Why Makeup Classes are Important for Aspiring Makeup Artists

Learning and teaching yourself to become a makeup artist is absolutely acceptable.  As you evolve into a working makeup artist, you will discover techniques, artistry and business preferences from trial and error. Every makeup artist learns from self-discovery at one point or another - many points along the way to be honest. However, there is MUCH to be said about taking classes from experienced, working makeup artists whose careers are rooted in EVERYTHING involving makeup and beauty. From the biology of skin, face shapes,  to the chemistry of ingredients, mixology, color theory, styling, and application techniques for editorial, bridal, television and film.  Classes or tutelage under a master artist is quintessential to not only the art of makeup but the business of makeup artistry as well. Throughout my journey, I have learned 3 key tips on finding makeup classes suitable for any aspiring makeup artist, at any skill level.

Three tips on how to select a makeup class for aspiring and professional artists:

1. Research the artist offering the class.  Master makeup artists who have credentials to teach have worked in various professional capacities for many years. Some capacities include, but are not limited to professional artists that have studied under or have assisted other lead artists, have developed professional repertoire where they hire artists to assist; master artists have worked with private clients that more than likely included working with other beauty professionals such as established photographers and stylists for magazine,  fashion shoots, film, and television sets.  Many of these established artists have cosmetology or esthetician license.  In many cases, a professional makeup artist, who are master educators, may belong to a Hair and Makeup Artist Unions.  Make sure to research the artists whose class you may potentially take.  

2. What is the price point? Most official, real working makeup artists charge anywhere from $800-$1500, on average.  Why so expensive?  Like any service, you are paying for time, resources, knowledge, and tools.  The information taught is to increase your skill level that you will eventually profit and monetize.  Classes priced at this level offer a demonstration as well as a hands-on class. This is where the artist can give you pointers and show you how to adjust your techniques and possibly product recommendations to achieve a look.  Plan accordingly because sometimes a reduced early bird rate or special is offered.  Check for payment plans too!  There are classes that are not as expensive, but you really have to look at who is teaching and what is being offered.

3. What does the class offer?  Look at what is included in the class for the price point.  A class that will enhance your skill with the most impact offer a hands-on portion.  This is your opportunity to try the techniques being taught and have an opportunity to get direct feedback from the master educator.  These kinds of classes require you to have your own complete kit and you might have to provide a model.   Other classes can be offered in a school type of setting where you enroll in multi-day sessions for up to 6 - 8 hours.  The price includes a makeup kit and brushes.  Between the two types, you may get information on the business of makeup artistry.  I recommend taking a class that includes this information. Having the skills to be an artist is one thing, but your skill set is almost worthless if you do not have the business acumen to thrive as a steady, working makeup artist.

Makeup Mogul Tour with Tiyana Robinson
Additional Resources for Learning Opportunities:

The following are some helpful resources for aspiring makeup artists.

1. State Licensure Requirements - Most states require a cosmetology or esthetician state license to apply makeup in a beauty salon. If your state does, then you will not be able to charge for your services without it.  Some states require freelance artists to have a license to apply makeup. Then there are some states that do not have a state requirement to solely apply makeup.  This article from makeupartistbeauty.com is a good place to begin your research. Determine if this is a requirement and prioritize which endeavors you should seek.

2. Facebook Groups or IG Search - Stay current with trends, product tips, and techniques by joining some makeup groups on Facebook.  Groups such as In My Kit by Kevin James Bennett and Makeup Artist Talk by Erica Carr are a couple of examples where classes are advertised across the US and internationally. Instagram is another platform that allows you to search keywords and #hastags. Look for informational images.  GREAT RESOURCE!

3. Books -  Use what you are reading about to drive what you want to see in a live demo class.  Classics from master artist like Sam Fine, Kevyn Aucoin, and Bobbi Brown are books that explain in detail techniques, placement, color choices, and how to create specific looks. Level up with DeShwan Hatcher's Assisting Rules to glean insight on how to enter the beauty and fashion side of makeup artistry.  This information can support what to look for in a makeup class.

4. Eventbrite - Crazy? Not so much. Search for makeup in your area and you will be surprised at what events and classes are offered. Make sure to read all the information! 

5. Google Search - I think this goes without saying.  Since makeup artistry has grown exponentially, many artists with solid backgrounds are developing makeup schools.  Not to be confused with state licensure requirements, but definitely, a curtailed curriculum that teaches hygiene, techniques for bridal and editorial to business and marketing.  Tuition, in most cases, includes a starter makeup kit.  

I am not offering you all any advice or tips that I have not tried myself. By no means are my tips the only indicators of a great class.  As I have searched and still search for opportunities, these three tips tend to be the first items I identify for authenticity. I purposely left YouTube out of this article because it's one of the first platforms self-taught artist seek out as a resource.  Like I stated on the beginning, being self-taught is completely acceptable.  But to be a professional makeup artist, who is taken seriously in this business, who wants to develop a proper reputation with impeccable work, you have to make the right kind of investments for your artistry.

Found this article helpful? Make sure to follow this blog for more beauty, makeup and business related articles and inspiration.  Follow Lisa Rose on all her social media platforms!  
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All Rights Reserved (c)       -        TMB Makeup Artistry, LLC           -             Content created by Lisa S. Singleton,  Freelance Makeup Artist

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