Please read our FAQ's below to see if they answer your questions. If not we will be happy to reply if you email us
Q – What are the benefits of taking this course before I take my full BTEC/PDC/NVQ or Degree course?
A – All qualification courses focus mainly on theory, research and project work. Although this is very important knowledge, it leaves very little time for your practical ‘hands-on’ work. It is your practical skills & abilities coupled with your portfolio that will get you work as a makeup artist, not your qualification. Therefore, these practical skills need to be put in place first as agencies; employers and clients will want to see a quality portfolio that shows your creative skills, abilities and work experience, not your qualification. Practical skills must be learnt before you enter an accredited program, this will allow you to perfect your technique ‘(as you would have already learnt it from us)’ to a practical level that you are otherwise unlikely to achieve.
Q - How do you know that?
A – There is no direct ‘high path’ to becoming a makeup artist in this country, which is a travesty considering it’s enormous popularity. When a wannabe makeup artist starts on their career path, they will normally enrol on an accredited program, covering all aspects of makeup and not focusing on your chosen specialist area. The program is usually made up of units of around 10 weeks, per area of makeup, i.e. TV/Film & SFX – Fashion & Photographic – Body Painting – Hair – Theatrical. The majority of each unit is dedicated to: theory, project work, research and exams, with the minority of each unit dedicated to your practical, ‘hands-on’ application skills; and with little to no hope of any quality work experience!
A student entering such a program without gaining their practical experience beforehand, will never be able to perfect their technique whilst on the course, because they are busy learning it! The result of this is: Once the student graduates from college, they will be looking for refresher courses to perfect their technique in their specialist area; when they should be looking for work, or advanced courses - to progress onto a higher practical level!
Q - Do you accept men on your courses?
A – Absolutely. Men make fantastic makeup artists.
Q - Do you take international students?
A - We accept students from all over the world. It is important however that you have a good command of the English language to fully benefit from the classes.
Q - Do you have accommodation for International Students?
A - Unfortunately not. However, an internet research for bed and breakfast and hotels in London is recommended and are approximately £30 per night for a single room. However, standards and prices vary. If you make your search outside of central London, rates should be cheaper. Short Let agents may also be able to help. We will try to help you as much as we can.
Q - What areas of make-up will BS courses allow me to work in?
A – This very much depends on which course path you choose to specialise in and how good your practical skills and portfolio are. For instance: If you choose the Fashion & Photographic Makeup course together with the Fashion & Avant Garde Hair course, then you will be trained to work in the Fashion industry and so on. We always urge our students to take advantage of our Portfolio Building course to build a professional studio shot portfolio of up to 8 Total Looks of your work.
Q - Is their any financial help available?
A – Yes, the CDL will be able to help and assist you with career development lane. You can contact them on: 0800 585 505. UK residents only - Also, you may be eligible for the Princes Trust grant scheme.
Q - Do you assist graduates once they have left the course?
A - We always stay in touch with our students when they have graduated and are happy to help and assist you along the way for as long as you need us.
Q – How much do your courses cost?
A – You can find this information within your chosen course on the Courses section.
Q – Are there any concessions?
A – Unfortunately not as our fees are very competitive and our course content and mix & match modules are second to none.
Q - Is there an age limit?
A - We recommend a minimum age of 18+ male or female. There is no upper limit.
Q - What areas of make-up will BS courses allow me to work in?
A - This very much depends on which course path you choose to follow and your previous experience. For instance, should a beginner student take the Period Character Makeup & Total Look Styling course, together with the Period Wigs & Hair course, they will be trained on a practical level to work in the TV/Film & Theatrical industries as an assistant. The level of success a student has is dependent on their ambition, professionalism and creative skills & abilities, which are displayed in a quality portfolio of your work
Q - Where is the course held?
A - Waltham Forest College North East London UK – Please note! Our courses are privately run at WFC. Therefore, all enquiries about our courses should be made directly through Blazing Sables and not through the college
Q - What are the entry requirements?
A - A good command of the English language is very important, together with the ambition to become the best in your field of makeup artistry. No previous experience or qualifications are required. However, an artistic, or design background is an advantage. It is a requirement that you complete an entry level course to gain access onto your chosen course/path (beginners only).
Q – What days are the courses run?
A - At present, our courses run every Saturday or Sunday 10am to 4pm plus 2 evenings 6pm to 9pm (evenings to be confirmed)
Q - Will I receive a qualification once I complete the course?
A - On satisfactory completion and attendance, you will receive a BS and Waltham Forest College certificate. This is not a qualification but it proves that you attended a course/s and are trained to the highest standards on a practical level, with a well known and highly respected institution backing our school. Your portfolio reflects these high standards and demonstrates your experience, creative skills and abilities. A strong emphasis on building a beautiful and quality portfolio will be stressed from the outset, as it is your portfolio and professionalism that will get you work in this highly competitive industry, not your qualification. Students’ who display the highest creative talents are selected to go on the Blazing Sables Agency books, for direction, work and promotion.
Q - When is the latest that I can enrol on a course?
A – Three (3) weeks prior to course commencement so long as there are places available on your chosen course. Full payment of fees will be required at your interview and must be cleared before your course commencement date. Students who are on our waiting list will be given preference
Q – What can I expect at my interview?
A – You will be interviewed by Blazing Sables school principle Stella Photis, to determine whether you have chosen the correct course/path for your career. You will be given a list of items required for use on your course, together with information and course content. Once we are both happy to proceed with booking you on our course, a deposit of 50% will be required to secure your placement. Payments can be made by cheque with a banker’s card or by bank transfer. Bank transfer fees must be research and paid by the student ensuring that we receive the full fee. A receipt will be given to you for your deposit with the balance outstanding. All fees are non refundable. Confirmation of your course place will be sent via post or email once fees have cleared. In most cases, students will be interviewed on the college premises where they can look around the facilities. At other times, students will be interviewed at our head office.
Q – Do you provide a student kit in the fees?
A – To keep our fees low and at a very competitive rate, we do not include a student kit, products, tools and equipment in our fees. By doing it this way allows students to add to their basic required kit as they go along, using products they prefer. Also, all students must have their own kits to practise with while away from the college. Some products will be available for use on the course but you are required to purchase these products & items to add to your own personal kit. Most of our kits are available through our sponsors Charles Fox Ltd. We have secured an arrangement with Charles Fox for our students to receive an instant 10% discount and some freebees which are already added into the kit. Please note! The 10% discount is included in the kit price.
Q - How do I register for a course?
A - Simply download the application form and the enrolment form respectively. Print off and complete the application form, attach your picture and post it back to Blazing Sables Head Office. We will then contact you to arrange your interview date. Please read our enrolment form, FAQ, Terms & Conditions and important information found on the Courses Details before returning your completed application form. Potential students between the ages of 18 and 21 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to email us
Blazing Sables believe in: ‘Laying the Foundations’ and we do this by providing a much needed ‘high path’ to becoming a makeup artist. |
