GAIN SKILLS THAT ARE TRANSFERABLE
Shannon Boyce is a makeup artist working in television and film. Maverick Murray is also a makeup artist but works in retail. The tools in their makeup kits may differ but both contain a Comprehensive Makeup Artist Certificate from George Brown College.
“Everything you learn is transferable, no matter what career path you take,” says Boyce, who completed the continuing education offering in 2016 and has since been a freelance makeup artist on movie and TV sets. “You definitely gain a fantastic technical base, and learn about various aspects of the industry.”
Comprised of seven compulsory courses, the comprehensive makeup artist program prepares students with the knowledge and skills to work in beauty, film and television. After foundational courses, students move onto advanced techniques in special effects, including the creation and application of prosthetic pieces.
“The biggest class I had was about 13 people, so classes are really intimate and allow for a lot of oneon-one time with instructors,” says Boyce. “I especially loved the special effects makeup course because I love working with my hands.”
For Murray, meanwhile, the biggest benefits of the program were learning soft skills such as chair-side manner and the tricks of the trade instructors — many of whom are still active in the industry — brought into the classroom.
“Instructors used a lot of personal stories to make a point, which added relevance to what they were teaching,” says Murray, who also graduated in 2016. “I still use those tips on a daily basis.”
Both Murray, who works as a key holder and store merchandiser at NYX Cosmetics, and Boyce agree that beyond the skills they gained, especially appealing are the program’s flexible scheduling options and the ability for learners to register and pay for individual courses then apply for their certificate after completing all the required courses.