“Makeup artistry is like any other creative craft, relying on skill and technique to achieve art. The skill part is like the layers of a cake and the creative part is the icing. The stronger your skill level the more easily you will be able to work in any medium, any situation, on any face. Skill allows you to create your art, to be able to technically do what you artistically envision.”
–Terri Tomlinson
Info + FAQ
photos
Behind the scenes and on the job with Terri Tomlinson. On set for photographer James Bland, character in
"Dusk the Movie", on set for commercial shoot.

Additional Information:

  1. Students must be at least 18 years of age.
  2. Students are asked to supply their own brushes. A list of suggested brushes will be emailed to all registered students. MTA offers a basic set to students for $75. This can be purchased the first day of class.
  3. Classes begin promptly at 9am and wrap between 4:30-5 Monday-Friday. Level 1 and 2 are each two weeks long.
  4. Each class will have between 2-10 students.
  5. As classes fill their will be a waiting list. If any spots come open, the first person on the list will be given the option of taking it. Upon taking the spot, tuition will be due in full.
  6. Students will receive a packet upon registration with specific address and class details. The first day of class all students will receive their MTA Training Manual, full curriculum and receipts.

Ask Terri:
Why do I need to attend makeup training?
Makeup artistry is like any other creative craft. Some people are naturally talented and can teach themselves, others have to study first. I have found that many makeup artists do not know the fundamental techniques and theories behind their craft. Formal training will give you the information you need to develop as an artist. Application techniques are greatly important, and so is understanding what makeup can do and how to manipulate it. I can give you these tools, I can show you what is out there, I can give you confidence in your craft and the knowledge behind it. From there, it is up to you.

What did training do for you?
That is a great question. Formal training was like having a light switch turned on in my brain. I had been doing things with makeup that worked, and yet I had no understanding of why they worked or what exactly I was doing. And I had been working as a makeup artist for almost 10 years at that point. Training gave me the “science” behind my art. It also helped me grow as an artist because it gave me such a strong understanding of my medium. I can work in any lighting situation and on any face. I understand what needs to adapt for each. Sometimes I am a technician as I am hired to do a specific function like create a scar or prepare an actor for work on a green screen. Sometimes I'm an artist, I'm given license to create something, to translate a fashion or mood into makeup. Both are fantastic.

What is “beauty” makeup?
MTA defines any makeup that focuses on enhancing and correcting one’s features as “beauty” makeup. This is the type of makeup we perform on ourselves daily, as well as use in the production/print/bridal and retail industries. For our purposes there are just 2 types of makeup: makeup for Beauty and makeup for Special Effects. Many people break Beauty Makeup into groupings like; fashion, glamour, natural...however they are all makeup techniques for the beautification of the subject.

How do I get started working on photo shoots?
I get this question a lot. Makeup artistry in the entertainment/production side is a lot like acting. You have to pay your dues, and you really have to break into the business. It isn’t easy and it takes a lot longer than many artists want. The business is very competitive and secretive (see it is like acting). You have to make contacts, work for free to show your work, create and build a portfolio and clientele, and understand your medium.

However I will say that people do break into the business and there is work out there. There are also other avenues in the business that are perhaps more stable and have a quicker success rate. One is the retail cosmetic industry in which I spent 10 years of my career. During our "working lunches" students will have opportunities to learn more about these different avenues with guest speakers and specific discussion topics.

What about going to one of the big schools in Los Angeles?
I love L.A. and think that if a student is able to go out to one of the big schools there then they should really consider it. Most of them have Beauty programs that are 2-3 months long. Many students cannot afford either monetarily or time wise to live in another city for up to 6 weeks. One of my motivations is creating MTA was to be able to offer professional training in Texas. We have a great industry here and so should have training opportunities here as well.

Why don’t you require students to purchase a makeup kit?
Most makeup schools require students to purchase a full professional makeup kit. Many of these kits run in the thousands. I feel that part of the learning process is being able to work with a wide range of products. That way an artist knows what products they want to have in their kit rather than being forced to buy specific ones. I also believe that kits need to be customized to what the artist is working on. For example, an artist working on movies and an artist working on brides will need very different products and supplies.

So what makeup do we use at MTA?
We use a wide variety of everything! I have created student kits from products that I have discovered over the years that work well in different mediums. Students will have opportunities to work with all of these products and get a feel for different formulations, finishes, and application techniques. Students will also have the opportunity to purchase these products if they want after class. I offer my students a discount and am a "retail partner" with MUD.

Where is MTA?
The Makeup Training Academy teaches out of a working photography studio at Bolt Productions. Bolt is in the “photo/design” district in Dallas, just northwest of downtown. They have several spaces and so students receive information about the space, specific address, and directions upon registration.

What about student coming in from out of town?
If you are a potential student who does not live in the Dallas area, you will need to make arrangements for housing and transportation. The photo district in Dallas does have some bus operations, however there is not a lot around. A car is the best way to get to and from the studio.

For information on hotels in the area please visit Google Maps.

For more information, please visit the Bolt Productions web site.