A Complete Guide to Special Effects Makeup: Conceptual Artwork by Japanese Makeup Artists (Paperback)

~ Graphic-Sha (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Graphic-Sha Publishing (December 29, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 4766118332
• ISBN-13: 978-4766118339
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #154,599 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better than "Grande Illusions" ?, June 5, 2009

By	Victoria (Calfornia) - See all my reviews

I own several books and DVD's on special effects make-up including both of the Grande Illusion books, Movie FX Magazine Master classes, books by Vincent Kehoe, Thurston James and more... and let me tell you this one book covers more ground then any of them. Everything from basic eyeliner and blush to full head latex appliances, costumes, props and metalwork. It has dozens of projects for you to follow along with to create some breathtaking effects.

Now that isn't to say that this is perfect, the first and most obvious problem isn't really any fault of the original authors - but the copy I got from amazon has several mistakes and printing errors. But even with these errors the book is still very easy to follow.

Other problems might be that some of the information might have gaps as suggested by another reviewer... it is hard for me to tell because I have studied this subject so much that I can fill in the blanks without really thinking.

If you are on the fence about buying this book don't be, it is in full color with amazing full page artwork of the finished designs and step by step photos of everything. This book even answered questions some "professionals" I asked could not! For the money this book is very, VERY hard to beat.

Now if only someone would put out a book this detailed about animatronics!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better than Grande Illusions, hands down, sorry Tom., June 26, 2009

By	JT "I wear my pants backwards and on fire, ju... (Odessa) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

I never in my wildest dreams did I think there was a better book than the fabled Grande Illusions, which everyone swore by. Today is that day. While Grande Illusions does cover some information, it only contains a hand full of illustrations and only covers major parts like hair punching and break down prosthetics.

This book covers far more ground and it's information is up to date. Not that Grande Illusions is bad mind you, it's just that much of what Tom Savini had access to 20+ years is no longer in production or has changed radically since then. Going from basic makeup and foundations to full blown prosthetics and even metalwork, this book not only supplements Grande Illusions, but surpasses it in many respects.

For me, this book is a Godsend. Filled with excellent and easy-to-understand diagrams on the casting and moldmaking section really helps! Also learning how to create realistic fake eyes is something not cover by Savini, and is quite easy to do thanks to this book. All of the projects coincide with the creature gallery as well, which is really cool and quite fun if you have the time to sit through them all.

And further more, most of the supplies can be found at your local art or hardware store, making it easier to create realistic effects on a budget! Materials covered here even include silicones and Gelatine, which are the trickest of the bunch aside from industry standard Foam Rubber Latex. All in all, get this book and Grande Illusions 1&2, I feel it's worth the money.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for any aspiring special effects artist!, November 3, 2008

By	J. Ringo (Neverland) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I waited and waited for this book to be released in English, and the day has come! This is a great book to give you fundamentals of special effects. Starts with simple techniques, although I feel not cleanly done, and without a prior knowledge of basic makeup. With this said, it dives deeply into advanced world of special effects with little explanation. For any beginning makeup artist to attempt these impressive concepts, they would need the assistance of an experienced artist, not just the book in hand. This book does give great starter information, but to attempt any of the advanced work, I would definitely have some help.