Becoming a professional makeup artist begins with getting the right education. You need to learn a wide (and exciting) array of techniques to create specific looks for film, television, theatre, runways, and more.
Your journey begins by selecting the right makeup artist school that provides industry-leading training. A strong foundation in makeup education will help you understand makeup fundamentals, tools, and theories while also providing valuable industry connections.
At CMU College of Makeup Art & Design, we prepare you for your career as a makeup artist. Our professional makeup training covers everything you need to know. Just ask one of our more than 5000 graduates!
1. Start with understanding your goals
Before you can determine the right makeup course for your career, it’s helpful to understand what your career goals actually are. The makeup industry is vast, with many different career paths and opportunities.
Do you see yourself working on film and television sets, helping actors and actresses transform into their characters? Or do you envision using your technical skills to create otherworldly creatures that leap from the screen? Alternatively, you may want to work in the real world, making brides feel like princesses on their big day.
Makeup schools offer professional, specialized makeup artist classes and training to get you ready for a career in your chosen field. These makeup artist courses are a deep dive into the specific skills needed to launch your new career.
If you can’t decide on a specialty just yet, that’s okay too! There are general makeup courses that teach a wide range of skills, so you can work in multiple fields. This versatility also makes you an attractive candidate when searching for your first job after graduation.
Career Paths
- Film and Television: Film and television makeup artists use their talents to bring life to on-screen characters. This path offers versatility and opportunities to work alongside other inspiring creative professionals. Movie sets are also a stimulating place to work, and your time there could eventually lead to an Academy Award.
- Theatre: Do you long for the stage or, at least, the backstage? Consider becoming a makeup artist for theatre productions. Your skills are responsible for transforming actors and actresses into their characters. This can involve simple, natural makeup all the way to complex prosthetics.
- SFX and Digital Effects: Conceptualizing and creating characters and creatures is a unique niche of makeup artistry. Special effects, prosthetics, and digital makeup all focus on making the imaginary real. You can work in film, television, theatre, animated film, and video game productions. Maybe the next iconic and fantastical film character will be your own creation!
- Fashion Makeup Artist: Makeup is essential to fashion. Fashion makeup artists are, consequently, incredibly important people on the sets of photoshoots and backstage at runway shows. In addition to mastering the technical skills of fashion makeup application, you also need to be well-versed in studio lighting.
- Bridal Artist: As long as people are getting married, a bridal makeup artist will always be busy. For many brides (and grooms), their wedding is one of the most important days of their lives. As their makeup artist, you get to help the blushing bride feel (and look) their very best.
2. Find the right makeup artist school for you
The right makeup artistry school can launch you into a successful and vibrant career. It provides the knowledge, techniques, and collaborative skills that every young makeup artist needs.
Furthermore, top colleges also offer invaluable networking opportunities. The right connection can make all the difference as you begin to make your way through your chosen industry.
Of course, this also means the inverse is true. The wrong makeup school can be an unnecessary roadblock on your journey. That’s why it’s very important to do your research first.
At CMU, we are proud to be an international leader in makeup education. More than 5000 students have graduated from our prestigious and comprehensive programs to find success in the makeup industry.
So, what should you look for in a makeup artistry school?
- Excellent reputation
- Comprehensive curriculum
- Award-winning instructors
- Intimate classrooms
3. Consider the makeup course duration and curriculum
Makeup artist courses vary in length, curriculum, specializations, and intensity. It’s important to choose one that aligns with your career goals. If you want to be a fashion makeup artist, for example, select a course covering fashion-specific makeup application and theory.
Prioritize MUA courses that offer a well-rounded education, covering both theory and hands-on techniques. Additionally, look for makeup artist classes that teach you how to work collaboratively and communicate effectively within a team, as well as to adhere to briefs from clients and producers.
Certificates
Certificate programs are shorter courses, ranging from four to seven weeks in length. They cover essential tools, specialized techniques, and foundational knowledge. At CMU, we offer three makeup certificate programs.
- Fashion Photographic Makeup Artist Certificate (7 weeks)
- Photography and Studio Hairstyling Certificate (4 weeks)
- Creature Design Certificate (6 weeks)
Diploma Programs
Our diploma programs are extensive, providing each student with the skills and confidence to succeed in their fields. We offer comprehensive professional makeup training that spans multiple specialties, so you emerge as a highly adaptable and versatile makeup artist.
Alternatively, CMU has several specialized programs that cover everything you need to know about that discipline.
- Complete Makeup Artist Program (35 weeks)
- Comprehensive Makeup Artist Program (29 weeks)
- Global Makeup Artist Program (23 weeks)
- Digital Makeup Effects Artist Program (17 weeks)
- Total Fashion Makeup Artist Program (12 weeks)
Bachelor Degrees
If you dream of getting your Bachelor of Creative Arts Degree, CMU can help. We make it easy for you to expand your makeup education through our partnership with Yorkville University. You can use your course credits gained at CMU to earn your Bachelor’s degree.
Complete Makeup Arts Diploma graduates require only 25 courses at Yorkville University. Alternatively, Comprehensive + Digital Double Diploma graduates require only 20 courses at Yorkville University.
Begin Your Makeup Education at CMU
CMU College of Makeup Art & Design sets the international standard for makeup artistry education. Our number one priority is to unleash your creative potential and prepare you for a successful career.
We do that through award-winning instructors, state-of-the-art facilities, intimate classrooms, and comprehensive MUA courses. With a degree or certificate from CMU, you’re on your way to the career of your dreams.
To learn more about our makeup courses, call CMU at 416-968-6739 or contact us here.
