September 19th, 2019
When renowned prosthetic artist Clare Ramsey’s book Prosthetic Make-Up Artistry for Film and Television (£22) landed on our desk we were very excited. Clare has worked in the film and TV industry for many years, working in all areas of makeup but with a particular passion for prosthetics. Her varied career has taken her all over the world to work on films and shows such as Harry Potter, James Bond, Game of Thrones, The Hobbit and Ash vs Evil Dead to name only a few. Clare wrote the book hoping to equip young artists with the tools to create their own characters and explore new and imaginative prosthetic creations.
Goblin character – from life cast to application
She has certainly achieved her aim. The book steps you through creating three different characters – a lion, a centaur and a goblin. It is packed full of photos to illustrate exactly what you need to do at each stage. It is set out and written very clearly – even someone with no experience would be able to follow this and create the characters successfully.
Centaur character – painting and applying foam latex
Discover about life casting and sculpting techniques. Follow her step-by-step directions on how to make your own flat-moulded and gelatine prosthetic pieces or how to work with pre-made ones. Discover how to add realistic skin tones and hair to your creations using hair punching and hand-laid hair techniques for eyebrows and beards. You will also learn how to use tools such as an airbrush and foam latex. Finally Clare goes through the best way to remove prosthetics from your performers.
Centaur character – attaching the nose
There is also a section on creating and adding embellishments such as novelty character teeth and fantasy animal hair.
She covers really important topics such as getting started, doing appropriate research, choosing the right equipment and setting up your work area.
Centaur character – using pre-made prosthetics
The book concludes with a section on how to become a professional artist, suggestions on further learning and the importance of compiling a portfolio of your work. There is also a useful glossary and stockist list for all the things you’ll want to buy having read it from cover to cover.
Lion character – adding embellishments and self-application
Although Clare aimed this at young artists, it’s perfect for anyone, whether you’re just starting out, have some experience of make up or prosthetics or are an experienced MUA wanting to branch out and learn new skills.
Clare Ramsey makes final touches to her Orc makeup on the set of The Hobbit. Photo clareramsey.com
With helpful tips and advice on pursuing the art of prosthetics as a professional career, the book will be of great interest to make-up and hair artists working in the film and television industry, as well as practitioners in theatre, cosplay and live-action role play.
This guide should be an invaluable addition to anyone’s bookshelf. Available from Crowood Press and Amazon.
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