Help/advise from painters that also work as makeup artists

At my face painting events, I have so many moms ask me if I do makeup work (both airbrush & traditional), I've decided to try and branch out into makeup artist. While I'm completely confident in my ability to do my own makeup, I'm trying to figure out where to start training and/or find some great resources to offer makeup services for individuals, theatrical productions, etc.

I've tried Google for training in my area and I keep getting Cosmetology schools that require you to take courses on hair, nails - the whole 9 yards. I was hoping you guys could help me figure out where to start. Books, websites, courses, your own getting started experience, advice....anything.

I don't live too far from Atlanta, and it seems it's become such a hot spot for filming movies and tv shows, I'm hoping to go full-time makeup artist one day. Even weddings and special events would be great. It would be so nice to have a job that does not make me want to bang my head against the wall.

as far as I know, to be a professional makeup artist, you do need a diploma in cosmetology from a college.

http://makeupmag.com/

Great magazine and on the page there is a list with makeup schools =)

Just move to LA -- it seems like there is a make up school on every corner that will take your money -- Just kidding

Though from what I've seen about these schools, they seem to be separate from cosmetology schools....

If I am not mistaken, you can go to MAC cosmetics 'school', but it is PRICEY but only makeup. You would have to look a bit deeper, but I believe that is a start.....

But first, look at all the youtube tutorials you can (and practice), borrow or buy books (and practice), look at pictures (and practice). There are also forums like modelmayhem.com (sorry Metina, if I can't mention it) there is an entire makeup artist section, where they are very friendly to ask questions. But only if it hasn't been asked many times before. So search the site and read this http://www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thread_id=241858 (and then practice). Maybe go to a trade show (and practice when you get home). If there is still some things you don't know, you are well prepared to go to makeup school and ask the teachers. (and practice some more)

So is the school a requirement or a preference?

it would probably depend on where you are.... here you need to be licensed.

There are lots of make-up artists here that didn't go to school for it. Self-taught, but still have to follow regs.

And agreed with LW... both on the Youtube and all the practice. I'm just getting into makeup as a necessity from the body painting. It's fun, but I like the paint better and I can only stand one expensive outlet.

Generally make-up artists have a diploma - to get into the unions or get jobs with the major brands, etc. you need one.

My diploma program included units in hair styling, professional development, as well as the various make-up specializations (fundamentals, beauty/fashion, television/film, special effects, theatre, etc.)

The hair training has come in handy over the years - I do a lot of period hair and wig styling for theatre.

I also passed the union exams and kit inspection for IATSE in Vancouver (now if you think make-up school is expensive ... the kit requirement to pass the inspection involved spending about as much as my whole diploma cost on top of what I already had!!)

Doing your own make-up is VERY different than doing someone elses. Personally, I can do other people's easier than my own but I have never worn make-up on a daily basis (usually just for costume purposes).

Sure you can pick up information on the net, but seeing it in person and having someone there to "correct" and assist is worth taking a course. Presuming they are good at it, that goes without saying!!

Even a short course at a local cosmetology school would be worthwhile to get the basics down and learn about local regulations and licensing requirements. Most towns of any size have a beauty school of some sort.

MAC does offer short classes, but most of the more advanced are for industry professionals (MAC Pro members).

I have typed a reply on this thread TWICE and it's disappeared both times. I'm too tired to re-type the whole thing again.

Thanks to some of the links you guys gave me, I was able to find some schools/courses in the Atlanta area. They are pretty expensive, but relatively short. Hopefully I can save up enough money during my Spring/Summer festival season for the courses. I also found out the state of Georgia does not require professional makeup artists to have license, but I would like to take the courses anyway. Maybe it would open up more doors for me in the future.

training is always a good thing!

i worked as a makeup artist for several years as a cosmetologist. i was not really trained in the beginning in doing makeup but just picked it up because i was allowed! (Kind of a natural step as i did do facials)so i kind of taught myself and learned from others i worked with at the time. mainly i did makeup for photo shoots and weddings.