Heart of Art: Welcome to a Small Glimpse Into the Grand World of Special Effects Makeup and Fine Art of Akihito

The media could not be loaded. Akihito Ikeda is a professional special-effects makeup artist and designer who has worked in the film industry for 19 years. He had worked in Japan for 9 years before moving to Los Angeles. Akihito's technical skills are amazing, and so is his sense design and aesthetics.The work featured is a mixture of sculpture art, and special-effects makeup for actors. Large high resolution photographs are used to enable you to see the minute details in each sculpture. Several angles are shown. Each design is unique and deserves the time it needs for you to slowly marvel at the beauty of the work.The sculptures, mostly characters, are often a blend of resin, metal and cloth. The colouring, texture and finishing really make them look terrific. It's difficult to explain what I'm seeing except to say that his art has a combination of mystique and fantasy. The last time I was so fascinated by sculptures was looking at Kris Kuksi's book Divination and Delusion.The latter pages look at the special-effects makeup. It includes characters he created for a Hollywood makeup program, theatre work, runway shows, art festivals, and other events. A few of the examples in the book have also appeared in A Complete Guide to Special Effects Makeup. The fully realised characters after makeup are really beautiful. There's just something more life-like to these characters compared to 3D rendered models.A few pages of sketches and character concept art are also included in the book.The last section in the book looks at the process of creating the sculptures and applying makeup to the actors. There are many photos looking at the different steps in the process, and commentary is provided for all. It's insightful to read about the creation process, and to find out the tools, materials and paints used. There's explanation for the sculpting, casting, molding and painting processes, and also a bit on how costumes are created.This is a fantastic artbook that really showcases the creativity and beauty of Akihito's work. It should be inspiring for those in the same industry.Highly recommended.(See more pictures of the book on my blog. Just visit my Amazon profile for the link.)

Overlaps too much with the book a complete guide to special effects make up. Both books are nicely illustrated, but I am not sure the are for the beginner.

Uma ótima aquisição para quem busca conhecimento e boas referências na área artística, esse livro é bem interessante pois anda pelo o mundo da escultura e pintura tradicional, com belas esculturas corporais e aplicadas a seres-humanos no estilo Face-off, da maquiagem corporal e imagens com ótima qualidade de impressão e preenchendo a página toda, perfeito, além de detalhes do processo dos personagens, recomendo com certeza, a única reclamação que tenho foi no transporte, não vi o cuidado devido pela a transportadora para com o livro. Obrigado.

As an Artist I am always looking for new Art expressions in any kind of media. The first time a glare at the cover of this book, I knew I was in for a delightful treat. Akihito's art work is exquisite and unique. His designs are so gracious and delicate but at the same time they are filled with an amazing visual power. Every little detail has been taking care of to the extreme perfection. His paint work complements his sculptures in a well balance harmony of shapes and colors. I could expend hours looking through those pages an keep finding new things every time! One of my favorite parts of this book is the "How to" tutorials. This is a great reference for any aspiring or professional Sculptor, Visual or make-up Artist. Akihito's book, is a must have. Get it or regret it!

très riche très bien illustré un régale pour les yeux. édition sobre et efficace, il est à noté qu'il est fort fin néanmoins, et on regrette juste de ne pas en avoir plus encore.

First saw the artist’s work at a gallery in LA.. his book was sold out.. the images are the step by step gives you a Behind the Scenes on his process.. when I met Akihito again I had mine signed.. I have this book in arms length for inspiration