Most people follow a career path because they have a passion or interest in a certain area. That’s certainly true of make-up artists, who have a natural skill in using a bare face as a blank canvas on which to create a masterpiece.
It’s both satisfying and rewarding to alter someone’s appearance using modern cosmetics. By applying foundation, eye shadow, kohl, mascara, blusher and lipstick, an individual can be transformed into someone markedly different.
Anyone interested in becoming a make-up artist should consider studying a related course. They’d also be advised to practise their skills on family and friends, and think about working in retail on a make-up counter, so they can become more familiar with the latest products.
There are a range of courses on offer in Australia, including retail cosmetics, air-brushed make-up and specialist make-up. At TrainSmart Australia, we offer a Diploma of Screen and Media (Specialisation in Specialist Make-Up Services) under the TSA College of Creative Arts. Head of Department is Priscilla Walton.
“This course is very popular as it is practical and you learn so much about dramatic make-up, from liquid latex to wigs and special effects,” Priscilla explains.
“Students use these skills outside of the studio so they get real-life experience. We have done the make-up for a local theatre group and for our own events, including a Halloween themed pop-up show in Fremantle.”
“I myself studied make-up artistry at what is now the Australian College of Make-Up and Special Effects (ACMUSE). I learnt a whole range of artistic skills including airbrushing and wigs. I went on to work for the Cameron Mackintosh Broadway musical ‘Miss Saigon’ and at Fox Studios in Sydney. Studying our course really does open doors for future work opportunities in this area,” said Priscilla.
Courtney Hollins, a guest lecturer, has branched out into body art make-up.
“I am a fully trained specialist make-up artist, which means I can work in the theatre, television and movies applying make up to actors and actresses,” Courtney says.
“But my passion is body art, which is slightly different. I have won some top international awards in this area. It’s exciting because it’s personal and visually stunning.”
If you want to whet your appetite and find out whether make-up artistry is for you, you could always consider a Diploma of Beauty Therapy, which will give you a broad introduction to make-up. This is also offered here under the TSA College of Beauty Therapy. Cheryl Taylor is the Head of the Department and has more than twenty-five years experience.
“I studied a beauty course which covered elements of make-up artistry. A general beauty course is a great way of deciding whether make-up is for you, and if it is then you can undertake a more specialised course,” Cheryl says.
“There’s a skill in picking up a brush and making someone look stunning. For example, not everyone can make a bride look beautiful on the most important day of her life, but with a bit of training and some natural ability, there’s potential to excel within make-up. It’s a very exciting industry.”
If you’d like to find out more about our Diploma of Beauty Therapy and Diploma of Screen and Media, why not speak to one of our trained career advisors today? They can offer guidance and advice as to whether either course would be suitable for your needs.
