Makeup Artist Schools in Maryland

If you live in Maryland and you want to become a makeup artist, where can you learn the skills you'll need to be a standout artist?

Basically, you have four options.

They are:

1. Go to a Makeup School. These schools teach the "A to Z" of makeup. You'll learn a wide array of makeup techniques, how to use color theory, how to work with photographers, and how to use airbrush techniques. On the plus side, the education at these schools is top-rate. On the down side, tuition is extremely high ($10 to $15K or more). There are only a couple dozen in the United States, and most of them are situated in New York, Florida, Texas, and California (and Georgia, surprisingly). But, guess what: Maryland has got a few schools, and they're fantastic. We've included their contact information below.

2. Cosmetology Schools. In cosmetology schools, there isn't the same focus on makeup; instead, these schools provide a broader beauty education, and teach how to cut and style hair, how to beautify the skin, how to perform manicures, and how to properly apply makeup. The biggest advantage of going to a cosmetology school is that after you graduate, you can take a state cosmetology test and get a license that will allow you to work in any salon or spa in the state.

3. Private Lessons from Makeup Artists. This is such a great option--instead of going to school, go straight to the professionals! There are plenty of makeup artists in Maryland, and many of them would be happy to provide you with private instruction for a fair fee. And, if you've got friends who are also interested in makeup, you can negotiate a lower rate. The advantage of private lessons is that you can ask for specific instruction on any topic of your choosing. Want to learn a specific technique, or how to build a portfolio, or how to run a small business? Just ask!

4. Single-Day or Multi-Day Workshops. These are a great to opportunity to learn some new skills, make professional contacts, and learn the tricks of the trade. Workshops are usually very affordable, as well. Check on Yelp to see if there are any workshops coming up in the larger metropolitan areas, such as Baltimore, Annapolis, Frederick, Rockville, Gaithersburg, and Bowie.

Which is the Best Option?​

Technically, you don't need to go to school to become a makeup artist. So you don't need to go for training. However, we advise our readers to seriously look at cosmetology schools. Here's why:

In order to do makeup in any kind of business establishment (such as a hair salon or spa), you'll need to have a cosmetology license, and in order to get a cosmetology license, you'll need to go to a cosmetology school. Many people do freelance makeup for private clients (such as brides, models at a fashion shoot, or actors in a movie or play) without a license, but you'll never be able to work in a salon or spa. In order to work at a salon or spa, you'll need a license.

So while a cosmetology education won't teach you all you need to know about makeup, it will give you more professional opportunities--and, in many cases, set you apart from other makeup artists who don't have cosmetology training.

But, of course, it's up to you! Learn about all the choices you have, look at your situation, and figure out the option that feels right to you.

Types of Jobs​

Now that we've discussed training, what kind of work can you hope to do as a makeup artist? We talked in detail about jobs on our home page, but here's a quick recap:

Salon makeup artists make their clients look their best, and teach customers how to apply makeup and look great;

Fashion makeup artists and their assistants prepare models for photo shoots, fashion shows, and runways;

Bridal makeup artists help brides prepare for their wedding days, and make sure that the makeup on the brides' faces will look good in photo albums--and last all day and into the night; and

Television and film makeup artists get actors ready for the camera, and special effects makeup artists transform people into magical sci-fi creatures.

There's one other type of makeup career, and that's corporate makeup. Makeup companies need creative men and women to figure out what next season's "look" will be. They analyze trends, brainstorm new products, and figure out ways to keep customers happy. It's not the most romantic area of makeup, but it's a fantastic way to make a steady paycheck and do something you love.​

Maryland Makeup Schools​

How fantastic is Maryland? There are some truly fantastic makeup artist schools in Maryland you can attend, and they are: