Like a standard undergraduate course, attending an aesthetic academy might set you back a pretty penny—but a special FX makeup certificate can work wonders for your career. Pursuing a certification doesn’t restrict your ability to penetrate different fields. Remarkably, mastering your craft will make you more desirable on the job market—here’s how.

Employers Will Consider Your Specialized Education

On paper, a special FX makeup certification will impress any employer. Developing a passion for makeup is effortless—pursuing and completing professional training is far more inspiring.

Unlike on the so-called YouTube Academy, a professional course will instill foundational techniques and skills that SFX enthusiasts overlook. YouTube tutorials are often too specific—with an experienced mentor, there is more room to explore.

October is Your Best Month

Wedding planners are to the summer season, while accountants are to April. That leaves the entire month of October in the hands of SFX artists. Whether at a convention or trip down the block for trick-or-treating, now is the best time to showcase your talent.

Granted, you should practice your newly-learned skills all year-round. But with enough in your arsenal, you can create a different look per day—that’s 31 mini-projects you can add to your portfolio.

You Can Match Up With Industry Contacts

With every day, glam, and drag looks on top of their game; the SFX industry works to catch up faster than ever. Hundreds of Instagram-based makeup artists are becoming celebrities in their own right, making it even more difficult to claim your place under the spotlight.

With a professional on your side, networking comes into play. Take the time to connect with your peers during every session and speak up on forums—tossing your name around will go a long way.

You’ll Get Recognized

With certification, you’ll more likely receive invitations to work on editorial shoots, theater, television, and cinema. Whether early or later on, having your name listed on big or small productions can do a lot for exposure, reach, and portfolio.

Well-known makeup artists often end up writing for magazine columns, collaborating with top-performing brands such as Sephora, and hosting television segments. With enough credit, you can stroll down the same path as you kick-start your career.

You’ll Have a Portfolio Even Before Your First Gig

With loads of room to practice before you graduate, you can beef up your portfolio with your mentor’s expert eye. Unlike self-made artists, you have unrestricted access to master advice from credible professionals.

With an impressive portfolio spread and some production credit, climbing the makeup ladder won’t be as challenging as you anticipate.

Conclusion

If you know an opportunity will give you a leg-up in your career, sometimes it’s worth overlooking the price tag. With color theory, product knowledge, and comprehensive certification in your back pocket, your potential career opportunities are endless.

At the Northern Colorado Advanced Aesthetics Academy, the road towards big-name horror productions or career-making theatrical runs is just within reach. For 8 hours a day over three days, you’ll learn all about special FX’s rich history and how best to apply it using modern techniques.