May 17, 2017

Meet Terri Tomlinson of Terri Tomlinson Makeup Training Academy in Addison

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Terri Tomlinson.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Terri. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have been a working makeup artist for over 27 years. I started in college as a sales person for Lancome and worked my way up. After I graduated I decided to continue working in cosmetics and moved to Dallas. I stayed in the retail branch of makeup for 10 years working primarily at Neiman Marcus with lines like Prescriptives, Bobbi Brown, Lancome, and Revlon.

In ’99 I sent myself to L.A. to study makeup for Television. When I got back to Dallas I started all over in another branch of the industry. I was lucky to sign with The Campbell Agency that year and began working in print photography, video, Television, runway, and film.

In 2008 while feeling the effects of the recession I searched for something else I could do. I needed another source of income and creativity. At the time there was nowhere to learn the craft of professional makeup artistry and I occasionally would get requests for classes. I decided to start my own program and in 2010 Makeup Training Academy was born!

I started out small, renting out studio space while I was teaching. I wanted my classes to be small, intimate and very hands-on. In 2014 I opened my own brick and mortar full time location in Addison. I put my studio in a retail location so that I could also reach out to the consumer with education, services, and product. I carry hard-to-find product that I use professionally as well as my own line that I have manufactured in France. (Discovered while on a trip to Paris in 2013!)

My style as an educator is very hands-on. I love breaking down technique and showing others the craft of makeup. The space has also become a center for the pro-community. I host events for working artists, chances to network and a place for us to become more connected as a community. I believe it has make us stronger as a group.

My studio offers training to new and existing artists, lessons and makeup services to the consumer, and beautiful product. I host private makeup events for the consumer (like smoky eye parties), and workshops. I speak to young people and students whenever I get the chance. I love to share my path and story as an artist. I have had such a wonderful career and love inspiring others to follow their creative path. I still work in the production industry when I can.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No it has not been smooth. The production industry is very competitive and not always steady. I have had clients suddenly stop hiring me with no notice or explanation. I have had to see the business change drastically after 9/11 and again after the recession. In many ways it has still not recovered. Not everyone operates with integrity and so there is under-cutting. With the rise of social media, it is difficult to tell the professional makeup artists from the bloggers and the hobbyists. The market is definitely saturated.

Makeup artists tend to be self-employed and freelance. It is not an easy road. You are your manager, boss, assistant…everything. You have to be able to get through the slow times, and during busy times you can only do one job at a time.

Once I opened Makeup Training Academy I had to establish myself not only as an experienced makeup artist, but as an educator. People have to trust me to teach them, guide them in this business, and have integrity. I have found that because makeup is something that women put on every day, not everyone understands what a professional makeup artist does. This creates a lack of value in pro education. One of my jobs as an educator is to teach people the difference between putting makeup on yourself or “painting a face” and practicing the craft of makeup art. We rely on theoretical understanding of color and light, we must know what cameras we are working on and what they do, we need to see facial structure, we must know how to manipulate many products. It is such a challenging and rewarding career.

I think that one has to have great curiosity to learn and passion to make it in the business. But when you have those things and can be successful, it is a wonderful place to be.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Terri Tomlinson Makeup Training Academy – what should we know?
What we specialize in is teaching professional artistry. I do not just show my students how I do makeup. I show them how to create makeup for all mediums. I teach beauty makeup, whether it is making someone look good for camera and “makeup free” or doing a super dramatic makeup for the runway. A working pro has to understand how to do no-makeup to full makeup in any situation, for any camera, any light, on any face.

Professionally I am known for “clean beauty” makeup as I tend to work for advertising/commercial clients. As an educator I’m known for my patience 🙂 and professionalism. I’m really a theory geek and love breaking down makeup into theory and the technical application.

I think this is also what sets me apart. Everything I do, whether makeup for a private client, or a class on contouring is based on theory, technique, and method. I also believe that there is no one like me doing this. How often does a professional makeup artist who has been working in the production industry, open a shop for everyone?
My classes are very distinct as well. I teach to 2-6 students at a time on average. I make it affordable and approachable to all.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
In my heart I do this because I love it. I love the creation and expression of makeup. I love to find what is beautiful in a face.

Although I’m financially successful, that is not my motivation. I do what I’m inspired to do and I think that is where my success lays. I’m not trying to get people’s money.

I also think that my honesty and “realness” is a key in my success. I shoot straight and try not to get caught up in the glamour of makeup, or the fame of people I meet. I have a job and I do my job. I’m very grateful to be able to do what I do, and that keeps me humble.

Pricing:

Lessons for the Individual $150
Workshops for the consumer $40
Classes for new and existing makeup artists run $1600 for 5-Day Program and $1850 for 10-Day
Workshops for new and existing makeup artists run $250-$800

Contact Info: