am glad I have it. I wouldn't say it takes the place of hands-on studio instruction, but it's great for inspiration.

I've read a lot of FX makeup books, and seen lots of videos. I've been doing makeup since I was a child in the 70s.I'd never seen anything like this before, and it was amazing! I did not even see a copy until a professional FX artist I know let me look at hers. Copies were going for upwards of $200 at the time. When I saw it was being republished, I immediately put it in my cart.So different from the usual stuff - so intricate, innovative, and inspiring!I am eagerly awaiting my very own copy now! Get yours while they are available!

So I first saw this guide book on tumblr and saw some of the simpler tutorials and had to have it! This book is jammed packed with cool monsters and techniques. My favorite part and probably the most useful for those looking to get into monster movie magic is it teaches you how to sculpt and cast for masks. You can make all the monsters you see on the cover plus more! They walk you through every accessories , every piece of the costume, every tool and product you need, it is definitely worth it! I mean its almost worth it for the pictures of the models alone!

For background context: I have a fairly extensive art and sculpting background with costuming and cosplay on the side. I got this book for extra tips for techniques, eye candy, and inspiration. While I hoped this would be a good tutorial book, I didn't go into my purchase expecting it.If you have at least intermediate level experience with sfx and costuming, this book is well worth it. Lots of inspirations within its pages and there's enough info for most projects that you could do something similar on your own.I would not recommend this to a beginner as far as instructions go, as there are some projects where entire chunks of the process are missing or just not explained all that well. A major example of this is the "Owl" on pg. 40. There are two pics of the materials used, and the third pic is the start of the project showing a closeup of the almost finished mask being airbrushed, accompanied by a description to make a cowl to cover the wearer's head and build up the mask from there. No pics of what said cowl is supposed to look like or how to start the project or what to do with the materials shown. The pics just start 3/4s into the project with the assumption you know exactly what went on before. There's a bit more step skipping in other projects, but to memory, this is the only extreme case, hence only 4 stars instead of 5 despite how much I like the rest of the book.

I've been taking this book with me just about everywhere lately. I bought it for my husband to give to me for my birthday.. tee hee. After watching "FaceOff" on SciFii I had to get it. As I sculptor with clay I knew after seeing that show and all the things they were doing with special effects, that I have been missing out! The book does not have every last detail you would need to fulfill whatever project you hope to do, but pretty darn close. So glad I got it as it is a wonderful addition to my art library.

This is my first special effects book, and I love it. The intro pictures are beautiful, but the few beginning looks are a bit simple. However, after that it gets right into making masks, props, latex pieces, and full on looks. They really describe things well, and I appreciate the esthetic and unique looks.

Really liked this book. I love the photographed step-by-step guides to creating really interesting things. Having many books on the subject, including the famed Tom Savini book Grade Illusions, this is by far my favorite and the most useful. While I loved GE, it wasnt as easy to follow or full of information. I can't wait to sit down and try all these makeups, including the step by step to making a half body cast. Spectacular, a must have for the learning SFX artist.

Got this for my husband. he has been in special effects and makeup for a few years. Excellent read, great pictures, and even how-tos! A must buy for anyone interested in this line of work, or even just hobbyists who love this kind of thing. Plus, the pictures are incredible and some of the work is mind-blowing!