Make-Up Designory (MUD) Los Angeles: The Makeup School Born in Hollywood’s Backyard
If you want to become a professional makeup artist, there’s no better place to train than where the industry lives. Make-Up Designory (MUD) has called Los Angeles home since 1997 – and it’s not a coincidence that the film industry does too.
What Is MUD?
Make-Up Designory (MUD) is a professional makeup school founded in 1997 by working makeup artists who wanted to build something they never had: a school made by industry professionals, for aspiring industry professionals. MUD opened its doors in January 1998 with two classrooms and a small office in Toluca Lake, California, before moving to its current downtown Burbank facility in 2001.
Today, MUD has taught and graduated some of the most accomplished makeup artists for nearly three decades. Each year, students arrive from around the world to train at the Burbank campus or one of MUD’s global studio locations.
Why Study in Burbank?
Located in downtown Burbank, MUD’s Los Angeles Campus sits near some of the biggest production studios in the world. That proximity matters. Students don’t just learn in a classroom – they learn in the same city where the work actually happens, with instructors who are active in the industry.
An Award-Winning, Accredited Institution
MUD isn’t just well-known – it’s officially recognized for academic excellence. MUD has been officially recognized as an ACCSC School of Distinction for 2024-2025 by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
This honor is the result of a rigorous accreditation process in which ACCSC evaluates schools on curriculum design, instructional quality, student services, and institutional performance.
“Being recognized as a School of Distinction isn’t just about meeting standards – it’s about surpassing them,” said Tate Holland, President and CEO of Make-up Designory.
This isn’t the first time MUD has earned recognition. The school also previously received the ACCSC School of Excellence Award, which recognizes institutions for their commitment to accreditation standards and high levels of student achievement.
Programs and Courses: What You Can Study
Students can choose from four comprehensive makeup programs or individual courses, learning beauty, character, and special makeup effects for film, television, fashion, and retail.
Programs cover foundational beauty, advanced SFX, and character makeup for film and HD, fashion, editorial, and stage.
Film and Television Makeup Artistry (Including SFX)
This program teaches you everything you need to prepare actors for the camera and bring characters to life – from beauty and corrective techniques to prosthetics and special effects.
Graduates are prepared to pursue entry-level roles in fields like:
- Film and television makeup artistry
- Student films and small-budget productions
- Freelance work for weddings and social events
- Salon and retail beauty consulting *
- Sales consulting in the beauty industry
* Note: Some salon roles may require state cosmetology or esthetician licensing in addition to your MUD certificate.
The Film & Television Makeup Artistry Program prepares students for the unique demands of makeup in the entertainment industry. This program covers everything from basic corrective makeup to the complexities of character development and continuity. Students learn how to create and maintain looks for various characters, ensuring consistency throughout long shooting schedules. The curriculum includes special effects makeup, aging techniques, and the application of prosthetics. Graduates are trained to work in diverse settings, from feature films and television series to commercials and independent projects, making them versatile artists in the field.
Individual Courses and Workshops
Not ready to commit to a full program? MUD also offers standalone courses and workshops. However, individual courses taken on a stand-alone basis are not accredited by ACCSC, and students taking stand-alone courses are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid.
Workshop topics have included airbrush application, bridal makeup, beauty makeup artistry, special effects application, and even animatronics.
Career Support and Community
MUD doesn’t just teach you makeup – it connects you to the industry. Students get access to career advice, a strong alumni network, and guest perspectives from working makeup artists who share insights on the latest innovations in the craft.
MUD’s graduates enjoy high success rates, securing positions in film, television, fashion, and beyond.
A Global School with Local Roots
MUD’s global network includes prestigious main campuses, MUD Studios across Europe, Asia, and South Africa, and partner schools worldwide. But it all started, and still thrives, in Burbank, CA.
Links – Make-Up Designory
Visit mud.edu to explore programs, book a campus tour, or speak with an admissions advisor.
Address: 129 S. San Fernando Blvd, Burbank, CA 91502
Phone: 1-818-729-9420
Follow MUD: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Fair Use & Credits:
Images: From Make-up designory web page
All copyrighted material belongs to their respective owners. Screenshots are used for commentary and educational purposes under fair use.