he Makeup Issue was born 20 years ago from passion for beauty and fashion. Our courses are specifically designed to qualify you as a professional individual and makeup artist. We are renowned for our superb level of training, contributed by the fact that instruction is given by experienced and professional makeup artists that have been working, as is still actively working in the film and fashion industry. Our lecturers bring in the latest fashion trends into their teachings.

What sets our academy apart from other institutions is that we regularly give students the opportunity to go out and assist the lecturers on fashion shows, productions and photographic/film shoots. Current contracts such as Miss World, SA Elite Model Look, Face of Africa, SA Fashion Week (Audi, Jo'Burg, Durban and Cape Town), SA Music Awards, to name but a few. (For more contracts, please see the bottom of the page). 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", comments founder and principal, Abie Viljoen.


Students are encouraged to participate in various makeup competitions throughout the year to increase their working experience and exposure to the industry. We lay a lot of importance on comprehensive working knowledge, a full understanding of products and materials, but most important of all, a strong and professional portfolio. This practical experience grooms the graduates for this highly competitive industry they are about to enter. A successful artist need not only excel in the knowledge of the various techniques, but be professional in their approach and have an acute sense for business.


Abie Viljoen explains "Rather than focussing on past academic achievements, the most important traits are having a creative flair, maturity, a great personality and professionalism". Throughout the course there is strong emphasis on building an excellent portfolio which acts as the best marketing tool to showcase their skills, contrary to what others feel that a diploma or certificate from International institutions hold 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 our books to be contracted out to clients on a freelance basis.

We accept both male and female students over the age of sixteen that has an interest and love for the film, fashion, TV and theatrical industry. This course is also highly recommended for teachers of drama and dance.



Continued contracts done by The Makeup Issue:
SA Model of the year 1995 to 2001, SA Fusion Cover, Miss Africa Renaissance, SA Ford Supermodel, Rooi Rose Moir's Competition, Exposure Studio Promotions (body painting), Marcus Bruister Publicity (Silversands casino body painting), True Love Woman's Day expo and SAB North Region Kick-start Awards, J & B Met – 1999 to 2001, Kyknet Model – 2003, Magazines; Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Marie Claire, True Love, You and Huisgenoot.