Makeup Artist Schools in Kansas
It's kind of amazing, but we get a LOT of email about people not knowing where to get makeup instruction. If you loooove makeup--and it's fair to say we're pretty obsessed with it--where can you go to get an education?
Below, we'll talk about the training options and makeup schools for men and women who want to become employable makeup artists, and also list some training options for those of you who don't want to turn makeup into a career, but would love to take a few short-term classes.
Where You Can Learn About Makeup
In the beauty business, makeup is kind of a sub-specialty. There are plenty of beauty schools and many esthetician schools, but schools that only teach makeup techniques are kind of rare.
So, given that there aren't too many schools for makeup artistry, where can you go if you want to learn makeup techniques and possibly become a makeup artist? Here are your best options:
- Cosmetology Schools. This is you BEST option when it comes to breaking into the beauty business. Programs are usually reasonably priced (although some can get kind of pricey) and students become well-versed in a variety of disciplines. In other words, cosmetology schools teach to cut hair, how to apply makeup, how to keep skin clean and healthy, and how to do nails. You learn it all. Plus, people who go to cosmetology schools are able to apply for a Kansas cosmetology license and work in any kind of beauty salon or day spa.
- Makeup-Only Schools. These are the schools we were talking about above. They're super-expensive (very often $12,000 or more) but you'll get a truly in-depth education on makeup techniques and application.
- Local Workshops. Very often, a local MUA (or one from another city) will rent space and hold a few makeup classes. They often last only a day or two, and the subjects are often super-specific (like how to use airbrush techniques for the eyes or how to work with a particular skin imperfection). The wonderful thing about workshops is that they're low-cost options, and you can make some valuable professional contacts.
- Local MUAs. This is our favorite option, because it's so creative. If you want to learn about makeup, why not simply reach out to local makeup artists? Learn who's in your area, and then contact them directly. Tell that what you'd like to learn, and ask them about their rates for private classes. Depending on the artist's success level, some will meet with you and some will be too busy. But there's no better way to learn about the biz than from someone who's been there, done that. MUAs who already have their own freelance agency can be a great resource.
Ways To Make "Makeup Artist" Your Job Title
How do people get PAID to do makeup full-time?
Here's a quick run-down of the places makeup artists work:
- Salons. This is perhaps the most reliable way to make an income as a makeup artist. You'll probably be involved in all aspects of beauty--that is, you'll do hair, skin care, maybe nails, and also makeup. If you want to work in a beauty salon, you'll need a cosmetology license. Check with the Kansas Board of Cosmetology for more details.
- Movie Sets. Actors don't look like actors without makeup! This is one of the more glamorous areas of makeup. As you would guess, movie makeup is a very competitive field, so only artists who are at the top of their game get granted these jobs (but, as we've said in other posts--other people have become cinema makeup artists, so why can't you?!).
- Bridal Venues. Most brides employ a makeup artist on their big day, and if you live near a big city, this can be a FANTASTIC way to make a living.
- Fashion Shoots. These MUAs work with models and photographers to produce images for magazines, online sites, and advertisements. There's also some runway work involved, also that's not as frequent.
- Makeup Counters. This doesn't seem very glamorous, but it's a GREAT way to get into the makeup business and develop your skills, especially if you're younger.
We talked about makeup careers at length on our homepage, so definitely check that out.
What's The Right Career Option?
If you love makeup, what should your career path be? We get asked this a lot, most often from younger women who are just beginning their professional careers. Here's what we advise:
Learn about every single option you have available to you. Contact all your local cosmetology schools. Get in touch with local artists in your area. Browse the "Career" section of our site and see if anything speaks to you. Read the interviews. Gather as much information as you can, and then... follow your heart!
Kansas Classes and Schools
There are some EXCELLENT makeup schools in Kansas. Check out the following schools, and if none strike your fancy, scroll down for beauty schools available to you in Kansas.
Marinello Schools of Beauty
1601 West 23rd Street
Lawrence, KS 66046
(785) 832-2600
Bellus Academy
The West Loop Shopping Center at 1130 Westloop Place
Manhattan, KS 66502
(785) 539-1837
Marinello School of Beauty
512 Poyntz Avenue
Manhattan, KS 66502
(785) 776-4794
Backstage Makeup Studio
209 East Williams Street
Wichita, KS
(316) 765-4673
Eric Fisher Academy
6727 West Central
Wichita, KS 67212
(316) 440-5555
Marinello School of Beauty
1675 South Rock
Wichita, KS
(316) 681-2288
There are only a few makeup schools in Kansas, and some of the entries above are cosmetology schools that offer makeup training. We mentioned earlier that cosmetology schools are a FABULOUS way to get your start as a makeup artist, so here is a list of other cosmetology schools that you can contact:
Cowley College — Arkansas City Campus
125 South Second Street
Arkansas City, KS 67005
(620) 442-0430
Dodge City Community College
2501 North 14th Avenue
Dodge City, KS 67801
(620) 225-1321
Garden City Community College
801 Campus Drive
Garden City, KS 67846
(620) 276-7611
Northwest Kansas Technical College
1209 Harrison Avenue
Goodland, KS 67735
(800) 316-4127
Hays Academy of Hair Design
1214 East 27th Street
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 628-6624
Sidney’s Hairdressing College
200 East 3rd Avenue
Hutchinson, KS 67501
(620) 662-5481
Independence Community College
1057 West College Avenue
Independence, KS 67301
(620) 331-4100
Seward County Community College
1801 North Kansas Avenue
Liberal, KS 67901
(620) 624-1951
Kansas City Kansas Community College
6565 State Avenue
Kansas City, KS 66102
(913) 288-7800
Transformed Barber & Cosmetology Academy
1229 East 63rd Street
Kansas City, MO 64110
(816) 765-8222
Trendsetters School Of Cosmetology
1957 North 63rd Drive
Kansas City, KS 66102
(913) 514-2827
Z Hair Academy
2429 Iowa Street
Lawrence, KS 66047
(785) 749-1488
Regency Beauty Institute — Olathe Campus
12517 Rogers Road
Olathe, KS 66062
(913) 538-5087
Labaron Hairdressing Academy
8119 Robinson Street
Overland Park, KS 66204
(913) 642-0077
Mitsu Sato Hair Academy
9062 Metcalf Avenue
Overland Park, KS 66212
(913) 341-7286
Paul Mitchell The School — Overland Park
8731 West 95th Street
Overland Park, KS 66212
(913) 381-5757
Z Hair Academy
14471 Metcalf Avenue
Overland Park, KS 66223
(913) 402-4700
Fort Scott Community College
813 North Broadway Street
Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620) 231-3690
Regency Beauty Institute — Topeka
1930 Southwest Wanamaker Road
Topeka, KS 66604
(785) 272-0784
Paul Mitchell The School — Wichita
3242 North Rock Road
Wichita, KS 67226
(316) 630-0600
