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CMU TORONTO Career Paths in Makeup Artistry

Interested in the magic of makeup but not sure where it will take you professionally?

In-demand Careers in Makeup Artistry

The career path for professional makeup artistry is incredibly versatile. The options are endless when you have the rights skills and training. From editorial, film & TV, fashion, theatre, special effects, or prosthetics design – you can make your mark anywhere! And once you do, you might even consider building your own brand.

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TIPS

  • Build your portfolio: sometimes this might mean unpaid work and volunteering, but it’s all for a higher purpose. And practice makes perfect!
  • NETWORK: network, network, network. Get out there and meet people. You never know who will remember you and hire you for a big job!
  • Be professional: as always, be professional on any job, whether it’s paid or unpaid. Your reputation precedes you. 
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions
  • Be yourself: always strive to be your natural, creative, and authentic self!

Film & Television Makeup Artist

A makeup artist working in film or TV is integral to breathing life into characters. Whether that means enhancing the natural beauty of a cast of actors or aging an actor by adding prosthetics, the goal is transformation. The work of the best makeup artists in film & TV goes unnoticed because it’s believable. The Academy Awards created a category for best makeup and hairstyling for good reason.

Fashion Makeup Artist

A makeup artist working in the fashion world is essential to communicating style and image. Whether working for a fashion mogul or brand on a magazine shoot or runway, the modern fashion makeup artist uses a variety of techniques to create innovative artforms. These techniques are different from those of cosmetic makeup, as the fashion makeup artist anticipates the effects of strong lighting. A fashion makeup artist might find themselves adorning runway models with jewels along their lash lines, dabbing on neon green eyeshadow, and applying precisionist matte lipstick. 

Digital Effects Makeup Artist

From the cyborg assassin of The Terminator to the middle-earth wizards and goblins of The Hobbit, some of the most fantastical characters in film history have been brought to life by digital effects makeup artists.  Conceptualizing characters and creatures in both digital and physical form is a unique niche of makeup artistry. A ZBrush artist, a specific example of this niche, produces 3D models and visuals which can be used to create concepts for creating digital and physical creatures, prosthetics, props and more. Think animated film and video game creature and asset creation – the opportunities are endless! It goes without saying that it’s important to stay on top of current trends in this field, as the digital world progresses rapidly. 

Success stories

Over 5,000 makeup artists have graduated from CMU in the past 30 years. 

Alumni from CMU College Premiere at TIFF 2024 with Aberdeen

Alumni from CMU College Premiere at TIFF 2024 with Aberdeen

CMU College at Canada’s Bridal Show

CMU College at Canada’s Bridal Show

CMU graduate Katelyn O’Neil opens up about being a Freelance Makeup Artist

CMU graduate Katelyn O’Neil opens up about being a Freelance Makeup Artist

Unleashing Creativity at CMU’s Fashion Makeup and Special Effects Makeup Summer Camps

Unleashing Creativity at CMU’s Fashion Makeup and Special Effects Makeup Summer Camps

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