Makeup Schools Today
The world today is experiencing an unprecedented rate of change in technology. At the accelerated rate now occurring, some experts suggest this current century's rate of progress might surpass the 20th century's rate of progress by a factor of 1,000 times.
This mind boggling statistic can be simplified by considering that digital cameras were invented only 30 years ago and the first high definition television broadcasts were televised in 2004. Yet these technologies have become entrenched in such a short time as to be considered standard.
Technology of any form that impacts on the perception or projection of human images influences makeup artistry. For instance, the ecological drive to replace incandescent light bulbs with compact florescent bulbs throws a completely different light. Florescent lights emit a colder white. Stage lights have different intensities, colors, patterns and focuses.
What does this mean for the makeup schools today? Makeup schools must keep abreast of evolving techniques and equipment to adapt to transforming technology that affects the essence of makeup artistry. To this end, makeup schools today offer courses in stage, television, film, special effects, airbrushing and prosthetics.
Courses focused on stage, television and film offer well-rounded curriculum to prepare students for all aspects of assignments in these mediums. A student learns how to prepare for makeup sessions by first understanding the role of a makeup artist on a set. The makeup artist's functions are to work within budget and time limitations, effectively break down a script and compile the necessary makeup products, read a call sheet, always behaving with professionalism. A thorough knowledge of makeup unions and their minimum standards for contents of makeup kits and the proper care of kit inventory is fundamental.
Lighting is all important. Makeup artists must understand the effects of different forms of lighting to properly assess its effect on makeup. Basic, corrective and concealing techniques, together with methods of aging, depicting facial hair and characteristics such as wrinkles, perspiration and dirt may be required. Makeup applications for stage, film, telephone and videos are distinct and the makeup artist must be accomplished in every facet.
Special effects makeup is, in particular, a highly skilled career. A special effects makeup artist must be familiar with facial structure. Creating authentic appearing bald caps, bruises, scars, warts, black eyes, blisters, burns, wounds with latex and wax are common duties. Hair, beards, mustaches and sideburns are formed with wool crepe. Makeup schools provide students with resources to research visual samples of the various special effects they need to create.
Airbrushing is gaining popularity as a tool for digital media. High definition resolution is permitting cameras to capture an increasing depth to skin. Students taking an airbrushing course will learn the mechanics of airbrushing. Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to understand the different types of airbrushes, their suitability for various tasks and how to properly clean and care for equipment. The course should include airbrush application techniques for fashion makeup, beauty makeup, body makeup, fantasy makeup and tattoos and imperfection concealment.
Prosthetics makeup requires a fundamental knowledge of anatomy. Mastering safety precautions when working with prosthetics is especially important. Makeup students learn about materials and tools needed for prosthetic creation. Theory for conception, creation and completion of a gelatin mold should be taught, along with proper fitting and removal of a prosthetic from a model. The final step of painting the application completes a course on prosthetics.
Without the specialized education provided by makeup schools today, the knowledge base of makeup artists will quickly become obsolete, making it difficult, if not impossible, to build a successful career.
