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SPECIAL FX MAKEUP DIPLOMA · VIRTUAL LEARNING
CREATE THE
CHARACTER.
BUILD YOUR CRAFT.
Develop your special effects makeup skills through detailed demonstrations, practical assignments and instructor feedback. Explore realistic effects and character design with the structure of weekly virtual meetings.
Enroll now12-week format · Weekly virtual meetings
Practical assignments and a final project
12-WEEK PROGRAM
Eight weeks of instructor-led learning, followed by four weeks for your final project.
WEEKLY VIRTUAL MEETINGS
Meet online with your instructor to ask questions and work through the course techniques.
PRACTICAL FEEDBACK
Upload your practical assignments for marking and guidance as you develop your skills.
THERE’S A STORY BEHIND EVERY EFFECT
GO BEYOND
EVERYDAY MAKEUP.
A convincing character starts with understanding their story. Their age, experiences and surroundings influence every detail, from the placement of an injury to the texture and finish of their skin.
Our Special FX Makeup Diploma brings together practical effects, character design and preparation for working on set. Explore techniques for injuries, ageing, prosthetics and bald caps while learning to plan applications around a script, timing and continuity.
With weekly virtual meetings and feedback on your practical assignments, you’ll have guidance as you develop your technique and bring your ideas to life.
INSIDE THE COURSE
BUILD YOUR
SFX SKILL SET.
Explore the practical techniques and production skills behind believable character makeup.
01
Materials & preparation
Get familiar with SFX products, tools, adhesives and paints, alongside hygienic setup and application preparation.
02
Injury & illness effects
Explore cuts, scars, bruises, burns, frostbite and illness effects, considering colour, placement and the character’s story.
03
Ageing & bald caps
Develop ageing techniques and practise bald cap application, with attention to fit, edges, texture and colour matching.
04
Prosthetics & character details
Work with prosthetics and explore details such as facial hair, dirt and tears to build a complete character look.
05
Character design
Use reference images, face charts and script breakdowns to plan your design and connect individual effects into a cohesive character.
06
Working on set
Explore continuity, production budgets, time limitations, film union requirements and the responsibilities of a makeup artist on set.
Bring the techniques together.
Apply your learning in a four-week final project. Consider your character’s story, preparation, application, finishing details and timing as you develop the complete look.
LEARN FROM HOME. STAY CONNECTED.
WATCH IT.
PRACTISE IT.
REFINE YOUR CRAFT.
Your diploma combines online lessons, weekly virtual meetings and practical assignments. Plan time each week to study, practise and prepare for your next class.
Learn the techniques
Access video demonstrations, written lessons and assignment instructions through your online course portal.
Practise & submit your work
Complete your weekly practical assignments and upload your work through the portal for marking and instructor feedback.
Meet with your instructor
Attend your weekly virtual meeting to ask questions, work through challenges and prepare for the techniques ahead.
Create your final character
Following eight weeks of classes, use your four-week final project period to bring your planning and application skills together.
STUDENT WORK
IMAGINATION.
BROUGHT TO LIFE.
Explore special effects makeup created by our students, bringing together character ideas, practical techniques and attention to detail.
TOOLS FOR YOUR CREATIVE PRACTICE
MEET YOUR
SFX KIT.
Included in your diploma fee
Your Special FX Makeup Kit brings together industry-brand products selected for the techniques covered in your diploma. It provides a practical foundation for your assignments and character projects.
Makeup and colouring products for character details and realistic effects
Adhesives, prosthetics and materials for building texture and transforming features
Brushes, tools and storage for your practical course work
View full kit contents
Tools, storage & disposables
- Large kit bag
- Small kit bags × 3
- Hair shears
- Tail comb
- Metal ramekin
- Cotton wool batting
- 99% isopropyl alcohol
- Makeup sponges
- Plastic spatulas
- Black large-grain stipple sponge
- Black medium-grain stipple sponge
- Black small-grain stipple sponge
- Metal palette and spatula
Brushes
- 26-piece art brush set
- Large brush
Preparation
- Castor oil
- Witch hazel
Makeup & paint
- Flesh-tone alcohol palette
- FX alcohol palette
- Cream colour palette
- AW03 Waterproof Gel Liner in Maraschino
- Rubber mask grease wheel
Latex, adhesives & removers
- Spirit gum
- Pro Gum Remover
- Latex
- Isopropyl myristate
Blood effects
- FX blood
- Fresh scab
Skin effects
- Faux Flesh modelling wax
- Gelatin
- Sorbitol
- Sculpt It modelling silicone compound
- Makeup sealer
Character effects
- Prosthetic piece
- Large Glatzan plastic bald caps × 2
- Ice granules
- Brown crepe wool, 12 inches
- Dirt powder
Additional materials
- Glycerin
- Neutral set powder
- Cabosil
- 100% acetone
Brands and packaging may vary between kits. Your course kit is included in the advertised diploma fee.
THE ACADEMY BEHIND YOUR TRAINING
MEET TARA COWLES.
Founder of Artists Within Makeup Academy
Makeup educator since 2003
Tara founded Artists Within Makeup Academy in Calgary in 2003. More than two decades of teaching makeup artistry have shaped an approach centred on clear demonstrations, thoughtful preparation and practical experience.
The Special FX Makeup Diploma brings that approach to virtual learning. Online lessons give you techniques to study and practise, while weekly meetings and assignment feedback provide guidance as you develop your skills.
From your first effects to your final character project, the focus is on understanding your materials, planning your work and refining the details of your application.
YOUR NEXT CREATIVE CHAPTER
START BUILDING
YOUR SFX SKILLS.
Develop your practical technique through structured virtual learning, instructor feedback and a final character project.
NEXT START DATE
October 27, 2026
REGISTRATION CLOSES
October 13, 2026
COURSE FORMAT
Eight weeks of classes with weekly virtual meetings, followed by a four-week final project.
SPECIAL FX MAKEUP DIPLOMA
$5,953.85 CAD
Total program cost, including your tuition and Special FX Makeup Kit.
Reserve your place with a deposit, then complete your enrolment forms and submit the required registration information.
Have questions before registering? We can help you understand the course requirements and the next steps for enrolment.
A FEW HELPFUL DETAILS
BEFORE
YOU BEGIN.
How does the virtual diploma work?
Study through online video demonstrations and written lessons, complete practical assignments at home, and attend weekly virtual meetings. Upload your assignments through the course portal for marking and instructor feedback.
How long is the program?
The program runs over 12 weeks: eight weeks of classes with your instructor, followed by four weeks to complete your final project.
Do I need previous makeup experience?
Basic makeup and airbrush makeup knowledge are required. If you haven’t studied these techniques, contact us before registering so we can help you plan your course pathway.
Is the Special FX Makeup Kit included?
Yes. The total program fee of $5,953.85 CAD includes your tuition and Special FX Makeup Kit. Brands and packaging may vary between kits.
Go to the kit section and select “View full kit contents” to explore the included products and tools.
How do I register?
Pay your $500 registration deposit, then complete the enrolment forms and submit the required information. Enroll now.
When can I access my course?
You receive access to the student platform after paying your deposit and registering. Your course lessons become available on your selected start date.
Who can I contact with questions?
Email [email protected] for help with course requirements, registration or your learning pathway.