Any makeup artists out there who have certification?

[Bellagigi]

Hey there. I have been freelancing for years now but am pretty much self trained with other experience coming from what training I received whilst working the beauty counters. I want to get back into the business and am considering a pretty expensive (to me anyway) certificate program for MU artistry training.

I would like to hear from those of you who have already taken that road. Was it worth it to you? I would love to have a real solid base of formal training since I have never truly had that. This program goes into theatrical, runway, television, airbrush, the whole nine yards. Have any of you been through similar programs and if so do you mind telling me what the cost was? What makeup were you trained with? Are you happy with your decision?

For years I have wanted to go to school to learn how to be an esthetician but I really feel my heart belongs to color. I just can't decide what kind of certification would hold the strongest in the long run....an estheticians license or a diploma/certificate for training in makeup artistry. Of course experience in field is very important but I am wanting to know about the school/training portion of it. Thanks!!

 

[lipstickgrrll]

I can only give you my personal experience, but I have no 'makeup certification' or makeup school training. I do have an esthetician's license for NY/CA. Beauty school taught me nothing about makeup, but it's the only way you'd be able to work in a salon/spa.

I've done guest speaking at several makeup schools, and have used assistants from, and I have to say I was very impressed with MUD. Their assistants rocked and were better than other makeup artists on my team with 5+ years experience. They seem to be the most current with trends, etc. And if you have NO experience in makeup at all... I would recommend it.

I've never been to makeup school and it was all trial and error and I learned as I went. My feeling is you either got it or you don't. And in my business (photography makeup) no one EVER asks me if I'm certified or licensed. It's all about the work and your portfolio. Period. They could care less.

I'm not sure how department store makeup counters look for certification or if they require it... that may be another ballpark. It just depends exactly WHAT you want to do with makeup. For me, my esthetician's license gave me a great backup for $$$ when things were slow and put me through college and it's something I can always do later full time if I wish.

Case in point: I've worked with makeup assistants from full on makeup school that sucked and makeup assistants with less than a year's experience, no training that were amazing...

best of luck! let us know what you decide!

 

[Bellagigi]

Originally Posted by lipstickgrrll /img/forum/go_quote.gif I can only give you my personal experience, but I have no 'makeup certification' or makeup school training. I do have an esthetician's license for NY/CA. Beauty school taught me nothing about makeup, but it's the only way you'd be able to work in a salon/spa.
I've done guest speaking at several makeup schools, and have used assistants from, and I have to say I was very impressed with MUD. Their assistants rocked and were better than other makeup artists on my team with 5+ years experience. They seem to be the most current with trends, etc. And if you have NO experience in makeup at all... I would recommend it.

I've never been to makeup school and it was all trial and error and I learned as I went. My feeling is you either got it or you don't. And in my business (photography makeup) no one EVER asks me if I'm certified or licensed. It's all about the work and your portfolio. Period. They could care less.

I'm not sure how department store makeup counters look for certification or if they require it... that may be another ballpark. It just depends exactly WHAT you want to do with makeup. For me, my esthetician's license gave me a great backup for $$$ when things were slow and put me through college and it's something I can always do later full time if I wish.

Case in point: I've worked with makeup assistants from full on makeup school that sucked and makeup assistants with less than a year's experience, no training that were amazing...

best of luck! let us know what you decide!

It's just something that has always been natural to me too. I have never really gotten far enough out there to know if I would be asked about a degree. So far I have worked for a few counters/a spa and done freelance of bridal, pageant and prom. I think I am leaning more toward the esthetician's license now. Like you said it would be a good thing to fall back on in down time. At least it would be a true diploma, technical but accredited nonetheless. I am uneasy about paying someone to teach me something I may already know about. I have to say I am a little worried about getting in the MUA class and them saying "this is an eyeliner, this is a lipstick." LOL I WOULD PASS OUT!!! REFUND PLEASE!!

 

[lipstickgrrll]

I think you can audit a class at a few schools. Just say you want to sit in on a few hours...and you can see how it goes. Also, try a few 1 day classes first... before putting $$ down on a full course. (LIke Billy B.'s seminar...) or check out the Makeup Show from the Powder Group.. try little things first and see... If you were in New York, I would totally invite you to the next guest speaking thing I do at MUD..