Located in Briarhill Business Park, The School of Make-Up Artistry offers a range of long and short courses for all levels of expertise. A family-run business for more than 35 years, managed by Katie Robinson, the school offers internationally recognised diplomas in fashion, film, theatre, and media make-up.
Founded by Katie’s mother, Eileen King-Power, the business has grown from one of Ireland's first beauty therapy and physical therapy training colleges to a leading international school of make-up artistry, training those who are interested in specialising as make-up artists or learning more about the exciting career.
“My mum is the owner and principal of the school," said Katie Robinson. "It was the first make-up artistry training college in Ireland when she started off. I trained in the school and absolutely loved it. I furthered my training with the higher level diploma course, which covers fashion, media and special effects make-up. I received my international qualification and travelled abroad, where I worked as a freelance make-up artist on fashion shows and photoshoots.
"I began my working career with MAC as part of the management team. I proceeded to become a department manager in Brown Thomas which allowed me to become more involved in the business side of beauty. I love the versatility of make-up artistry as a career, and depending on what suits your lifestyle, you can change roles within the industry with ease.
"I wanted to continue with the hands-on side of make-up artistry, so I trained in the school to become an ITEC lecturer, and began working as a tutor in the school alongside my career in Brown Thomas. The opportunity to manage the school became available and I never looked back.
"My role in the school now is mainly as course co-ordinator," she continued. "I liase with students and tutors, ensuring they’re learning all they need to know and doing all they can to pass their exams. The school offers a variety of different courses from beginners to qualified beauty therapists. We have full and part time courses in make-up artistry, specialising in day make-up, smokey eyes, false lashes, bridal, mother of the bride, fashion/media make-up, theatre make-up for TV/film, and special effects make-up. We invite all students to complimentary lectures on how to get started in the industry and we like to keep in touch with our graduates, to get them started and help progress their careers as make-up artists.
"With a mix of practical and theoretical work, the school places over 90 per cent of students in employment with companies such as Bobbi Brown and MAC, with many more starting their own businesses. The make-up industry is very versatile. Self employment is often a popular option, or you could continue training with us and become an ITEC lecturer.
"The higher level diploma courses are suitable for those who hold a qualification in beauty therapy or make-up artistry. Available both full and part time, they are ideal for anyone who wants to enhance their skills or simply learn more about the art of make-up. Our students have a 100 per cent success rate, receiving mainly merits and distinctions. ITEC, the International Examination Therapy Council, have commented that our students are of the highest standard they have examined worldwide.
"The school also offers a make-up artistry certificate course for those that would like to complete a shorter course. All our students receive a free make-up kit and can choose from either MAC or Charlotte Tilbury. We have students that travel from all over Ireland to do their training with us. I see how determined they are and how passionate they become in their careers. Seeing them succeed, and knowing that we played a part in their success, that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”
The School Of Make-up Artistry, 56 Briarhill Business Park, Briarhill, Galway, 087 121 4678, schoolofmakeupartistry.ie
