These books cover the basics of what you'll need to know to get started.



STAGE MAKEUP
Richard Corson
          This is the book to start with. Well known as the “stage makeup bible". This book covers all aspects of makeup, prosthetics, and application. Basic techniques as well as new methods and materials are covered. Hairpeice making. Many drawings of historic hair styles for use in ordering or manufacturing wigs. The most recent edition (#9) is expensive, but it's worth it.

 

 

TECHNIQUES OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL MAKEUP
Lee Baygan
One of the best (and until recently, the only) book on prosthetic lab techniques in make-up. Full of pictures, techniques and plenty of commentary. John Caglione assists the author.


Makeup Designory's Character Makeup
Paul Thompson
Full color, very comprehensive coverage of most prosthetic techniques and materials. Gelatin, foam, silicone, etc.

 

 

 

DICK SMITH’S DO-IT-YOURSELF MONSTER MAKE-UP HANDBOOK
Dick Smith
Features 16 step-by-step, easy-to-follow instructions on Halloween makeup for all ages by make-up legend Dick Smith.
Dick is an Oscar winner whose credits include The Exorcist, Altered States, Taxi Driver, Amadeus, and many more. This is a classic re-release.

 

 

GRANDE ILLUSIONS & GRANDE ILLUSIONS, Book II
Tom Savini
Savini's guides to special make-up effects, with photos and demonstrations from his films. Grande Illusions covers Friday the 13th, Creepshow and many more. Book II has pictures of Savini’s more recent projects.

 

 

THE PROP MAKER’S MASK MAKING HANDBOOK
Thurston James
James explores the entire scope of mask-making for prop builders, costume designers and make-up artists.
He covers materials, life masking, mold making, character masks and much more.

 

THE PROP BUILDERS MOLDING & CASTING HANDBOOK
Thurston James
A comprehensive guide to the use of more than thirty molding and casting materials in the design and construction of theater properties and scenic elements. Includes a section on vacuum forming.
Materials covered includes; plaster, polyester resins, latex, neoprene, silicone, urethanes, breakaway resins, hot melt, fiberglass and many others.

 

THE MONSTER MAKER’S MASK MAKER’S HANDBOOK
Arnold Goldman
How to make a mask, A to Z. Sculpting, mold-making, casting and painting are all covered step by step in an easy-to-understand format. Go to www.monstermakers.com

 

The following books cover the makeup fx industry in general

 
MAKING A MONSTER
Al Taylor and Sue Roy
1980
Covers the entire history of makeup FX from the beginning of the 20th century up until the time of it’s writing. Profiles many makeup pioneers such as Jack Pierce.

 

BEHIND THE MASK
Mark Salisbury and Alan Hedgcock
This book can be seen as an update on the subject matter of "Making a Monster". It brings the coverage of the industry up through the 80's and 90's.

 

MEN, MAKEUP, AND MONSTERS
Anthony Timpone
In depth interviews with many of the top makeup fx artists in the business.