Makeup Design for Film & Television

How to Apply

Gain hands-on experience in the world of production makeup.

Creative Economy

VFS’s signature programs and facilities are at the heart of a creative economy worth $3.4 billion in B.C. alone. From film production and 3D animation to game, digital, and VR/AR design, VFS is helping shape the entertainment and media industries’ transformation. In 2020, VFS alumni were credited on 8 of the top 15 highest grossing films worldwide, in a global industry set to generate US$2.1 trillion in revenues in 2021.

Alumni Success

Vancouver Film School grads are some of the most successful and sought-after professionals in the entire Makeup Design industry. You will find our alumni working all over the globe, pushing boundaries, discovering new frontiers, winning all kinds of awards and honours, and leading today’s creative economy.

VFS Alumni

Testimonials

I can't say enough good things about the Makeup Design program at VFS! I really enjoyed the in-depth, intensive curriculum. Also, learning from talented industry professionals really helped maximize my potential as an artist. The skills I learned at VFS really prepared me for a successful career as a Special FX Make-Up Artist!

Darla Edin

Makeup Design for Film & Television Graduate

Face Off winner (Season 8)

I chose VFS because it had the most intensive program that I could find. They covered such a wide range of makeup techniques and materials that made me feel prepared and comfortable to start working on my own. The makeup industry is always changing and improving, so it’s important learning personally from experienced professionals who are also familiar with the most current processes.

Katie Middleton

Makeup Design for Film & Television Graduate

Turn: Washington’s Spies, Ithaca, Blue Ruin

The quality and depth of the program really taught me skills that I wouldn’t have learned anywhere else. The school in general has a great reputation within the film industry, and I feel that helped me get my foot in the door. By the time I finished my program at VFS, I really felt prepared and had the confidence to apply for the makeup union right away, in which I am now working as a full-time Makeup Artist.

Jenni Macdonald

Makeup Design for Film & Television Graduate

The Revenant, Fargo, Hell on Wheels

I loved my time at VFS. I know I wouldn't have gotten to where I am so fast if I had not had the training I received there. Between opportunities in class, practice outside of class, and the opportunities to work with students from Film, Acting, Foundation, and other programs, I felt as prepared as possible to go into the professional world after grad.

Sarah Elizabeth

Makeup Design for Film & Television Graduate

Charlotte's Song, Face Off contestant (Season 3)

Being a graduate of the program enabled me to be hired on my first independent feature film without even interviewing, since the key makeup artist knew the quality of work VFS students have been trained to do. What sets VFS apart from most schools, is that you learn from a film perspective. You graduate knowing all of the terms used on set, as well as all of the proper set etiquette that no other school teaches – it’s what gets you hired again and again.

Tory Reed

Makeup Design for Film & Television Graduate

True Blood, The Bounce Back, The Human Centipede 3

A VFS Makeup Design for Film & Television Education

In 12 months you will graduate with:

  • A diploma in Makeup Design for Film & Television
  • A comprehensive portfolio
  • Access to the VFS Alumni Directory & Job Board
  • Industry connections that will help guide your career

Term 01

Learn the fundamentals of beauty makeup, as well as colour theory and facial anatomy.

Term 02

Recreate classic decade looks and adapt them for contemporary application. Simulate a full range of injuries and effects.

Term 03

Learn to define character through hair-laying, wigs, bald caps, airbrushing, and advanced paint techniques.

Term 04

Pour yourself into life-casts, sculpting, age makeup, and mold-making to create three-dimensional prosthetics.

Term 05

Create, apply and paint foam latex appliances, masks, master ventilated hair pieces, and human hair lace-front wigs.

Term 06

Focus on your final portfolio project, and prepare for your career as a makeup artist.

See Full Course Description View Faculty

Admissions Info

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Requirements

You will be asked to submit one of the following along with your application. Your advisor can help with selecting the best option.

  • All applicants are required to submit a maximum 500 word letter of intent and a portfolio. Professional makeup experience is not a pre-requisite. Successful applicants will be chosen based on their expression of passion, talent (whether it be proven or potential), and commitment. Be encouraged to communicate what you feel best conveys your background, your potential, and why you have a profound desire to attend VFS
  • A portfolio consisting of photographs that best illustrates your artistic vision in makeup. These should be done mostly on a model and not on yourself (one or two samples on yourself is acceptable). Regardless of your experience level, please include a range of make-ups such as beauty, injuries, & character that are done on a variety of faces (preferably not all on the same model). Don’t be intimidated; this gives us a good idea of your current skillset! Portfolio may have a maximum of 12 pieces, 3 of which may be be sketches, paintings, or sculpts.

 

When you talk to your Advisor, let them know that you've completed the Foundation program and they will put a copy of your diploma in your file for you.

For more about language requirements and other information for international students, visit the International Students page.

Student Work

While training at VFS, students are immersed in the Makeup Design industry, and spend a lot of hands-on time creating professional-quality work. And, nothing is a greater testament to the incomparable industry resources and career preparation that define VFS’s education model, than the top quality work our students produce. Here, a portfolio of outstanding work is just the beginning. Just take a look.

Silicone Aging Timelapse

 

Makeup Design for Film & Television

 

Makeup Design for Film & Television

 

Industry Partners

VFS doesn’t just teach you about the industry, it IS the industry. With veteran instructors, mentors and an education Advisory Board recruited straight from the professional world, we are able to constantly update our award-winning curriculum to keep up with an ever-evolving industry. Plus, students also have lots of opportunities to connect and network with industry leaders during special workshop sessions, training presentations, and industry social events hosted by VFS.

IMATS

Check out our incredible Makeup Design for Film & Television graduates as they compete in the International Make-up Artist Trade Show, the largest celebration of make-up artistry in the world. With over 60 IMATS wins to date this is talent you want to see

Campus Life

As a Makeup Design student, you'll spend your year at our three makeup campuses (including a fully equipped FX lab for fabrication). You'll have access to the campuses, Resource Centre, and computer labs after school and on weekends for additional practice time or outside projects.

FAQ

We're here to help you submit an application that best reflects your abilities, and gives you the best chance of being accepted. We've helped thousands of people complete a single year at VFS by answering questions like these:

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