Should I Go To Makeup School? or Should I Self-teach?
Should I Go To Makeup School? or Should I Self-teach?
This is the question all aspiring makeup artists ask themselves before venturing into this career path. It doesn't matter if you choose to go to a makeup school or decide to self teach. Just make sure you choose the one that will keep you inspired and informed. To be considered an expert in this field, you have to be well educated. Educating yourself will be an ongoing practice if you want to keep evolving and getting better. I’m constantly educating myself because I know how important it is to learn past and new makeup techniques, and how to use makeup tools to better my artistry. When you are learning a new makeup style, it's important to understand the why and the how? Why does adding a transition colour to your eyeshadow palettes help you take your eyeshadow blending skill to the next level? Now show me how it's done. Understanding this will make the application process smoother and it will boost your confidence if you want to add your own creativity. There are definitely pros and cons of makeup school vs self-teaching. Here are a few things to keep in mind and questions you should be asking when you are ready to choose one or the other.
Makeup School
Pros
Schools will help you feel confident
School is a good starting point for beginners who want to learn the foundation of makeup application. Going to a makeup school can be very exciting for those who have a passion for this form of art. Who doesn't want to play with makeup at school!? Since you are in school to learn how to apply makeup on others, it can be very overwhelming to learn about all the products and different application techniques. However, you don't learn it all in one day - classes are spread out over several months or even years depending on which school you decide to invest in. Students will also be provided with makeup kits to help them practice and get familiar with different products.
School can keep you inspired
Another benefit of going to a makeup school is that you are surrounded by other people who share the same interest. Not everyone who registers for a makeup course will be at the same level. This can be an advantage because you can learn from one another. It's easier to share and connect with someone who has the same passion and similar goals as you while attending the same school. Having a sense community can be very inspiring for artists in this industry.
Choose a focus
Choosing a focus is very important in this industry. Once you have a focus, it's easier to master that style of makeup. The goal is to master one area rather than be mediocre in many styles. That's how I like to see things. It will also save you a lot of time and money in the future. If you just want to focus on special effects makeup, you won't have to invest heavily in beauty makeup products. Some schools offer a wide range of makeup courses, from glamour makeup for events, to bridal and fashion photography. Fantasy and special effects makeup are also offered in certain school for students who want a career in theatre and film/tv industry. This can be great for students who are unsure about which style and path they want to pursue.
It's all about your connections
One thing I can appreciate about makeup schools is they're well connected. Some schools have built amazing relationships with potential employers and professional makeup artists. Students have the opportunity for internship placement with these companies to gain some real life experience and build start building their portfolio. Throughout the year, guest speakers will be invited to speak to the students on various topics. It's a great opportunity for students to learn about techniques and get some advice about the industry. Some schools will also offer a business of makeup course where they will touch on how to go about starting your own makeup business. Not everyone that goes to makeup school wants to be self employed, but for those people who do, schools can really help you out.
Cons
School portfolio is not enough to get you your dream job
Before you sign up for a makeup school it's very important to know what value that school is adding to your career. Take the time to research and ask the right questions. The first misconception about going to makeup school is you will get your dream job right after graduation. Most employees or clients want to hire an artist based on their experience and portfolio. The portfolio you worked on at school will not get you your dream job. Having a solid portfolio takes time. The more you grow as an artist over the years, the better your portfolio with get and the more opportunities will come your way.
Makeup schools do not prepare you for real-life situations
Being being a makeup artist can be very rewarding because you are making clients feel beautiful or helping a team of people bring their vision to life. However, it can also be very expensive, time consuming, physically demanding and mentally draining. Sometimes you have to experience certain things to learn how to better handle them in the future. Schools can't teach you that. Most work that comes your way in the beginning will be unpaid work. Focus on getting experience and building your portfolio until you feel confident enough to charge. Take the time to master your techniques.
Learning how to do a wide range of faces makes a truly great artist. Some schools don't always educate on different skin tones and skin types. When you enroll in a makeup class you are most likely practicing on other students there with you. It's rare that you will have access to a wide range of skin tones, skin types and age groups. I can't stress how important it is to know how to work on any one that sit in your chair if you want to be successful in this industry. When you are hired for a job, whether it's a wedding, or private clients, or photoshoots or on a set for a movie/tv you are expected to know how to do makeup on anyone that sits in your chair. This includes men and children. Avoid referring to yourself as a professional before you can adequately do the job.
Let's be real not everyone is meant to teach
Makeup school can be such an amazing experience if you have a supportive, talented and patient teacher. It's very important to research who will be teaching your classes. Asking questions like how many years of teaching experience do they have and how long have they been in the makeup industry is key. Are they currently working as a makeup artist? Are they up to date with new trends? What opportunities have they had in the industry that has made them a better artist? Clients will expect you to be an expert when they are hiring you as their artist. Make sure you have an artist who is an expert and can guide you in the right direction.
Some schools will cut corners
One last issue I wanted to point out about some makeup schools the lack of proper kits provided to their students. Tools are extremely important in developing your artistic skills. How can you become a makeup artist with terrible tools or without the understanding of products and application? Some schools will cut corners and give students cheap kits. It is unfair for students who are investing thousands of dollars in their education. Don't be shy to ask what type of kit the students will be receiving. Those are a few questions you have to keep in mind and ask any school or even makeup artist you want to invest your money in for education.
Self-taught
You cannot be lazy
Choosing to be self-taught can save you a lot of time and money from schools that don't meet your expectations. It's definitely not an easy path because you are accountable for making sure you educate yourself. You have to constantly keep yourself inspired, motivated and committed to your goals since you are not in a classroom setting. The more work you put in the more you will grow as an artist. Many amazing makeup artists are self- taught. Just keep working at it, and you will see improvement.
Learning from an artist you admire can be very valuable
My advice for any artist who wants to improve on their skills is to reach out to working professionals. Check if they offer private lessons or take seminar classes. This is great opportunity to learn from an artist you admire. Some artists are dedicated to helping students by sharing tips and tricks and giving advice about the industry. This is great for students to get a different perspective about the industry and products. Makeup can be very expensive if you are going by trial and error. Having a professional recommend you their favourite products will save you a lot of money on your kit. Make sure these professionals have taught others in the past and ask for testimonies.
Work at cosmetic counter
A lot of people always ask me if I've gone to makeup school. At this point in my life, the answer is no. I have not attended a makeup school. This doesn't mean I will not sign up for courses in the future to better my artistry if I find an amazing teacher/or school. Everything I know is from teaching myself and working for Mac Cosmetics. That's where I found my passion for makeup. I worked there for almost 4 years. I recommend that all makeup artists should get a job at a makeup counter at some point in their career. This can give you an opportunity to gain hands on experience working on different faces and as well gain extensive customer service skills. Which is very important in any service business. Most of my clients come from word of mouth. Working at Mac really helped me learn how to ask the right questions. Asking open-ended questions helped me bring my clients vision to life. I also felt really confident working on anyone sitting in my chair. I always loved that their company motto is to service all races, all sexes and all ages. The more faces I worked on, the more I got better at doing makeup and also fixing my mistakes. Working at a cosmetic retail job is not for everyone, but it's a good opportunity to bring your makeup skills and business knowledge to a different level. Once you learn a new skill, put it to practice. Take lots of pictures! That's how you start developing your portfolio.
I hope this post helps someone who is interested in starting a career in makeup and isn't sure if they want to attend school or not.
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