With a spate of so-called makeup artistry schools churning out so-called makeup artists it's time those of you considering makeup artistry as a career took heed!Before you even consider makeup artistry as a career, read this information and act on it! It will save you a lot of heartache, false promises, bad advice and wasted money!While there are many fantastic schools out there worth going to, with tutors who have relevant industry experience and are teaching to a standard that the industry recognises, there are also a lot of schools out there that sadly can't and don't offer you the relevant information, tutors or qualifications in order for you to have relevant skill, knowledge or a budding career in an industry you desire to be in!
Choosing a school:
For God's sake, do your research! Research every option that’s available to you to find a school that fits your needs.Visit every school, look at their facilities, meet tutors and ask questions! Speak to industry professionals and past graduates (when possible) for advice. Check the course fees and get written information regarding what is offered within those fees - will you have to pay out more for materials throughout your course or a kit? Are course notes and information updated according to industry needs? Will there be adequate tools and products for each student? Who's Teaching You?
Ask to see the published work of your instructor/s and get a complete list of the clients they have worked for where available. Are brochure images and/or website images stock photos? Are they adequate representations of tutors work? Beware of schools with lecturers that claim to teach every kind of make-up there is. The professional make-up industry does not want make-up artists who know a little about everything but not much about anything. Clients hire artists who are specialists in a particular field.
Promises, Promises, Promises...
Any schools that promises you extensive work experience throughout your course and/or a high paying job straight away once you graduate, you should run a mile from! Some schools will offer students work experience, but it can often amount to little more than a group day trip, where work is observed, not attempted. As the school sends every class to the same venue, it’s of little value to the students; And, as it’s a group work experience, every student who graduates will have the same experience on their CV… class after class, year after year… rendering it significantly less impressive!
Portfolio Work:
Another common promise is working with professional photographers. But this can also be less educational than it appears – as the photographer is hired to do a job for the school. In the ‘real’ world, a photographer hires a makeup artist to ensure their images are as stunning as possible – if the photographer is working FOR the school, they will often make the best of what they’re given, often not pointing out flaws and problems with looks. Get used to working under such conditions, and the first professional job you do could be a shock to the system!
Qualifications:
For individuals working within the Screen/ Media Hair & Make-Up (Photographic, Film, TV, Theatre): Minimum 300hrs / 3 months training via private schools (ex-industry professionals) or a college course.
These courses MUST INCLUDE: Health & Safety, Character creation (including use of tooth cosmetics & additional teeth), General casualty simulation, Application, care and re-dressing of Facial Hair, Making, application and after-care of Bald caps and small Prosthetics, Basic Hair styling and Period hairdressing including attaching of wigs & hair pieces (UK), Basic Hair cutting (UK), Airbrush application.
Make-Up Qualifications Level 2 Certificate in Fashion and Photographic Make-Up
Level 2 Certificate in Face and Body Painting
Level 3 Diploma in Theatrical and Media Make-Up
Diploma in Fashion, Theatre and Media Make up
Recognised Accreditations:
BABTAC
Habia
NASMAH
The Guild of Professional Beauty
BAC - British Accreditation Council
BTEC Courses
Edexcel Courses
HND Courses
ITEC Courses
VTCT Courses
Starting out:
After completing a foundation training course (a basic training of no less than 300hrs is required), you are a trainee. There is much for you to learn, not only about make-up but about how a production works, set etiquette, continuity and so on - things that a course can only teach in theory.
After being a trainee you progress to being an assistant and, after several years of solid experience, you may then be considered a make-up artist.
Remeber, being a film or television make-up designer takes many years of experience and NASMAH (www.nasmah.co.uk) cannot stress this enough - simply doing a make-up course does not make you a designer!
You never stop learning and developing your skills and there are lots of "top up" short courses on a wide variety of subjects.
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