Makeup Artist Schools in Alabama
Welcome to Makeup Artist Essentials! On this page, we'll discuss ways to learn about makeup if you live in the great state of Alabama. We'll discuss your training options, ways you can makeup into a career, and whether you not you need a license to become a practicing makeup artist.
Whether you want to become a professional makeup artist or simply want to learn more about makeup, we've got the info you need. First up:
Where Can I Learn About Makeup in Alabama?
There are a couple of different ways to become an expert in the field of makeup. Most people opt to go to:
- A school that focuses solely on makeup artistry. These are hard to find, as there are only a couple dozen such makeup schools in the United States. Most are located in larger metropolitan areas. They are, however, a great way to learn about makeup, and the programs at these schools usually last between three and six months. They can be a little pricey--in the neighborhood of $10,000 to $25,000--but they will teach you everything you need to know about fashion makeup.
- Private workshops that you can travel to. These last anywhere from two days to two weeks, and usually focus on a specific topic (such as eyeshadow, blush, or the business of being a makeup artist). Another great option, especially because they give you the chance to travel! You'll most likely be able to find classes like this in Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, Hunstville, and Tuscaloosa.
- Cosmetology schools. These are an EXCELLENT alternative to makeup schools, because there are hundreds of cosmetology schools in every single state. Makeup is only a small part of these schools--they teach hair, makeup, skin care, and nails--so you get a well-rounded beauty education. You'll also be able to get a cosmetologist license when you're finished.
You also have a few other options, if you're not interested in any of the options above. You can:
- Contact local makeup artists and pay for private lessons. It's actually a great way to learn more about makeup, create a few professional contacts in the local beauty industry, and maybe even score a makeup artist assistant gig.
- Look for impromptu classes. Sites like EventBrite.com and Yelp.com and Thumbtack.com often have a number of different makeup events listed, and you can sign up (usually for a small cost).
And, of course, you can also dive into YouTube, where there are billions of tutorials on how to apply makeup using different techniques. It's not as good as one-on-one instruction, but there is a wealth of information online.
If you're interested in special effects makeup, you may have to travel a little bit. At our last check, there are no makeup schools in Alabama dedicated solely to special effects makeup. There are some excellent programs in California, New York, and Florida (ie, places where the film and tv industry are very strong), so you may have to look there.
Ever Think About Doing Makeup For A Living?
Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could somehow convert your love of makeup, and turn it into a career somehow?
Well, other people have done it, so why can't you??
Here's a quick rundown of the different careers in makeup:
Fashion makeup is perhaps the most exciting career in makeup, and, of course, it's super competitive. Whenever you open a copy of Vogue or Glamour or go online and see a beautiful model with perfect makeup, a fashion makeup artist is the reason why that model looks so fabulous. The best part about fashion makeup is that there is work in every state.
TV and film makeup is also pretty competitive, but just as exciting. To find steady work as a TV/film makeup artist, you'll likely need to move to NYC or LA, but there are always local television shows, theatre productions, and events that need local makeup artists.
Bridal Makeup is a lot easier to get into, and just as satisfying. More and more brides are opting for a professional makeup artist to help them shine on their big day. The best part about bridal makeup is that no matter what part of the country you live in, you can find bridal work. And, you can do it part-time for some extra cash.
Spa and salon makeup is another great option that many people choose. People who have a cosmetology license or an esthetician's license are able to get hired by spas and salons to basically give people makeovers. The best part about these jobs is that there's a lot of variety--cosmetologists are involved in all aspects of beauty, and estheticians are involved in the health aspects of skin care, instead of just the beauty aspect of it.
What About State Licensing?
At the time we wrote this post, we haven't been able to find any laws about acquiring a license to become a makeup artist. That said, there are a few things that you'll need to remember:
- If you want to be a cosmetologist or esthetician to do makeup, you'll need to go to a cosmetology or esthetician school and get a license through the state of Alabama.
- If you do makeup in a salon or spa, you'll need a cosmetology license or an esthetician license. If you do freelance makeup with models, actors, and brides, you should be ok.
- State laws related to the beauty industry change frequently, so you may need to check with Alabama's Board of Cosmetology and Barbering homepage.
Is Cosmetology School Right For You?
We've found that many people who are interested in a makeup career are better suited to go to a cosmetology school (if that's not you, and you are dead set on becoming a makeup artist, that is FANTASTIC, and there is a ton of info on this site for you!).
Here are some of the benefits of a cosmetology school:
- You'll be able to get a license. If you have a cosmetology license, you'll pretty much always be able to get a job in a salon or spa, and that is a measure of safety that is always nice to have.
- You can stay local. Some areas of the makeup biz are regional--meaning, if you want to get into fashion makeup, you may have to move to NYC; if you want to get into TV and film, you may have to move to LA. As a cosmetologist, though, you can pretty much work anywhere.
- Once you get a cosmetology license, you can still do makeup! If anything, it'll make you more well-rounded in the beauty industry.
If you do decide to go to a cosmetology school, make sure you don't spend too much, as some schools can get quite pricey. There are plenty of affordable options, so be sure to look around until you find "the right school and the right price."
Makeup Schools in Alabama
At current, there are no schools dedicated solely to makeup, but there are three makeup artists who give lessons in Alabama. They are:
Rawwbeauty Makeup Artistry
Birmingham, AL
(205) 533-5843
Pro Makeup Artist Studio
224 Church Street NW
Huntsville, AL 35801
(256) 585-2888
SassyBo Spa and Makeup
Madison, AL
(256) 975-8768
If you decide to become a makeup artist--either full-time or part-time--we wish you the best of luck! Stop back for guidance on your career, what products to use, and how to maximize your earnings, and GOOD LUCK!
