Special FX Makeup (stage 1)

Ages: 12-15
Term: Autumn
Length: 8 weeks

Overview

This highly creative and practical course gives aspiring makeup artists aged 12-15 the chance to explore the wonderful world of special effects makeup.

Want to book this course? This course isn't taking bookings at the moment, but we expect to publish our new course dates and open for bookings in April 2026. Make sure you’re the first to know when you can book our Saturday Art School courses by signing up for updates using the link below.

What you need to know

When does it run?

Please note: we expect to publish our new course dates in April 2026.

How long is the course?

8 Saturdays

What time are the classes?

09.30-12.30

Who's this course for?

This course has been developed for aspiring makeup artists aged 12-15.

Does my young artist need any qualifications or experience?

No. This is an introductory course, so your young artist doesn't need any previous experience, just buckets of enthusiasm!

I’m not sure if this is suitable for my young artist. Can I speak to someone?

Yes of course! If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for your young artist, get in touch with us: email academy@aub.ac.uk or call +44 (0) 1202 363222.

How much does this course cost?

£259

What's included in this price?

All course materials and resources
Everything your young artist will need to take part in the course will be provided by us – no hidden costs!

Classes are practical, so wear clothes that you don't mind your young artists getting messy.
Drinks and snacks for break time and duration of class; please ensure snacks don't contain nuts.
It's strongly advised that mobile phones, tablets and other valuables aren't brought to class. Any personal possessions are the responsibility of your young artist and AUB won't be liable for any loss or damage.

About this course

This highly creative and practical course has been designed especially for budding makeup artists aged 12–15, to provide an insight into the makeup skills needed to play a key creative role in performance, fashion, film and television.

Young makeup artists will be introduced to a wide range of makeup skills and special effects, perfect for young artists that are interested in prosthetic, casualty and creative makeup.

Throughout the course, your young makeup artist will receive a broad introduction based on the many different methods, applications and specialist techniques surrounding makeup, particularly special effects makeup for all types of media and performance.

Delivered in our state-of-the-art makeup studios, your young artists will be expertly led by their tutor, Julia Carter, who has over 10 years of experience stemming from her time teaching makeup at AUB.

Your young makeup artist will receive a well-rounded experience of the creative side to makeup and special effects. They’ll have the opportunity to work in a professional environment and have the real experience of working on each other. They’ll also develop good communication skills as they learn about the importance of health and safety and gain the confidence to apply makeup on another person.

An introduction to creative makeup.
Designing and applying creative makeup, using wigs and a variety of special effects.
Casualty makeup to include black eyes, slit lips, bruises and blisters.
Special effect and prosthetic makeup to include severed fingers, burns, and applying a prosthetic nose.
Creative makeup to include monster creation.

At the end of the course your young artist will:

Possess improved artistic skills and makeup application techniques.
Understand how to apply makeup following health and safety guidance.
Be able to use and apply a range of makeup materials.
Understand how to transfer design ideas to practical application.
Be able to apply makeup to model with confidence.
Possess improved communication skills.
Understand the importance of preparing materials to apply designs.
Be able to source appropriate materials.
Have increased confidence in their own skills.
Have boosted creativity and imagination.
Feel inspired by the new skills they've learnt and from sharing ideas with new friends.
Have the foundations to continue creating beyond this course.
You can request a certificate to confirm your young artist's achievements, providing they have 100% attendance record. To request a certificate please get in touch with us at academy@aub.ac.uk and confirm name of your young artist and the title of course they've completed.

Meet your young artist’s tutor

Julia Carter

Julia has had a varied career in the Arts, and has taught sculpture and life drawing as a visiting lecturer in further education and at...

Beyond the course

This could just be the start of your young artist's creative journey! After this course, your young artist could further their makeup SFX skills with our stage 2 course, continue to harness their creativity and explore alternative Saturday Art School subjects, look forward to the future and the next step(s) in their creative journey by exploring AUB's Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media.