Course Overview
Makeup artists design and apply makeup to deliver a sense of drama whether in a film, theatre, photographic or social media platform. The complexity and type of concept will vary depending on the production and character but good makeup artists can execute a wide range of looks across different genres.
Working as a makeup artist, there are various progression routes. The freelance nature of the profession means that you may move between trainee makeup assistant, makeup artist, chief makeup artist and designer roles depending on your experience.
… You’re interested in becoming a make-up artist
… You have a special interest in theatre or film
… You love learning new make-up techniques and experimenting with new looks
… You’re creative and hardworking.
As a make-up artist, you’re responsible for applying makeup and styling hair for people appearing in films, television programmes, photo shoots or live events like concerts, plays and fashion shows. Hairdressing plays a big part of this course and the industry employs multi-talented individuals who are able to apply makeup and style hair in one shoot.
During the course, you’ll learn basic hairdressing techniques and specific media make-up skills including:
- Make-up for stage
- Ageing for stage
- Special effects
- Work placement
- Wig making
- Basic hairdressing
- Using hair pieces
- Fashion make-up
- Photographic make-up
- Period make-up
- Face painting
- Body art design
- Nail art application
You’ll be assessed via practical and themed assignments, a portfolio of work and multiple-choice test questions.
Upon completion of the course, you’ll gain the Level 2 Diploma Hair and Media Make-up.
To enter the course, you’ll need a minimum of 3 GCSEs grade D or above or an appropriate Level 1 Diploma qualification AND a creative flair or evidence of art work.
Applicants without the minimum GCSEs, will be considered based on previous experience or other qualifications.
Following completion of this course, you could progress onto the Level 3 Diploma in Theatrical and Media Make Up, or go directly into employment or further education.
Working as a make-up artist, you’ll find that there is no defined progression route. The freelance nature of the profession means that you may move between trainee make-up assistant, make-up artist, chief make-up artist and designer roles depending on your experience.
To enter the course, you’ll need a minimum of 3 GCSEs grade D or above or an appropriate Level 1 Diploma qualification AND a creative flair or evidence of art work.
Applicants without the minimum GCSEs, will be considered based on previous experience or other qualifications.
During your course, you’ll need to adhere to our dress code:
- Tunic with trousers and black sensible shoes must be worn in the salons
- Hair must be neatly tied back from the face and make-up worn for a professional image
- No visible piercings
- Only a wedding ring is allowed to be worn in the make-up room
As a condition of your place on this course, you will be expected to purchase the appropriate kit, from our approved supplier, cost TBC.
To reflect industry expectations, you will be required to wear a Coleg Gwent salon uniform which is to be ordered from our approved supplier. Details on how to order your uniform, with supplier payment options, can be obtained from your Head of School, Lecturer or Technician. The price for 2024/2025 is around £45, subject to inflationary price increase.
Additional costs could occur during the year for educational visits.
All costs are under review and subject to change.
