By Liezl Maclean

Right. So, you’ve seen the latest Harry Potter film. You loved Lord Voldemort and thought he looked pretty cool. What about the Lord of the Rings?   You enjoyed the hobbits, dwarves, elves, wizards, trolls and all the other extra­ordinary paraphernalia of the trilogy.

But have you ever thought about who did their make-up - from the pale and elegant elves to the weather-beaten Aragorn? In addition to the basic make-up, who also added the blood, scratches and gashes that the characters encountered during their journey?

That would be the job of a professional make-up artist. Sound like fun? While becoming a professional make-up artist doesn’t happen overnight, South Africa is packed with helpful resources to help you get to the top of your game. One such is The Make-Up Issue.

The Make-Up Issue offers intensive training in the art of make-up and hair styling. Whether you are looking at going down the bridal, fashion, film or photography route – or even the more daring theatrical or special effects arena – The Make-Up Issue can transform you into the best in your field.

The Make-Up Issue was born 20 years ago from passion for beauty and fashion. Their courses are specifically designed to qualify aspiring make-up artists as a professional individual and make-up gurus.

They are renowned for their superb level of training, due to  the fact that instruction is given by experienced and professional make-up artists that have been working – or are still actively working – in the film and fashion industry.

“What sets our academy apart from other institutions is the fact that we regularly give students the opportunity to go out and assist the lecturers on fashion shows, productions and photo or film shoots,” says founder and owner, Abie Viljoen.

Current contracts include Miss World, SA Elite Model Look, Face of Africa and the SA Music Awards, to name but a few.

“We want to give our students authentic insight into this exciting and competitive industry, and through this experience they often get recruited by some of the top production companies and cosmetic houses in the country. This experience is invaluable to our students,” Abie points out.

LaReine Vos, principal and main lecturer at the Centurion school, echoes Abie’s sentiments. “The courses are of a very high standard and we only use professional artists working in the industry.”

“This way the most recent and updated information is passed to the students. We strongly believe in teaching current trends, and giving students practical experience in the field,” LaReine explains.

The Make-Up Issue started in Cape Town and has now expanded to Northcliff and Centurion as well. LaReine teaches all the classes at the Centurion school, organizes trips or shows that the students can do.

“I also do admin

Students are encouraged to participate in various make-up competitions throughout the

year to increase their working experience and exposure to the industry.

“We place a lot of importance on comprehensive working knowledge, a full understanding of products and materials, but most importantly, a strong and professional portfolio,” LaReine enthuses.

This practical experience grooms the graduates for this highly competitive industry they’re about to enter. A successful artist needs not only to excel in the knowledge of the various techniques, but be professional in their approach and have an acute sense for business.

“Rather than focusing on past academic achievements, the most important traits are having a creative flair, maturity, a great personality and professionalism,” Abie says matter-of-factly.

Throughout the course there is strong emphasis on building an excellent portfolio which acts as the best marketing tool to showcase students’ skills. Contrary to what others feel that a diploma or certificate from International institutions holds little credit alongside a powerful portfolio.

When the portfolios are handed in at the end of the course, and they are of a professional standard, the graduate will be placed on The Make-Up Issue’s books to be contracted out to clients on a freelance basis.

In five years’ time Abie hopes to have five more schools across the country and his own make-up line under his belt.

“There is just so much I want to do,” LaReine utters. “But make-up wise, hopefully I would’ve done my prosthetics course in New York, bringing new techniques back, still teaching and working on big movie sets.”

“Maybe consulting in the manufacturing of make-up. The science behind it has always interested me,” she beams.

When asked how they came up with the name, Abie replies quite simply: “Make-up is a big issue for women – hence The Make-Up Issue!”

As for a pearl of wisdom, Abie enthuses about working hard and to go out and look for work; it will not come to you.

LaReine believes in patience (especially when things don’t happen immediately or how you want it to happen) and points out that a friendly face does wonders on a job or a shoot! “Always be honest, no matter how difficult or embarrassing it could be,” she advises.

The Make-Up Issue accepts both male and female students over the age of sixteen. A passion for the film, fashion, TV and theatrical industry is a must. This course is also highly recommended for teachers of drama and dance.

For more information visit

www.themakeupissue.com