School Or No School Please Help!

Mar 11, 2012

Eliana G.

So I really want to be a makeup artist but I dont know where to start. I was advised to start a makeup kit and a great portfolio and just jump in it. I'm self taught. But I'm also wanting to go to makeup artist school, I feel really lost and would like to know what do you all recommend? 

Mar 11, 2012

Francesca G.

You can search up schools online! Then you can call them up and ask for a tour, to check that they're legit and worth the money.

Mar 11, 2012

Lizz N.

I would recommend school of some sort... if nothing else, it's a foot in the door. Plus, people look for credentials for EVERYTHING nowdays, so just knowing it isn't enough anymore. Plus, there's ALWAYS things you can learn, so why not? Couldn't hurt!! Good luck!

Mar 11, 2012

Franky F.

School could not hurt and I would suggest creating a portfolio so you can do some freelance work. Do you have one? 

Mar 12, 2012

Eliana G.

Thats what I was thinking I want to learn so much more and have those credentials. Unfortunatley I live in a city that only offers cosmetology school and I have looked into makeup artist school but in a different city. I don't have a portfolio. 

Mar 12, 2012

Eliana G.

Thanks so much for the advice.

Mar 12, 2012

Molly B.

I went to make up school. I learned how to apply it on other people with different eye shapes and such. It helped a little bit but not a lot. If you really want to just sign up to work at a make up counter like at Macys or Nordstrom or one of those because you do not need to go to school to work for one of those. You'll be working and making money while also learning more. Make yourself a business card and give it to any local modeling schools or photographer places and say you're a make up artist. If you have any questions just comment on my page or email me & I will help you as much as I can (:

Mar 12, 2012

Franky F.

Where do you live? Anywhere NH because we need a mua but we can not pay but it would be great for your portfolio and I will supply the makeup

Mar 12, 2012

Marla W.

I ahave the same problem/questions I live in detroit and I am not sure where to start... I am fairly new to makeup but I am always asked to do make up for others. I tried looking online for schools but I encountered the same problem... they were not in my area. Anywho I wish you well on your journey I am on one as well. God bless :)

Mar 12, 2012

Eliana G.

awe thank you so much Franky but I live in Texas, that would be soo awesome. Thank you Marla, and I have the same issue no schools but I have looked at some and I think I'll be willing to move temporarily to that city to get my studies done. I wish u well too!

Mar 12, 2012

Eliana G.

Thanks Molly for your advice!! Its really appreciated!!

Mar 12, 2012

Ashleigh R.

Wish I could find a school around here for it as well, but I live in west TN. Nashville didn't have anything for me, plus it's 2 hours away from my home. I might have to move to NJ for a school, if I can find one..sometimes finding them online doesn't always help. I'm also self-taught, but I want more experience and something to fall back on as education if someone wants me to work for them. So glad you made a discussion about this!

Mar 12, 2012

Mari P.

I myself was in the same situation but luckily I found a makeup academy here in NJ (the only one in the state) and registered for the training. I believe is worth while because you not only learn the freelancing artistry but also learn hair styling, airbrushing and could even sign up for FX classes. The best part is that you get certified which to me equals to more credentials that brings a level of professionalism to your name. 

Mar 12, 2012

Mari P.

I guess it is all about the school as some school incorporate the kits and airbrush machine with the classes and even though it is expensive it is an investment as you will train with experienced MUA's. Also, maybe interning with a MUA could be another alternative.

Mar 13, 2012

Eliana G.

Im glad to hear all your thoughts. Well I've looked into schools and yes they are expensive but I really want the certification and credentials. I went to www.makeupmag.com and they have a list of schools. Mina I actually looked into one in Vancouver that sounded really great, but im not familiar with anything about Canada. Im single no kids and nothing really holding me down. I went to glaminar conducted by Kandee Johnson and she gave us great tips on how to start as freelance mua but Im afraid of people asking for credentials. Im always open to learning so I think I made my decision and going to school is what Im going to do.

Mar 13, 2012

Enisa H.

what about just signing up for some classes to get your foot in the door if youre having trouble finding schools?

Mar 13, 2012

Franky F.

Just a thought Eliana, you might be able to build your portfolio by looking on Craigslist and other types of list where there will be model shows, low budget movies where they might not be able to pay you but you can get exposure. Aslo, a lot of MUAs do tutorials on YOU TUBE and other Social Media, just take some photos after you are completed with the tutorial and add it to your portfolio. 

Mar 14, 2012

Debras S.

I'm a licensed cosmetologist and the school I attended offered air-brush make-up class (at an additional) that I took but I'm pretty much self taught due to my love of make-up. I now own a company that goes on-site for events and we do hair and make-up. People do want to see some kind of document; license, certificate, etc.

Mar 15, 2012

Ashley G.

I freelance, I haven't gone to makeup school I'm self taught but I will be going next year just to say I have a diploma for that field. It isn't necessary unless you want to be unionized. 

Mar 16, 2012

Lauren C.

I advise against going to a school. Typically the instructors are just former students that have no real industry experience and teach from outdated text books. It's a waste of money. I've been a makeup artist for 7 years and never went to school for it and I get a lot of business. Whoever told you to build your kit and just jump in was wise in my opinion. The year and a half you would have spent in school learning stuff you probably already knew, could have been a year and a half you were gaining real industry experience and networking with those who matter.

Mar 20, 2012

Amoure J.

I've heard from various sources who are for and against school. I've decided for myself although I know what I'm doing and I can learn from practice that it never hurts to have it on paper. I suggest going to school because now that I'm in school there were a lot of things I didn't know about (especially concerning working with one of the largest organs on our body..the skin) and it's really helped me to recognize things and become more familiar with them. There is nothing wrong with being prepared and even doing side freelancing so yes have you kit ready and pass your card out. I know I still do. But if you're open to learning more then I say go right ahead because it's very much worth it. Blessings to you on your journey. 

Mar 20, 2012

Catey P.

I think it comes down to networking, mostly. If you think that you can get in friendly with enough people in the business as a freelance artist, then go for it. But if you need help "getting your foot in the door," then school would be a good idea. In creative businesses, it's all about who you know.

Apr 3, 2012

Antonio Z.

I live in utah and the same problem come around, no makeup schools :/
There is only one and it says is only a 2 week course, I want to do makeup school, but IDK if that school is something to invest money on, I've hear that makeup school take around 10 months, i don't know if this is true, but I wouls like to know what you guys think?
a 2 week corse should be really makeup school?

Apr 5, 2012

Cynthia J.

Another option would be to look into online MUA schools. They can have some pretty in-depth tutorials and some require you to practice on others & send in photos of you work to be graded. Some of these schools, even online, can be farely expensive, but you are not required to pick up and move somewhere for a few months up to a year. I know that University of Makeup is currently, and quited frequently, offering a 50% discount on their courses.
Another great source for some additional schooling for a reasonable price is Robert Jones Beauty Academy. It is not expensive at all and you can work through the course at your own pace, and Robert has some great tutorials. He also has several books on the subject of makeup artistry which are excellent. I am an esthetician, by trade, and I am also looking to get into freelance MUA. I learned the basics of makeup application in Cosmetology school & I am currently taking online classes at RJBA and really enjoy it. I live in Iowa so finding a MUA school is pretty much impossible.

Apr 8, 2012

Eliana G.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! FOR ALL OF UR RESPONSES...REALLY HELPED ALOT