The world of makeup artistry is diverse, and there are many paths that one can pursue if they’re passionate about a career as a makeup artist.
Whether choosing to focus on bridal makeup or special effects makeup, all makeup artists should start their career with an education that helps them learn and enhance skills needed in the industry.
CMU (College of Makeup Art & Design), based in Toronto, Canada, has an extensive list of makeup-focused courses that can help you start your career as a makeup artist.
Whether you’re looking for a short course to give you a basic understanding of makeup or a more comprehensive approach that will teach you advanced techniques, CMU has the makeup program for you.
Here are some of the different makeup courses you can take at CMU College:
Complete Makeup Artist course
If you’re a new makeup artist, this course might be the one for you, as the Complete Makeup Artist course will teach you all the essentials of makeup application. This program also includes practical training on how to apply makeup for various occasions such as weddings, special events, fashion shows, photo shoots, etc. This course is ideal for anyone looking to build a solid, well-rounded foundation before starting a career as a makeup artist.
Once you complete this master makeup course, you will be qualified to work in various fields, including:
- Fashion & editorial makeup
- Bridal & special occasion makeup
- Prosthetics design and application
- Film & TV Special effects makeup
- Creature design
- Theatrical & live event makeup
Skills Taught
The Complete Makeup Artist Course is designed to teach you everything you need to know to be a successful, well-rounded makeup artist. You’ll learn skills such as;
Photographic and Studio Hairstyling
This course will teach you how to style hair for photoshoots as well as in a studio setting. In addition, you will have practical training using various hair styling tools and products.
Fashion Photographic Makeup
In this course, you’ll learn how fashion and makeup go hand-in-hand. You’ll be taught how to do makeup for editorial shoots, runway shows, and advertising campaigns.
Theatrical Makeup
If you want to get into theatre makeup, this course will teach you all the basics. In addition, you’ll learn about lighting techniques and how to apply makeup for stage performances.
Film, Television, and Special Effects Makeup
In this course, you will learn how to apply makeup for film and television, including learning about special effects makeup and how to create different looks using prosthetic devices.
Prosthetic Makeup
This course will teach you how to apply prosthetic devices such as false eyelashes, horns, wigs, cuts and injuries, and facial details. You’ll also learn about different techniques used to create various character details through the use of prosthetics.
Practical Creature Design and Sculpting
In this course, you will learn about creature design and how to design and create facial features. This course is perfect if you’re interested in special effects makeup or want to get into the film industry.
The Complete Makeup Artists course is an eight-month course taught by experienced professionals who have worked in the makeup industry for many years.
You’ll have the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business and get hands-on experience with all aspects of makeup artistry. There are also multiple practical assignments throughout the course so you can put your skills to the test.
Comprehensive Makeup Artist Course
The Comprehensive Makeup Artist Course is perfect for those who want to take their makeup artistry to the next level. This course is more comprehensive than the Complete Makeup Artist Course and is ideal if you want to build on your existing skills and knowledge.
With a Comprehensive Makeup Artist Course certificate, you’ll be qualified to work in a variety of fields, including:
- Fashion & editorial makeup
- Bridal & special occasion makeup
- Prosthetics design and application
- Film & TV Special effects makeup
- Creature design
- Theatrical & live event makeup
Skills Taught
This course is designed to teach you a wide range of skills that will enable you to work as a professional makeup artist. Some of the skills you’ll learn include;
Photographic and Studio Hairstyling
In this makeup course, you’ll learn basic hairstyling techniques used in a studio or on location. You’ll also learn about different hair types and how to style them.
Fashion Photographic Makeup
You will learn how to apply makeup for fashion photography- from runway shows to photo shoots. You’ll also be taught how the colour wheel can achieve different makeup looks.
Theatrical Makeup
Theatrical makeup is more than just applying makeup- it’s about creating a character. This course teaches you how to apply stage makeup and create different looks using various techniques and products.
Film, Television, and Special Effects Makeup
This course will teach you how to apply makeup for film and television, creating different looks using special effects makeup and prosthetic devices.
