Make-up Artistry

The Beast without his mask?  ice-lady Bjork without her make-up artist?  Cult Couture without its backstage make-up crew?  It just wouldn’t work!  Behind every superstar image is a team of make-up artists doing their job and Cut Above Academy can train you to work in this exciting field.

The Cut Above name is synonymous with creative career training:  Make-up Artistry, Hairdressing, Nail Art, Beauty Therapy – they’ve got it all!  Aprroved by NZQA as a level 4 qualification, the Cut Above Certificate in Make-up Artistry provides a broad base of make-up artistry skills for fashion, filmmakeing, TV, FX and theatre.  Tuition is full-time and extends for one-year, entry is open to all applicants, and the course is approved for student loans and allowances.

Cut Above director Gael Thompson stresses the vital role of work experience in the academy training philosophy.  ‘Employers want ‘industry-ready’ graduates with the skills and confidence to cater to their most discerning client,’ she says.  ‘Our unique training combines in-class instruction and practice with ‘on-job’ experience, giving our graduates the self-assurance to succeed in their field.’

Work experience takes place both on and off-site.  As a Cut Above make-up student you will participate in eciting events like the Manukau Cult Couture Awards, NZ Fashion Week, Style Pasifica, Trash to Fashion and a host of theatre, film, and high school shows and productions.  By the end of your training your will know what it takes to be a professional make-up artist!

Opportunities for make-up artists in New Zealand have never been better! As our film-makers and fashion designers excel at home and internationally, and new magazines, television shows, modelling agencies and cosmetic brands are launched, the demand increases for make-up artists with recognised NZQA qualifications in make-up, hairstyling and related beauty skills for fashion and media productions.