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Hollywood’s Make-up Superstars

by . October 30th, 2012

Hollywood has long been known as the historical center of movie studios and movie stars. Just the mere mention of this place is enough to conjure images of A-list stars, famous movie studios and historical landmarks in the showbiz industry. But above all, Hollywood is known throughout the world as a place where top notch big-budget films that utilizes cutting edge technology for graphics and special effects are produced.

And there are but a few places in the world that can match Hollywood in terms of producing science fiction and fantasy movies that have fascinated and inspired movie-goers all over the world. One of the key factors in the creation of such films is the amount of detail and imagination put into a movie’s costumes and make-up.

And just in time for Halloween, we here at You The Designer recognize the important role that costume and make-up can add to a character (whether in the movies or at your local Halloween party). But of course, behind every great costume and make-up is a great costume designer and make-up artist. So if you’re already planning to give yourself or someone you know the spooky Halloween makeover, do check out these amazing group of people who have created jaw-dropping make-up and costumes for the biggest movies in history.

 


 

CHRIS WALAS

 

Chris Walas is a special effects and make-up artist whose work appeared in several science fiction and action-adventure movies.  His most famous work was that from the movie “Gremlins” and the 1986 movie – The Fly which won him an award during the 59th Academy awards in 1986.

 

The Fly (1986) – Source
The Fly (1986) – Source

 


 

STAN WINSTON

 

Stanley Winston was an American visual effects supervisor, make-up artist and film director best known for his work in the Terminator series, Jurassic park series, Aliens and the Predator movie series. He received several Academy award nominations for his works in Edward Scissorhands, Batman Returns and Heartbeeps, but his work in Terminator 2: Judgement Day was the one that won him an Academy Award.

In June 15, 2008, Stan Winston died in Malibu, California after suffering seven years from multiple myeloma. Before his death, he worked on the movie Terminator: Salvation in which a dedication was offered to him before and after the end of the movie.

 

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (Source)
Terminator 2: Judgement Day (Source)

 


 

RICHARD TAYLOR

 

Richard Leslie Taylor is the creator and head of New Zealand film prop and special effects company Weta workshop. A close friend of Peter Jackson, he and his company created the props , costumes, prosthetics, miniature and weapons for the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

During his work with Peter Jackson and the LOTR movies, he received four Academy awards: two are from LOTR: The Fellowship of the Ring for make-up and visual effects and the other two are from LOTR: Return of the King for Best Costume Design and Make-up.

 

LOTR (Source)
From The Hobbit (Source)

 


 

MINDY HALL

 

Mindy Hall is the make-up genius behind the stars of numerous films including World Trade Center (2006), Pearl Harbor (2001) and Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010). His most well-known work, which won her an Academy award was her work in Star Trek (2009). She has also co-written a book entitled The Makeup Artist Handbook.

 

Startrek (2009) – Source
Startrek 2009 – Source

 


 

GREG CANNOM

 

Greg Cannom is also a veteran make-up artist in Hollywood. He has worked in several projects including the 1991 adaptation of Peter Pan – Hook, Titanic (1997), The Roommates (1995), and Hoffa (1992). However, his most notable work are that from the 1992 film Bram Stoker’s Dracula (Best make-up and hairstyling at the 65th Academy awards), Mrs. Doubtfire (1993 Academy award for Best make-up) and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button in 2008 (Best make-up at the 81st Academy awards).

 

Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) – Source
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) – Source

 


 

RICK BAKER

 

Richard A. “Rick” Baker is possible one of the best special makeup effects artist in the industry. His work has appeared in over two dozen top-grossing films including:  X-Men: The Last Stand, Norbit, Hellboy, King Kong, The Wolfman and Mighy Joe Young.

He has also won several Academy awards for his work, which includes Best Makeup and Hairstyling for: An American Werewolf in London (1981), Harry and the Hendersons (1987), Ed Wood (1993), The Nutty Professor (1996), Men in Black (1997), How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), and The Wolfman (2010).

 

American Werewolf in London (1981) – Source
The Nutty Professor (1996) – Source
Men in Black 3 (2012) – Source
Men in Black (1997) – Source

 


 

And there you have it guys. I hope you were inspired to create the best Halloween costume after seeing the work done by these amazing set of artists. If you were (inspired), tell us by leaving a comment below. You can also add us up on Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus or subscribe to our blog for more inspirations, news and features in the world of design.

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