Prosthetic Makeup
In this makeup course, you’ll learn how to use prosthetic devices to create realistic-looking wounds, scars, and other effects. You’ll also learn about different types of materials used to create prosthetics.
Practical Creature Design and Sculpting
Creature design is a fun and creative way to build creatures using various sculpting techniques. You’ll also have the opportunity to design your own creatures during the duration of the course.
The Comprehensive Makeup Artist Course is perfect for new makeup artists who want to build a solid foundation of skills. CMU College offers this course as an eight-month certificate program, with multiple practical assignments throughout the course. Our classes are practical, inclusive, and centered around the creative aspects of makeup artistry.
Global Makeup Artist Program
This more intensive makeup course teaches you everything you need to know to be a successful makeup artist working in the fashion, film, and entertainment industry internationally.
The Global Makeup Artist Program is a twenty-three-week course that covers everything from the basics of makeup artistry to advanced techniques used in the global industry. You’ll have the opportunity to work with some of the world’s leading makeup artists and learn from their experiences.
At the end of this makeup program, you’ll be qualified to work as a professional in fields like:
- Fashion & editorial makeup
- Bridal & special event makeup
- Film & TV Special effects makeup
- Theatrical & live event makeup
Skills Taught
The Global Makeup Artist Program is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to work as a professional in the global industry. Some of the skills you’ll learn include;
Photographic and Studio Hairstyling
Working as a makeup artist requires a strong understanding of hair and how to style it. In this course, you’ll learn about different hairstyling techniques used in a studio or on location.
Fashion Photographic Makeup
You’ll need to create various looks for the runway or magazine shoots. This makeup course teaches you how to create high fashion and editorial looks.
Theatrical Makeup
If you want to work in live theatre or on film sets, you will need to learn the various ways that makeup can affect the way that someone looks on stage, under harsh, bright lights. You’ll learn about different types of makeup used to create various looks.
Film, Television, and Special Effects Makeup
As a makeup artist, you’ll need to know how to create various looks using prosthetics and special effects. In this course, you’ll learn how to create looks for film, television, and other special effects.
The Global Makeup Artist Program allows you to work anywhere in the world. Our classes are taught by international makeup artists who have had the chance to work in some of the most prestigious international fashion and film events. This course is perfect for those who want to work as professional makeup artists in the global industry.
Digital FX Makeup Artist Program
The Digital FX Makeup Artist Program is a 4-month course that will teach you how to create digital makeup effects. In addition, you will learn how to use Photoshop and ZBrush to create digital projects.
Upon completing the course, you will be qualified to work as a digital makeup artist in fields such as:
- Digital sculpting for TV & Film production
- Post-production editing & SFX design
- CGI Design & Production
- Toy prototype design
- Photo editing
- Character & Asset design for Video Game production
Skills Taught
The Digital FX Makeup Artist Program aims to equip you with a wide range of skills that will enable you to work as a digital makeup professional. Some of the skills you’ll learn include;
Life Drawing
As a digital makeup artist, you’ll need a strong understanding of human anatomy. In this course, you’ll learn how to draw a human figure accurately.
Figurative Sculpting
This module teaches you how to sculpt the human figure using a variety of mediums. You’ll learn to use clay, wax, and foam to create sculptures.
Practical Creature Design
This course teaches you how to design and create your own creatures. You’ll have the opportunity to work with various materials, including latex, silicone, and urethane.
Photoshop
If you want to follow this path, you’ll need to be proficient in Photoshop. In this course, you’ll learn how to use Photoshop to create your own digital projects.
Digital Character Design: ZBrush Sculpting
This course teaches you how to use ZBrush to create 3D characters. You’ll learn how to sculpt, texture, and paint your own digital characters.
Career Planning & Digital Portfolio Creation
In this makeup artistry course, you’ll also learn how to create a strong portfolio that will help you get hired in the industry. You’ll also learn about the different career paths you can take as a makeup artist.
Digital FX makeup is making a name for itself as the world becomes increasingly digitized. This is the course for you if you’re interested in a makeup career that allows you to be creative and use your imagination.
At CMU, we pride ourselves on being at digital makeup technology’s forefront. Our course is designed to help you think outside the box and create truly unique looks.
