Anatomy of Facial Expression
Create realistic expressions that inspire real emotions
- Detailed anatomy of the facial muscles
- How facial muscles function and affect the form of the face
- How gender, age, and ethnicity differences affect facial anatomy
- What are the facial fat compartments and connective tissue
- The topography of the face and skull
Visual artists
are visual thinkers
Often the most challenging area of human anatomy to master. Since people intuitively recognize badly faked expressions.
Anatomy of Facial Expression teaches all the primary facial anatomy and muscles. And the movement and collaboration of them to create realistic expressions.
3D and live models
The visual references in Anatomy of Facial Expression include pictures of live models, portrait photos overlaid with 3D renderings of facial muscles.
And photogrammetry scans of neutral and expressed faces, as well as 3D models of skull structures.
Learning how to understand anatomy
Real emotions are hard to fake. We need to learn the subtle visual nuances that make us connect with a character’s inner world.
Anatomy of Facial Expression lets you understand the anatomy behind the delicate facial movements and provides you with the language to convey them.
The essential
part is how it looks
When it comes to anatomy for artists, the visual aspect is what matters the most.
It doesn’t mean being superficial – visual references are simply more directly applicable to creating visual artworks.
F.A.C.S.
Facial Action Coding System by Paul Ekman. We’ve listed the FACS codes along with their corresponding visual images for a quick reference.
For all visual artists
We shape the knowledge in an empowering way for all kinds of visual artists. Regardless of whether you’re in digital art, CGI, VFX, character design, 2D or 3D, traditional art, etc., you’ll find Anatomy of Facial Expression helpful.
Companies with
our books in their
daily workspace
Industry expert
experiences and uses
Arda Koyuncu
Art Director
– Riot Games
I highly recommend incorporating this resource in your workflow even if your preferred medium is not sculpting…
Tiago Rios
Character Artist
– Santa Monica Studio
The book gives literally hundreds of easy tips for new and experienced sculptors interested…
Erick Sosa
Senior Character Artist
– Marvel’s “What if?”
All I can say about this amazing book and the rest of the series is this: Do yourself a favor, and get these books…
Yuri Alexander
Sr. Staff Character Artist
– Sony Bend
Anatomy for sculptors is the clearest and most comprehensive anatomy reference material that I have seen…
Understanding the Human Figure
Form of the Head and Neck
