Make-Up Artists are becoming more and more in demand in the Irish and International Entertainment and Cosmetic industries. Portobello Institute's Make-Up courses combine the technical skill set required with internationally recognised rewards, to give you the opportunity to work in the many challenging aspects and the diverse world of Make-Up.

Qualifications gained:

• ITEC Diploma in Fashion, Theatre & Media Make Up
• Portobello Institute Higher Diploma in Make Up Artistry
• Portobello Certificate in Camouflage Make Up

Entry requirements:

Entrance to this course is based on interview.

It is preferred but not essential that you hold an ordinary Leaving Certificate or equivalent. At the interview, we are seeking the character and traits required to work with people and make-up and a genuine interest in the industry.

Course structure:

Portobello Institute’s Makeup Artist course is delivered over 1 academic year. The course is primarily a practical course and the majority of your day will be spent practicing the skills required to be a successful makeup artist in the college’s make-up studios.

Course content:

Module 1- Unit 10 Facial Make Up
This is an exciting foundation module of make up artistry. You will learn face, lip and eye shades, skin tones, how to prepare the skin for makeup and basic make up techniques.

Module 2- Unit 41 Fashion Theatre & Media Make Upup
This module is exclusively tailored to cover every aspect of Fashion, Theatre, TV, Film & Special Effects Make up. You will create makeup looks for catalogue, portrait, catwalk & black and white. You will also create makeup looks for the theatre to include highlighting & shading, waterproofing & body make up. To prepare you to work as a make up artist in TV & Film you will learn costume & co-ordinating make-up & hair, period make up, false hair, production & script requirements.

Module 3- Unit 42 Special Effects
The addition of the special effects module provides the student with the ability to work in specialised areas of Theatre, TV & Film. This course provides tuition in creating fantasy characters using crepe hair application, construction and application of bald caps, blocking out of eyebrows, wigs costumes and prosthetics. In addition, the module will develop your fashion eye, allowing you to design cutting edge fashion looks for catwalk and editorial work - with ease & confidence.

Module 4- Hair Styling & Wigs
This module is essential to complement your Make Up skills. The module will cover hair tips, techniques & theory, upstyling and high fashion, curling, pleating, straightening, period hair from the 1900’s to 1980’s and also fantasy & character hair.

Module 5 - Remedial Camouflage Make Up
On a day-to-day basis, many people are affected by skin conditions like undereye circles, spider veins, rosacea, scars, birthmarks, facial disfigurements & on the increase; plastic surgery work & tattoos. They often seek the advice of Remedial Camouflage Professionals to help with the correction, concealment & contouring of their facial & skin problems. This module will provide students with the application techniques and skill set to assist people to live as normal a life as they can.

Module 6 - Digital Photography
On this module you will spend some time taking photographs for your portfolio. This is a short module and will give you an introduction into the language of digital photography. You will learn the mechanics of digital cameras, the art of good photographic composition, how to download onto your personal computer, and printing styles and choices.

Module 7- Field Trips
In order that you can gain some experience working as a make-up artist we re-create some of the settings through field trips. The field trips occur throughout the year and all students are encouraged to attend. Examples of some field trips undertaken are:

• The International Make Up Artistry Show (IMAT) in London
• Off the Rails show
• The Hair show

Module 8- Portfolio Presentation
As a make up artist your portfolio is the tool that will sell your skills to a potential employer. It is very important that your portfolio is presented in a professional yet original manner. We assist and guide you through the techniques required to prepare a portfolio to a high standard.

Module 9- Contextual Studies
This module allows you to understand the historical background to period makeup and costume & fashion trends of the day. You will do research work to develop creative concepts from all available resources. You will learn about theatrical, film & TV character makeup tips and techniques as well as script breakdown and set ethics. You will also learn self presentation skills (role playing).