Curriculums at Makeup Schools

Curriculums at makeup schools vary according to the type of makeup artistry specialization you choose to pursue. While there are fundamental basics to all curriculums, the remainder of course subjects are usually tailored to the specialty.

Fashion Makeup

Fashion makeup involves recognizing current trends. Fashion makeup undergoes continual changes rapidly, particularly from season to season. The medium also influences fashion makeup applications. Runway makeup differs quite substantially from print fashions.

In addition, knowledge of past fashion makeup trends is important. Trends tend to reinvent themselves in time and an underlying background is essential to effectively creating a current look.

Fashion makeup techniques differ from everyday applications. The techniques involve dominant tones to enable audiences to view the "look" from long distances or cameras to capture the essence.

A fashion makeup artist usually works in concert with a hair stylist and photographer. He or she must be able to work cooperatively and creatively with other professionals to produce results that jive with their vision.

Not only is cooperation with other professionals necessary, proper etiquette is essential. Makeup fashion curriculums will teach you each professional's functions within a team environment and how a makeup artist fits into the scheme.

Stage, Television and Film Makeup

Besides makeup techniques specifically geared towards stage, television and films, a makeup artist has a new language to learn. Set terminology has its own peculiar meanings. Students who wish to become makeup artists for stage, television and movie productions must be familiar with its idiosyncrasies to effectively perform their duties.

There is a set protocol that must be followed for continuity, time restrictions and budget constraints. Makeup artists have their appointed place in the protocol and need to exhibit proper etiquette at all times to establish a professional profile. Union regulations are influential in what is permissible and non-permissible on a production. Infringement of the regulations may cause a halt to the production. Therefore, makeup artists must be fully aware of their responsibilities and obligations.

Makeup students are taught how to read a script and breakdown and list supplies required for each character. The makeup artist designs the makeup applications based on their review of the script. A continuity journal is used to ensure the characters appear the same on each day the production is active. Some productions, particularly theatrical, run for months at a time.

The effects of stage lighting on makeup applications are explored and students learn which techniques to apply. Lighting for a stage production is disparate to that of television lighting.

Students must extensively practice their techniques to minimize the time it takes to apply makeup. Multiple characters and character changes, such as beard growth, aging or perspiration, may necessitate time limitations in which to complete the applications.

Special Effects Makeup

Special effects makeup is the creation of realistic and fantastical illusions. As technology advances, so does the complexity and popularity of special effects. Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and Avatar are prime examples of the continual sophistication of special effects.

There is a myriad of commonplace special effects: bruises, scars, lacerations, scabs, bullet wounds, stab wounds, amputations, blisters, boils, black eyes, corpses, burns, warts, aging, frozen bodies, perspiration, dirt, etc.

Students learn research methods to investigate and accurately portray the above. Characteristics of special effects, for instance blood flow from a bullet wound, must be understood and correctly applied. Wax and latex materials are used to create special effects and students are taught methodology for each medium.

Bald caps, crepe hair beards, mustaches and sideburns, life casting and creation, application and removal of prosthetics are given in-depth attention.

Whatever form of makeup artistry you pursue, you can be certain there are curriculums at makeup schools that will offer you the knowledge and practical skills needed to enjoy a successful career.