Total Fashion Makeup Artist Program
If you’re looking for a thorough education in makeup artistry in fashion, this is the program for you. The Total Fashion Makeup Artist Program at CMU offers students the opportunity to learn everything there is to know about becoming a professional in the ever-changing world of fashion.
The program covers topics such as beauty makeup, runway makeup, airbrushing, and special effects. Students will also learn about the business side of things, such as how to get jobs in the industry and market themselves effectively.
Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to work as freelance makeup artists or in the fields of:
- Personal, client-based makeup
- Professional Bridal Makeup
- Commercial & Editorial makeup
- Special event or red carpet makeup
Skills Taught
The Total Fashion Makeup Artist Program at CMU aims to equip students with all the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful makeup artists in the fashion industry. Some of the skills you’ll learn include;
Fashion Photography Makeup
In this course, you’ll learn how to apply makeup for fashion photography. In addition, you’ll learn about different techniques, such as contouring and highlighting, that can be used to enhance the features of your subjects.
Career Planning
In this makeup artistry course, you’ll learn about the different career options available to makeup artists in fashion. You’ll also learn about the importance of networking and marketing yourself effectively.
Photographic and Studio Hairstyling
In this course, you’ll learn how to style hair for fashion photography. You’ll learn about different techniques, and styles, that can be used to create a variety of looks.
Fashion and makeup go hand-in-hand. So if you’re interested in a fashion career, this is the program for you. CMU will prepare you for this competitive industry, learning from the best. Our classes and workshops are equipped with the latest equipment and technology, so you’ll be ahead of the curve when you graduate.
How Do You Know Which Makeup Artist Program is Right for You?
All these makeup classes sound great, but how do you know which program is right for you? You’ll want to consider these six things before making a decision.
Interests
Your interests should be your main focus when choosing a makeup artist program. For example, if you’re interested in fashion, you should consider the Total Fashion Makeup Artist Program at CMU. On the other hand, the Digital FX Makeup Artist Program might be a better fit if you’re more interested in character makeup or being part of the television or film industry.
Skills
Your skills you want to acquire should also be taken into consideration when choosing a makeup artist program. For example, the Comprehensive Makeup Artist Program might be a good fit if you’re interested in art and creativity. The Digital FX Makeup Artist Program could be a better option if you’re looking to work with with technology.
Experience
Your experience should also be considered when choosing a makeup artist program. If you have no experience, then the Complete Makeup Artist Program might be an excellent place to start. If you have some experience, then the Comprehensive Makeup Artist Program might be a better option.
Timeline
Your timeline should also be considered when choosing a makeup artist program. If you want to complete your studies in a shorter amount of time, then the Total Fashion Makeup Artist Program might be a good option. On the other hand, the more intensive Comprehensive Makeup Artist Program might be a better choice if you’re not in a rush to enter the workforce and have more time to dedicate to your education in makeup artistry.
Goals
Your goals should also be considered when choosing a makeup artist program. For example, the Comprehensive Makeup Artist Program might be a good fit if you want to be a professional makeup artist working in the film and television industry. On the other hand, if you just want to learn how to do makeup for special events or weddings, then the Complete Makeup Artist Program will provide you with the knowledge that you need to work in those roles.
Thinking about your interests, skills, experience, and goals will help you streamline your options and choose the best makeup school.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to choosing a professional makeup artistry program. The best way to find the right course for you is to research each option and make an informed decision.
Enroll in a Makeup Artistry Course at CMU
CMU College is one of the best makeup schools in North America. Our courses are comprehensive, and our instructors have experienced makeup professionals who are passionate about teaching. As a result, our students leave our program equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to pursue careers in film, television, fashion, theatre, and digital and special effects.
Our makeup courses are designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the art of makeup application. We believe that creativity should be encouraged, and experimentation should be championed. Our state-of-the-art facilities and on-site photography studio allow students to explore their creativity and perfect their craft, all in one place.
If you are interested in enrolling in a makeup artistry course at CMU, please visit our website or contact us for more information. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our program.
We can’t wait to help you unleash your creativity and reach your full potential as a makeup artist!
