Freelance Makeup Artist Program

Freelance Makeup Artist Certificate Program

Student Work

Program Summary

AMUA’s compact Freelance Makeup Artist program offers a concise yet comprehensive introduction to makeup artistry for special events, photo shoots, commercial and video. In just a few short weeks, students will gain a diverse range of skills to enrich their professional repertoire.

A typical student in this program might be a cosmetologist looking to add makeup artistry to their skillset, or someone who has a job already but wants to moonlight as a freelance makeup artist.

Now enrolling for April 1, 2024

What You'll Learn

As a makeup artist, there are several important topics to cover in your training, including:

  1. Sanitation and hygiene: This is essential knowledge for any makeup artist, as it’s important to keep both yourself and your clients safe and healthy. Learn about proper cleaning and sanitation practices for your tools and workspace, as well as how to maintain good hygiene and avoid spreading germs.

  2. Color theory and color matching: Understanding color theory is crucial for creating beautiful, harmonious makeup looks. Learn how to mix and match colors to complement different skin tones and achieve different effects.

  3. Makeup for live events and for photography: Makeup can look very different in person vs. on camera, so it’s important to understand the differences and how to adapt your techniques accordingly. Learn how to create makeup looks that will look great both in person and on camera.

  4. Simple, modern hairstyles: Basic hair styling skills can be a great addition to your makeup artistry repertoire, as many clients will be looking for a complete look. Learn how to create simple, modern hairstyles that complement your makeup looks.

  5. Starting your freelance makeup artist business: Finally, it’s important to learn the business side of freelancing, including contracts, taxes, networking and finding work, building websites, and marketing on social media. Learn how to set yourself up for success as a freelance makeup artist, including tips on finding clients, setting prices, and managing your time effectively.

By covering these key topics, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled and successful makeup artist.

Program Overview

  • Clock Hours: 96 
  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • Hours per Week: 14
  • Meets: Mon/Fri 9-4
  • Student to Teacher Ratio: 10:1
  • Award: Certificate

Estimated Cost of Program

  • Application Fee: $100
  • Tuition: $2,880
  • Makeup Kit & Other Costs: $1,900

What You'll Get

When you complete our Freelance Makeup Artist training program, you’ll graduate with:

  1. A certificate of completion: Our program consists of 96 clock hours of training, and when you finish, you’ll receive a certificate that shows you’ve completed the program and are ready to take on clients.

  2. A digital portfolio/website: We believe that showcasing your work is one of the best ways to attract new clients, so we’ll help you create a digital portfolio/website to showcase your skills and experience. This can be a great tool for building your brand and attracting new clients.

  3. Access to our alumni group and job board: We’re committed to helping our graduates succeed, which is why we offer access to our alumni group and job board. This can be a great resource for connecting with other professionals in the industry, as well as finding new job opportunities.

By completing our program and graduating with these valuable resources, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful career as a makeup artist.

Financing Your Training

Eligible for

This program is approved by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. Graduates will receive a Certificate of Completion showing the number of clock hours completed.

Virtual Admissions Event

Register for our next Virtual Information Session on January 24!