By Author Russ Adams!
Explore bestselling author Russ Adams’ full catalog of instructional FX guides, nonfiction, thriller, and children’s literature. His how‑to books draw from decades of hands‑on experience in practical effects, covering latex mask making, creature fabrication, action figures, fur and hair work, and specialty builds. Russ’s nonfiction title, Surviving Reality: This Is Not That Show, chronicles his experience before, during, and after Jim Henson’s Creature Shop Challenge. His thriller, The Manual: Distance and Time, blends emotional depth with high‑stakes storytelling. Russ is also developing a series of children’s books within the Bitty Bigfoot and Friends brand, expanding his work into character‑driven educational storytelling.
Each title offers clear instruction, practical methods, or immersive narrative, depending on the genre. Click any book to visit Russ’s Amazon author page, where all titles are available for secure purchase.
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COMING SOON — THE MANUAL
A new thriller from Russ Adams
A dying veteran whose family was destroyed by systemic failures leaves a posthumous guide for his 19‑year‑old daughter: one part tactical instruction, one part plea to rethink her vow to kill the man responsible… now the President.
The Manual is a grounded, emotionally driven thriller that doesn’t need fiction to feel terrifying. It quietly indicts gun control policy and systemic failure, turning the barrel toward those in power to say:
Let me show you what a motivated, unstable person with nothing left to lose can do — legally — from a county over.
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RELEASING - LATE SUMMER - 2026
Secrets to Mastering Monsters
Unleash your creativity and step into the world of professional creature suit fabrication!
Ever dreamed of creating jaw-dropping, Hollywood-style creature suits? Whether you're a beginner eager to learn or a seasoned pro looking to refine your skills, this ultimate practical effects guide has everything you need. From concept design to hand-sewing spandex and fur, from foam fabrication to detailed paintwork and hair punching—this book walks you through every step of building lifelike, wearable creatures.
Oscar-winning FX legend Howard Berger says:
"Russ has detailed every step one needs to take to enter the world of creature making. Even if you are a beginner or a veteran, you will have learned something that will benefit you in the future of creature suit building and fabrication. Enjoy and Happy Monster Making!"
Industry pioneer Rob Burman, whose family helped shape modern FX, calls this book "an invaluable resource for creators," packed with techniques that push the boundaries of creature design.
Latex Mask Making
In this how-to workshop series by special effects artist and creature designer Russ Adams, you will learn the latex mask-making process used by professional mask makers and Hollywood designers. This book includes in-depth step-by-step tutorials from concept to finished mask. In addition to the latex rubber mask-making process, you will learn how to save money by making your own sculpting tools, armatures, and turntables. The author shares a multitude of other professional tips from his many years of experience, including how to revitalize older raw materials like latex and clay.
Also included in this book are nearly 100 diagrams, a quick-reference mold-making checklist, and more. The information is provided by a self-taught mask maker who understands that most people don’t have a lot of money to invest in materials and equipment.
“My goal for this book is to give you the tools to succeed in your latex mask-making endeavor by guiding you through a step-by-step process that will increase your odds of success. In this book, you are going to learn more than just how to make a latex mask. I am going to rescue you from the idea that you need to buy specialized tools and equipment to succeed.” – Russ Adams
Creature Fur & Hair
In this how-to workshop series by special effects artist and creature designer Russ Adams, you will learn how to cover a creature in fur or hair using the same methods employed by professional Hollywood creature designers. This book features in-depth, step-by-step tutorials that cover three key procedures: furring, hair punching, and flocking. In addition to these processes, you will discover how to save money by making your own tools. Russ Adams shares a wealth of professional tips from his extensive experience, including techniques for creating patterns from three-dimensional surfaces.
Also included in this book are nearly 60 diagrams, two quick-reference checklists, and more. This comprehensive resource is provided by a self-taught special effects artist who understands the financial constraints faced by many enthusiasts.
“My goal for this book is to equip you with the tools for success by guiding you through a step-by-step process that maximizes your chances of achieving great results. You'll learn more than just how to fur a creature—I aim to dispel the myth that specialized tools and equipment are essential for success.” – Russ Adams
Making Action Figures
Are you eager to create the next great action figure sensation? Do you want to keep the project in-house and avoid spending tens of thousands of dollars on the traditional route? You can go full indie and build them yourself. Special effects artist Russ Adams, renowned for his work on the Syfy Channel's Jim Henson Creature Shop Challenge, will guide you through the process of crafting your own unique action figures from concept to production, all from the comfort of your home. This book teaches you to create your own action figures and toys, not just modify existing items.
There's no need for expensive machinery. This how-to includes tutorials for making your own tools and armatures. You'll learn sculpting techniques, fabrication, silicone mold making, casting methods, and painting tips from a supportive, self-taught special effects artist with over twenty years of experience in creature design. What are you waiting for? The world is eager for the next big action figure sensation. Let's get started!
Shrunken Heads
In this how-to workshop series by special effects artist and creature designer Russ Adams, you will learn how to create professional-looking shrunken heads using methods employed by Hollywood prop designers. This book features comprehensive, step-by-step tutorials that take you from concept to finished work of art. In addition to creating stunning shrunken heads, you will discover how to save money by making your own sculpting tools, armatures, and turntables. Russ Adams shares a wealth of professional tips drawn from his extensive experience.
Also included in this book are nearly 100 diagrams, a quick-reference mold-making checklist, and more. The author even explores the real, historical rituals of head shrinking used by Amazon tribes.
This comprehensive guide is provided by a self-taught mask maker who understands the financial constraints faced by many enthusiasts.
“My goal for this book is to equip you with the tools for success by guiding you through a step-by-step process that maximizes your chances of achieving great results. You'll learn more than just how to make a shrunken head—I aim to dispel the myth that specialized tools and equipment are essential for success.” – Russ Adams.
Surviving Reality
Surviving Reality: This Is Not That Show is a gripping tale of fame, cut-throat competition, and betrayal. In 2013, the author was selected as one of ten contestants for a new skill-based reality show called Jim Henson’s Creature Shop Challenge, which became a hit on the SyFy channel. Millions tuned in to witness the competition for a $50,000 prize and a job at Jim Henson’s Creature Shop in Burbank, California.
Initially thrilled to be chosen from nearly a thousand applicants, the author’s excitement quickly waned upon arriving at the cast house in Studio City, California. What began with the honor of being associated with Jim Henson soon turned sour. Verbal abuse by the production team, a contaminated living environment, a toxic culture, and sanctioned cheating tainted the experience from the outset.
As the dust settled and the contestants thought they had endured the worst, a final betrayal dealt the ultimate blow. One contestant’s deceit struck at the heart of the entire cast and production team, perhaps sealing the fate of this highly-rated show that would never see a second season.
You think you know reality TV, but the truth is, you don't know the half of it.
The Pocket Guide
A quick guide to making realistic shrunken heads for props, novelties, or creepy gifting. Special effect artist and author Russ Adams walks you through the step-by-step process of creating realistic latex shrunken heads. You will learn sculpting techniques, mold making, latex casting methods, and finishing work like painting, hair punching, and even tool making. One of the most important parts of this lesson is the history and methods used by head hunters to shrink actual human heads. Knowing this gruesome process helps you understand why shrunken heads look the way they do. If your goal is realism, this information is key. And all this information is packed into one small booklet.
So let's get started making these macabre ornaments! Order your copy now.