Aspiring makeup artists with dreams of working in theater, movies or television are often encouraged to pursue an education in theater or cinema makeup artistry to acquire the most current skills with the latest product technology by the best instructors the industry has to offer. This will give students a competitive edge among others and create relationships that can immediately help with job placement upon graduation. Theater makeup classes can often be found in local colleges or boutique colleges and universities typically offered through bachelor’s degree programs that require a major in theater.  Theater majors require additional courses in technical theater such as set building, stage lighting, wardrobe, directing, and other behind-the-scenes careers in theater, but makeup courses specific to the film and special effects makeup industry are more often found in technical or trade schools that offer certification programs – for individuals truly passionate about the art of makeup, a focused program at a technical or trade school is often the best option. A reputable dedicated school of makeup artistry can be far more influential to a novice makeup artist’s future career.

The Art of Makeup School is the Pacific Northwest’s premiere career school exclusively dedicated to educating students in the art, business and techniques of professional makeup artistry. The school is located in a safe, quiet neighborhood in the outer suburbs of Portland, Oregon surrounded by lush beautiful forests and next to Portland Community College where there is convenient public transportation and housing. The Art of Makeup’s creative training and education environment provide the necessary foundation to learn makeup artistry skills from successful working makeup artists current in fashion and makeup trends, film, theater, special effects, and HD makeup, and includes the most popular brands in hair and makeup supplies for their student kits. The school includes a photo studio where pictures are taken of every look throughout the program and distributed digitally, so that students may document their progress, build their portfolios, and build their online social media presence before they even graduate.

Marketing skills and job placement opportunities are an important part of the curriculum at The Art of Makeup, and long-term mentorship is available to all students. The facilities are available for students to practice their skills, as well as to review or repeat classes as needed. Students maintain long lasting relationships with the instructors, the school, and their classmates not only for mentorship, but instructors and school photographers often hire students and students often hire each other. The goal of The Art of Makeup is to see student graduates begin a career as a professional makeup artist and have the tools and relationships to keep working.

Five to fourteen week Certificate Programs are offered as well as individual courses and specialty classes in fields such as special effects, stage, beauty, bridal, fashion, editorial catalog and photo shoots, hair styling, cosplay, fashion runway shows, commercials, music videos, live performances, and media & advertising. Summer camps are also offered, aimed at younger students and above. The Character & Special Effects Program is taught exclusively by Emmy Award Winning makeup artist Thomas Surprenant and includes injury simulation, hair work, bald caps, sculpting, mold making, prosthetics and more.  All programs include photo shoots taken by professional industry photographers.

Learn more about our Programs & Courses.

Private tours are available 7 days a week.*

Please contact us to schedule an appointment or to get on our mailing list.

*Tours by appointment only please.