When you work as a makeup artist, you can aim for many types of careers in this area of beauty. Makeup artists are needed for weddings, special events, film and television productions, advertising and photo shoots, and other types of work. The job opportunities will vary, depending on where you live. For instance, if you live in Los Angeles or New York, you will likely find a lot more work in the movie or modeling industries than in other areas. Many makeup artists work independently, or add this type of training to their existing cosmetology resume. Some makeup programs are geared towards licensure, while others may spend a few weeks focused on a particular area, such as special effects techniques. This is why it is essential to compare all your options for makeup artist training programs.
Take a quick moment to enter your zip code on the search box to view your local makeup artist school options. After you reach out to all your top choices, each school should contact you directly to discuss their programs and answer your questions. Continue reading to find out more about makeup artist curriculum salary and job outlook, licensure and top questions you should ask before enrolling…
Makeup Artist Classes & Career Opportunities
You may already have a grand vision for what your future looks like as a makeup artist. Even so, you should compare your program options and consider how each one could impact your career. In addition to the time it takes to complete and cost, you need to be sure the courses will give you the skills to stand out to clients and prospective employers.
There are many types of makeup artistry programs, but here are some common courses that may be offered at beauty schools near you:
- Wedding
- Special effects
- Seasonal
- Male and senior
- Theater
- Color theory
- Safety and sanitation
- Fundamentals in makeup artistry
Makeup Artist Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics compiles data on salary and job statistics for all major occupations and industries. They state the mean annual wage for theatrical and performance focused makeup artists to be $67,580, according to their most recent data. Of course, how much you can earn will depend largely on where you live, what kind of makeup artistry work you perform, and how many hours per week you spend with clients. This should be a top topic of conversation with every school you speak with.
Makeup Artistry Licensure By State
Some states have individual makeup artist license certification processes, while others don’t. In some states, you may have to earn your esthetician or cosmetology certification to work professionally as a makeup artist. This is another one of those critical subjects that you should discuss with every makeup school you speak with. After all, why pursue makeup education and training if it won’t help you qualify for a career.
Some things to consider before enrolling in makeup artist school…
Before you jump in and make a decision, be sure to step back and think through this decision. After you request information from each of your local makeup school options, write down a list of your questions and concerns about moving forward. If you plan wisely, you can avoid unnecessary stress down the road.
Here are some topics to address with each makeup school you talk to:
Financial aid – what are their options? Private and federal loans are sometimes offered, as well as personal repayment plans worked out directly with the school. Sometimes, students can even find scholarship opportunities that can ease the burden of tuition and fees.
Licensing – does their program meet state requirements? Find out if the curriculum is designed to help you meet the knowledge and skills test your state requires.
Class schedule & timeline of completion – will your class schedule work with your current personal or professional life? Now is the time to think through any sacrifices or challenges you might face. Many makeup schools work with students who have all kinds of situations and challenges they have to overcome.
Job preparation services – what kinds of career services and networking opportunities do they have for students? Do they have relationships with employers who trust the quality of their instructors? Find out how each school helps students position themselves for success. This can be just as important as cost and class schedule in regards to your ability to succeed.
Of course, you should discuss cost and the challenges that are unique to your life and career goals. We wish you luck as you pursue your dream of working in the beauty industry as a makeup professional. Be sure to connect with us on social media, so we can keep up with your stellar makeup skills!
Nail Design
Nail design training is trending! Ready to get started?
As you’ll see below, the overall outlook for manicurists and pedicurists seems positive, according to the latest jobs data. If you picture yourself working at a salon or spa, giving manicures, pedicures, applying nails, and performing nail artistry services, consider your nail design training options. Many states allow professionals to work in this area of beauty after completing certain license requirements that include training hours at a qualifying program. After you read more about nail design training, use our resources to view your local beauty school options.
When you search for the right program, you might also consider cosmetology or esthetician training before making a decision. Some schools offer several types of beauty programs that can help students with all kinds of career goals in this creative field. Be sure to request info from all your options, so you are confident about your decision to enroll in the right one for your aspirations.
Nail Design Classes & Job Expectations
Every nail design school will have its own curriculum and learning goals. However, this is a sneak peek at what you can expect when you enroll in manicurist and pedicurist training programs.
- Common nail design courses:
- Sanitation and infectious disease control
- Gel art and sculpting
- Acrylic nail application
- Manicure techniques
- Pedicure techniques
- Cosmetology chemistry
- Foot and ankle massage
Salary and Job Outlook for Manicurists and Pedicurists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is the government agency that tracks job salary and employment data. They predict the job growth for manicurists and pedicurists to be 12% between the years 2016-2026. This is almost double the national average for all other jobs, which is 7% for the same period. They also state that most nail design professionals work in nail salons, spas, or hair salons. About 28% of them are self-employed, which means they may own their own business, or work part-time for a select group of clients. Where you work, and what kind of clients you want will largely dictate where you work and how much you can earn. Be sure to ask each school you speak with what the job landscape looks like for nail design professionals in your city.
How to prepare for nail design training…
It doesn’t matter what kind of beauty school training you desire, you need to address several critical topics before making an enrollment decision. After you use our resources to connect with your local nail design schools, make a list of all the important topics related to your career goals. You also need to weigh your financial needs, work and family responsibilities, and other personal needs into your decision-making process.
Here are the top questions you should ask each beauty school you speak with about manicurist training:
- Do you have financial aid options for students like me? (Be sure to ask about Federal grants and scholarship opportunities.)
- Do you have day and evening classes for working professionals?
- Are your instructors experienced professionals?
- Is your program designed to help me qualify for licensure when I’m done?
- How quickly can this program be completed?
- What other program options should I consider to maximize my opportunities for success in our area?
- What employers have hired your graduates in the past?
- Do you host career fairs or other networking events for students?
How To Become A Makeup Artist?
Are you ready to reach out and start the conversation? Go ahead and enter your zip code in the box above to view your local results. From there, nail schools near you should reach out to you soon to help you make the right call. Good luck on your road to success in the world of beauty!