Makeup Artist Schools in Rhode Island
If you're interested in a career in makeup--or you simply want to learn new styles and application techniques--you've got a lot of great training options. Here are the best ways to develop your skills and learn new things:
- Attend a Makeup School. These are full-time programs that teach everything you could ever imagine about makeup artistry. They're similar to cosmetology schools, but with the entire focus is on makeup techniques and styles. They teach different "styles" of makeup such as bridal, fashion, film, photography, and avant-garde, and they help people begin their professional careers by teaching how to put together a makeup kit and how to develop a makeup portfolio.
- Enroll in a Cosmetology Program. This is also an option if you're looking into makeup careers, because you'll get a thorough introduction to different areas of beauty. You'll learn how to cut hair, style it, color it, and shape it; how to give manicures and pedicures; how to figure out the best skin care routine for a client; and how to do some basic makeup techniques. It's a pretty big time commitment--most programs last for many months--so you should go only if you're serious about becoming a makeup artist or a beautician.
- Attend Makeup Classes Hosted By a Pro. Local makeup artists usually LOVE giving private lessons, because it's a great way for them to make some extra cash (and it's a lot less stressful than a wedding or photo shoot!). Simply look up a few makeup artists in your area or nearest metropolitan center, and ask about their rates. You can even invite some friends along and make it an outing. And, if you get SUPER lucky, you might find a makeup artist who is looking for an apprentice or assistant, and that can truly open some professional doors for you.
- Attend "Intensive" Programs. Very often, a makeup professional or a cosmetics company will host a series of short-term classes in a local studio or hotel. These can be an affordable way to get instruction on a particular topic, and they're an outstanding way to make professional connections and learn more about the biz. Highly recommended. You can look for intensives in Newport and Providence, and branch out to Portland and Boston if nothing's showing up.
Beauty Careers Related To Makeup
We wrote at length about this on our front page, but it's good to revisit it: how do makeup artists actually earn a living? What do they do?
There are plenty of different jobs that makeup artists have, and it's not uncommon for them to do more than one of the following:
- Fashion makeup, at photo shoots, runway events, and fashion shows;
- Film makeup, on the sets of movies, tv shows, and commercials;
- Theatrical makeup, at concerts, plays, and musicals;
- Special effects makeup, for movies and TV;
- Bridal makeup, for happy people on their "big day"; and
- "Corporate" makeup for cosmetic companies.
We'd urge you to pay particular attention to bridal makeup. Every year, more and more brides opt to pay a couple hundred dollars for services from a professional makeup artist, and that means that there's an increase in the need of professional who do bridal work. It can be a great area to get into, especially if you're looking to do bridal makeup as a side-gig on weekends.
We'd also suggest considering a career on the corporate side of things. If you're super-in love with makeup but don't like the idea of running your own small business, working for a makeup company can be a great way to do focus on doing what you love and for a company you admire. There are job openings for advertisers, sales people, instructors, and product developers. Something to think about!
Developing Your Career
So now that you know where to go to learn more about makeup, where can you learn about the business side of things?
This, honestly, is the tough part!
We've put together a ton of posts about starting a small business, networking to build relationships (and remember--business is all about relationships), and building your portfolio. So poke around, and if there's something you'd like us to write about, jump over to the "Contact" page and let us know! We'll write about it.
Acquiring A State License
This is a VERY common concern. If you become a makeup artist, will you need some kind of Rhode Island license?
If you plan to work in any kind of beauty salon or beauty establishment, you're going to need to get a cosmetology license (or an esthetician's license, if you choose to do esthetics). It is illegal to work in a spa, salon, or any other kind of beauty establishment without a license.
If you want to work for yourself as a freelance makeup artist, as someone who does photo shoots, bridal parties, runway shows, fashion events, etc, you may not need a license. There seems to be no mention of makeup artist licenses on the Rhode Island Board of Cosmetology site, and there are many self-employed makeup artists who are not licensed. The state of Rhode Island may eventually be more aggressive about makeup artistry and licensing, but at present, there are many makeup artists (ie, salespeople at makeup counters) who apply makeup and do not have a license.
If you have any questions, we'd recommend contacting the Rhode Island Board of Cosmetology at (401) 222-5960. They can answer any questions you have, and walk you through any concerns you have.
Rhode Island Makeup Training
There is one notable makeup artist school in Rhode Island. It is:
Sara Faella Beauty
64 Orange Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 323-6133
There are a few Empire Beauty Schools in the state that offer training courses, but those are part of their cosmetology course, and that’s something to remember: many makeup artists get their start with a cosmetology degree. That can be a VERY affordable option, and it’s worth looking into. Cosmetology schools in Rhode Island include:
Paul Mitchell The School — Cranston Campus
30 Chapel View Boulevard
Cranston, RI 02920
(401) 946-9920
Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy
1400 Oaklawn Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920
(401) 463-3633
Lincoln Technical Institute — Cosmetology Program
622 George Washington Highway — Lincoln Mall
Lincoln, RI 02865
(401) 334-2430
Newport School of Hairdressing
226 Main Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860
(401) 725-6882
Rob Roy Academy — Woonsocket Campus
800 Clinton Street
Woonsocket, RI 02895
(401) 769-1777
