Special Effects Make-Up

This book is absolutely amazing when it comes to its gore effects, prosthetics for the face and mouth, and essential but often forgotten special fx like corpsing a human body, making organ props, and creating odd yet simple effects like acne. He really knows how to work with a budget, and at the same time he doesn't cut any of the quality. I've been in the FX job for 3 years, and I have to say that THIS is a book you're gonna want if you are looking for producing your own slasher films and slabbing down the blood for Halloween and the Theatre. Get this book and  Grande Illusions: A Learn-By-Example Guide to the Art and Technique of Special Make-Up Effects from the Films of Tom Savini  and you can start killing people in no time!BUT- it does have its faults, and boy are they obvious. (one of them is the fact that the products he uses have branded names instead of the traditional ones most of use might be used to, like Mastix and ProStick are actually Spirit Gum and Pros-Aide, respectively, but that can be forgiven because she gives a quick translation at the end of her book with EVERYTHING)The author decides to end his book with a chapter on Character Makeup, and most of them look LAUGHABLE (and really impractical to create and use by his instructions). the rest leave you scratching your head wondering if he ever seen the movies of the characters hes "recreating." some of the worst ones include classic favorites like Frankenstein, Pinhead, Freddy Krueger, The Wolfman, and others just look horrendous altogether, like the Minotaur (which looks more like Hefer from Rocko's Modern Life). It's also obvious that some of her research is flawed with typos and errors that would probably sting the Horror Film fan's heart (Remember that 'Freddie' movie, Wes 'Gravens' New Nightmare?).BUT- Do NOT judge this book by the last chapter! I recommend this to anyone as a helpful handbook to really good gore and injury makeup! Forgive the character Makeup, if you want monsters pick up  Dick Smith's Do It Yourself Monster Make-Up  a classic for quick and awesome monsters!Final Vote: This is an awesome book for the beginner and a handy side arm for the experienced!Janus knows his gore! This book rocks!

this book does have alot of helpfully facts and tips and provides alot of trick for gore and horror movie effects wich is what im interested in. however the character make up jobs towards the back are really a joke. the one labeled freddy krueger seeing the make up job it really made me not want to read the book honestly. i thought wow if these makeup jobs reflect the work there going to teach you in this book then i dont want to learn from this book haha...but ill just try to ignore the sad excuse for the character make up in the back. over all this is a good book. this is my first fx book. ive always wanted to be a special fx makeup artist. im curently looking at schools to apply to in hollywood and i wanted to get a handfull of books to read and study so at least i know some things before i start in a school. this is a good starter book i can tell. but if your looking for character design dont go by this book!!

This book primarily makes use of different types of modeling wax to create everything from small scars to bullet holes to disembowelments. I bought it for myself, but found it to be too advanced--I am more of a Halloween make-up sort of person. My co-owner, Cat, is an expert in theatrical makeup, and finds it an excellent guide, well worth poring over. So, if you're like me, keep looking; if you have a background in makeup and want to learn more about horror moulage, this is for you.

Do you love makeup? Halloween? Monster movies and zombie walks? Ever wanted to do some of this stuff yourself but dont know how? Well this book is for you! This book is chock full of effects makeup that anyone can do with a little effort and at low cost. Ive used these techniques for haunted attractions as well as the short horror films I make. This book is a must have if you are interested in doing special fx makeup with your typical Halloween makeup supplies!

Very informative and helpful book. Was bought as a gift for my son. He has already used for ideas for hiscollege class. He says it is easy to follow.

I teach a make up class and this is great for overall instruction. The kids enjoy this section of the class, so I was very happy with it.

This book has a lot of great information, but the instructions are not as clear as they could be. There is a a "materials" section, but then the instructions don't always explain when to use all the materials. I have experience doing this type of make-up, so it was easy enough to figure out, but I would be much harder for a beginner.

Perfect for beginners, who don't have access or can't buy expensive sfx products!!!!!It's not for a movie-like effect, but perfect for cosplay or for a party.

You can learn a lot of good special effects, specif you are just starting make up artistry

Good book for the most part, although the character makeup at the end is a joke.

In recent months my intention to run a horror based murder mystery event for an adult audience has led me into researching special effects make-up. My search led to this book, and I ordered my copy and awaited its arrival.What can I say about this book? In a word; Excellent!This valuable book will teach you how to do everything from a black eye to a severed limb.. The effects in this book are gory and incredible to look at, be warned some may turn your stomach.Not only that but with the step by step instructions I've discovered that in fact this kind of make-up isn't that difficult at all!I've already experimented with several of the effects and the looks of disgust from friends can only vouch for the realistic nature this book demonstrates. The book also advises on how to do the effects both simply and cheaply but also gives options to use more advanced techniques and materials to enhance the results.The book does have some specific character make-up instructions in the back to do such characters as Freddie Kruger, Dracula or Pinhead but to be honest most of these are pretty mediocre and the results shown look very amateurish which in my mind is what takes this book from a 5 to a 4. There are however still a few character effects that would perhaps give ideas and tips so its not all wasted.This book really is a must for any amateur interested in creating effects such as burns, cuts, severed digits or limbs, bullet holes or a whole host of wound style effects.

Fabulous book, bought as a birthday gift 🎁

It's good , a present for Xmas for my grandaughter