Makeovers, stage make up, bride make up. Special effects, production make up, 3D make up. All of these are examples of completely different forms of make up that a make up artist is expected to be able to do on a regular basis, and do well. One doesn’t learn how to do special effects make up over night, and a lot of those who enter into make up training do not even know which shade of lipstick would go best with a particular skin tone and hair color.
Make up training is an intense certificate or diploma program that is offered at most colleges, and there are even schools that are operate solely to provide make up training. A career as a make up artist is by no means an easy task and it does take a lot of skill, a lot of knowledge, and a bit of tact and customer service to really satisfy both employers and customers alike.
What can I Expect from Make Up Training?
Make up training covers a wide range of topics, from technique and application of make up, to skin care, to product knowledge, and to different types of make up application such as:
- Fashion or high end make up
- Stage make up
- Black and white photography make up
- Color photo shoot make up
- Film/television make up
Other tools such as color theories, classic make up trends, current and upcoming make up trends, and correctional make up are usually taught.
As a make up artist, you will usually be working with other members in the beauty and fashion world, such as hair stylists, photographers, and even designers in make up training. This gets you ready to work in a team with several different people and opinions being offered and it teaches you to listen to what others (such as the clothing designer) really want the overall look to come off looking as.
What should I Look For in a Make Up Training School?
Remember, you’re going to be paying a pretty penny for this make up training so you want to be sure that you receive only the best training that is available to you. Be sure to look for makeup schools that have credibility and that are world renowned. Your chances of getting hired for jobs may be based solely on where you received your training, so you want to be sure that the school is of quality and substance.
Next, review any of the professors who will be teaching you (if possible) and check up on their credentials. What qualifies them to teach you about make up? Who do they know in the fashion, theater, and/or make up business that could potentially help you land a job? Are they good at teaching or are they just good at applying make up?
Lastly, if you require any schooling assistance, housing assistance, or child care, these are important things to ask about before enrolling in the school. Be sure to see what the school has to offer and if you qualify for any bursaries or discounted tuition.
