Quality training is the most important element in beginning a successful career as a makeup artist.  Where you study and what you study definitely dictates the results you will get.  To be considered a "professional" declares to the world that you have acquired the knowledge necessary to design and apply makeup for almost any project in film, television, high fashion photography, live performance, special effects, etc., and that you can create a huge variety of characters within a variety of situations.  With a great education a makeup artist build a credible reputation

So how can you go about getting the training you need?  Well, if you are living in Southern California, you are very lucky, as there are many choices.  Begin by asking if a school is licensed by the state of California.  Additionally, ask if the school is nationally accredited.  This ensures that the school has been reviewed by an agency that dictates very high standards for the education offered.  Also, an accredited school can offer financial aid packages to its students, which can make the school more affordable.

Once you have found a licensed and accredited school, ask if you can sit in on a class for 10-20 minutes.  You can get a good feel for the school by doing this.  Ask questions about the curriculum - what are you going to learn?  Ask about the qualifications of the teachers.  What kind of experience do the teachers have?  Ask about student services.  Are there Career Services at the school?  What is the job placement rate at the school? 

As a professional makeup artist, I often hire assistants, and the first thing I check out, is what makeup school they attended.  If they attended a reputable makeup school, chances are that I will be happy working with them, as they will know what to do and I won't have to stand over them correcting and changing their work.  I'm not going to pay someone I have to train; anyone I hire must know what to do and how to do it.

A professional makeup artist doesn't know just how to apply lipstick and mascara, a professional knows how to transform the girl next door into a glamorous red carpet beauty or take that same girl next door and transform her with FX makeup into a mutated zombie.  Many wannabe artists do not know how lighting plays such a huge part in the aesthetics of makeup.  Certain lighting can completely kill a beautiful makeup application or enhance it.  Cameras can also affect the way makeup needs to be applied, and many technical factors need to be considered when designing and applying makeup.  A good school will provide all the specialized training you will need.

Additionally, there is the business side of this artistic profession.  How are you going to deal with clients?  What will you do if you are hired as an independent contractor?  Should you sign a contract?  How do you get some employers to pay you on time?  Make sure the school you're going to attend has answers to these questions, and that they also teach you how to break down a budget, too.  A great school will give you all the tools you are going to need - so take the time to research the schools and you'll be on your way to a great career.