Written by Cosmix School of Makeup Artistry
When most people think of being a special effects makeup technician, they think of monsters and zombies. But creature design is not the only job of a special effects makeup artist. The problem is that many people don’t know a lot about this vocation simply because fashion and production makeup artistry jobs usually steal the spotlight.
If you’re thinking about going to special FX makeup school, you will be pleased to know that this career path offers plenty of opportunities beyond creature design. Learning more about this exciting career opportunity can help you decide if this is the right profession for you. Here’s a list of the top three myths about special FX makeup artists.
It’s All Blood and Guts
As mentioned above, when the majority of the public thinks aboutspecial effects makeup artistry, they usually imagine blood and guts. Perhaps a scene from the television show Walking Dead comes to mind. But a special effects makeup technician doesn’t have to deal with blood and guts. Technicians can also specialize in applying aging makeup, tattoos, gelatin prosthetics, and designing other types of characters that don’t necessarily encounter trauma or injury. A special effects makeup technician can create characters for a fantasy film or apply a vinyl bald cap for a character who is supposed to be bald.
It’s Limited to Film and Television Jobs
Although both the film and TV industries offer plenty of jobs for special effects makeup artists, this occupation is certainly not limited to these industries. Have you ever wanted to design characters for a video game? How about toys? Special effects makeup technicians can find work in a variety of special effects labs, including toy companies and video game companies. Other places where technicians can find work include live theater, haunted houses, and amusement parks. Cosmix Inc., one of the only licensed and accredited makeup schools in Florida, offers a great special effects program for students who want to venture beyond film and television.
It’s a Dead-End Career Path
Just because you go to a special effects makeup school doesn’t mean you’re stuck in this career forever. In fact, if you attend the right makeup artistry school, you will receive training and education for applying all types of makeup, including fashion and product makeup. This means that if you get tired of working in special effects labs, you can certainly find work in other industries. How about doing makeup for runways? Or print advertising? The key is to get a well-rounded education while you’re still in makeup artistry school.
———————————————————————————————————————-
Cosmix Inc. is a licensed and accredited makeup artistry school in South Florida, offering programs in fashion, production, and special FX makeup artistry.