If you are interested in becoming a makeup artist in Colorado, you will surely be excited to hear the latest news about the state’s uniquely successful creative industries, which includes makeup artistry. In fact, Colorado is a global leader in the creative industries.
The Colorado creative sectors of design, film and media, heritage, literary and publishing, performing arts, and visual arts and crafts have all had a hand in making Colorado a hotspot for ingenuity and innovation.
Colorado ranks sixth in the nation in terms of the percentage of its workforce in creative class occupations, and the creative industries here have been growing faster than most other states in the nation. Further, Colorado is home to ten of the nation’s top 25 non-metro counties in terms of concentration of creative occupations.
In other words, if you are looking for a place to stretch your artistic muscles and get your creative juices flowing in makeup artistry, Colorado may very well be the perfect place to set your career in motion.
Qualifying to Become a Makeup Artist in Colorado
In Colorado, makeup artists are classified as creative professionals that must be state licensed in esthetics. The Colorado Barber and Cosmetologist Act requires anyone applying makeup to be licensed as an esthetician, regardless of the setting in which they work.
Training and Education Requirements
To become licensed as a Colorado esthetician, you must complete at least 20 credit hours (600 clock hours) of training/education through a formal school of esthetics or cosmetology.
Estheticians, who are licensed by the Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure, are skincare professionals who are permitted to:
- Give facials
- Apply makeup
- Apply eyelashes
- Provide skincare services
- Beautify the face, neck, torso, bust, and arms with cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, lotions, creams, and tonics
- Remove hair on the body using depilatories, waxing, or tweezers
Just a few of the areas covered in a comprehensive college program in esthetics include:
- Management, ethics, interpersonal skills, and salesmanship
- Laws, rules, and regulation
- Hair removal
- Facials and skincare
- Facial makeup
- Disinfection, cleaning, and safe work practices
Examination Requirements
Once you have successfully completed an esthetics program in Colorado, you must take and pass two state licensure examinations (written and practical) as to demonstrate your knowledge of esthetics and makeup application. The application and examination process for esthetics licensure in Colorado is completed through PSI Exams. The required examinations are scheduled throughout locations in Colorado, including Denver, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Grand Junction, and Pueblo.
Your esthetician license must be renewed on March 31 of all even-numbered years, and you must maintain an esthetician license to practice makeup artistry in Colorado.
Starting a Career in Makeup Artistry in Colorado
As a licensed esthetician in Colorado, you may find yourself working as an employee of a production company, television station, salon and spa, or resort. You may also find that working as a freelance makeup artist provides you with plenty of opportunities for an exciting career. Many makeup artists choose to start their own makeup artistry business in Colorado, as well, specializing in everything from the bridal business to the theater and performing arts industries.
Film and Production
Because Colorado is home to the artistic and inspired, it comes to as no surprise that this U.S. state has churned out its share of locally produced films. According to the organizers of the Starz Denver Film Festival, the Colorado film industry is growing at an “exponential rate.” Film producers spent $1.8 million in Colorado in 2011; since then, thanks to a new state incentive, another $35 million has been spent, thereby allowing Colorado to experience a “film renaissance.”
For makeup artists in Colorado, this is very good news, with these creative professionals appearing on nearly every film set, whether for a small production or a large, Hollywood style production. Just a few of the production companies working out of Colorado include:
- Roshambo Films, Denver
- Serac Adventure Films, Boulder
- Vital Films, Aspen
- Exposure Productions, Durango
- Futuristic Films, Denver
Destination Resorts and Spas
Colorado is home to a plethora of high-end resorts that boast beautifully equipped salons and spas, many of which offer makeup and skincare services. Your artistic talents with makeup may therefore be right at home at one of Colorado’s stunning resorts:
- Viceroy Snowmass, Snowmass Village
- Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa, Avon
- The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs
- Vail Cascade Resort & Spa, Vail
- Sonnenalp, Vail
- Omni Interlocken Resort, Broomfield
- Peaks Resort & Spa, Telluride
Day Spas and Resorts
Spas and salons are also quite commonplace throughout Colorado, particularly in or near popular vacation destinations. Full-service spas and salons often offer makeup services, thereby presenting you with a host of professional opportunities:
- Veda Salon and Spa, Colorado Springs and Denver
- Jula Salon and Day Spa, Colorado Springs
- Lotus Salon and Spa, Colorado Springs
- Exquisite Salon and Spa, Denver
- Serenity Spa and Salon, Keystone