The Best Special Effects Makeup Schools in the US

Are you considering special effects makeup school? If so, The 3 Top Special Effects Makeup Schools Near You is here to help.

Special effects makeup artistry is similar to the regular makeup artist jobs, but it takes things to a whole new level. Both skill and competition levels are higher when you’re in the special effects specialty.

Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of the best special effects makeup schools in the US, so you can find the best fit for you. In this post, we’ll first cover the basics of what it means to be a special effects makeup artist, including career and salary statistics. Then we’ll show you well-researched profiles of the 3 best special effects makeup schools in the country.

The Best Special Effects Makeup Schools: Table of Contents

What Does a Special Effects Makeup Artist Do?
Video: How Movie Monsters Are Made
How Much Do Special Effects Makeup Artists Make?
How to Become a Special Effects Makeup Artist
The 3 Top Special Effects Makeup Schools in the US

What Does a Special Effects Makeup Artist Do?

Since you’re reading about the best special effects makeup schools, it’s probably safe to assume that you have some idea of what special effects makeup artists do. However, here’s a quick recap:

When you hear “professional make up artist,” it’s typical to imagine someone who uses makeup to cause others to look more beautiful…. But that’s not the case with special effects makeup artistry. (It’s also sometimes called prosthetic makeup.)

Special effects makeup artists use makeup to make their clients look terrifying, ragged, or non-human. Usually, this is for positions in plays or movies.

Roles & Duties of a Special Effects Makeup Artist

Use makeup to make actors and actresses faces have bruises, look much older, beat up, or have cuts
Design monsters from prosthetics and cosmetics
Work with the special effects department and the costume department to create a seamless out-of-this-world look for a character

In other words, a special effects make up artist transforms regular humans into magnificent mythological creatures or horrifying monsters.

Video: How Movie Monsters Are Made

In the video below, special effects makeup artist Howard Berger explains how he creates movie monsters. This movie makeup tutorial includes insider tips on creating larger-than-life characters on screen.

How to Become a Special Effects Makeup Artist

#1. In order to become a special effects makeup artist, you should first identify the best special effects makeup schools nearest you. However, the top beauty schools with special effects makeup artistry programs are often higher quality in large cities. Therefore, you might be building a stronger resume if you’re willing to travel to a large city, such as LA or NYC. There, you’d be right in the thick of it, working with the movie stars.

#2. The next step is to focus on standing out from the rest of your peers. Because when you graduate, competition will be tough. You’ll want to have a portfolio showcasing some pretty outstanding makeup artistry when you’re looking for jobs.

#3. Often, special effects make up artists work as freelancers, especially right after graduation. During this “newbie” period, they find jobs at local theaters, fashion shows, or even as “regular” make up artists.

It’s important not to be discouraged when you’re just starting out. Even if you’re not working behind the movie scenes yet, this is the perfect time to work on building up an impressive portfolio and resume.

It’s also a good time to network as much as possible, since who you know can play a big role in landing good jobs.

Hard work and perseverance pay off. Keep working, seek extra training courses for prosthetic makeup in your spare time, and stay true to your dream of becoming a special FX makeup artist.

#4. After working to establish yourself, continue to apply for special effects makeup jobs that sound exciting to you. The best is yet to come!

Tricks of the Trade:
How to Become a Better Special Effects Makeup Artist

top special effects makeup schools — Follow the link for the full photo gallery of the Mehron Makeup Special FX Kit for Beginners!

CHECK PRICE

While special effects makeup schools can offer you the best foundation, there are plenty of ways to become a better special effects makeup artist.

For example, you can watch the pro special FX makeup YouTube channels.
Another tip is to make sure you’re working with the best possible supplies. Think artificial blood, mask covers, and fake appendages. Play around with the best molds and developing your own personal special effects makeup kit.
And of course, practice like crazy on anyone who will let you!

The 3 Best Special Effects Makeup Schools in the USA

Tuition, location, and reputation are three of the biggest factors to consider when deciding on the best special effects makeup school for you. Below, you’ll find profiles of some of the top special effects makeup schools across the united states.

In order to find the one nearest you, use the custom search toolbar to receive a personalized list of the best special effects makeup schools near you.

Make-Up Designory

The Make-Up Designory is a makeup school system with locations all across the world. In the US, the Make-Up Designory has notable locations in Los Angeles and New York City. As part of their makeup artistry program, the school offers two special FX makeup classes: Special Effects Make-up Lab Techniques and Character Make-up Artistry.

The tuition is just shy of $25,000 at both locations, and each program is 812 hours long. For more information about financing your education, check out the school’s Financial Aid page.

E.I. School of Professional Makeup

Another top-rated special effects makeup school is the E.I. School of Professional Makeup in Hollywood, California. This program is 12 months long, and the tuition is $17,600.

Your education will prepare you to work in television, film, corrective beauty, theater, and fashion. In order to learn more, contact the school directly by emailing [email protected] or calling (323) 871 – 8318.

Cinema Makeup School

At the Cinema Makeup School, you’ll complete a month-long program. Some of the things you’ll learn about include airbrush techniques, lifecasting, blood tubing, and multi-piece prosthetics. The tuition cost for the 4-week special effects makeup program is $5,390.

In addition to the short special effects makeup program, Cinema Makeup School also offers a Film & Television Degree program that takes 26 weeks to complete.

Notably, the Cinema Makeup School understands how competitive the special effects makeup industry is. This is why they offer job hunting assistance to all students.

One famous makeup artist who went to Cinema Makeup School is Ve Neill, who has an enviable collection of two Emmy awards and three Oscars.

Now is the Time

Now is the time to take action! If your dream is to become a special effects makeup artist, then we encourage you to get started on this exciting career. Here’s what you should do next:

Use our handy school search bar to find the best special effects makeup school near you. Then, when you receive a list of the schools nearest you, reach out to their individual enrollment offices. Remember, most schools have financing plans, and many offer financial aid assistance.
Take advantage of the video and list of sources at the bottom of this article, so that you can be as prepared as possible.