Makeup Artist: Special Effects

Our Special Effects Program teaches you how to design and apply hyper-realistic makeup and prosthetics that meet top industry standards for film and TV.

AMUA’s SFX Makeup Department Head

About Your Instructor

Learn directly from Emmy Award-winning makeup artist Ben Rittenhouse, a leader in special effects, prosthetics, and prop making. Ben’s work spans some of the biggest productions in film and TV, including:

Star Trek, Avatar, The Hunger Games, The Chronicles of Narnia
Grey’s Anatomy, CSI, The Pacific, Anchorman, Kill Bill
Sin City, Hostel, The Hills Have Eyes, and more.

With decades in the industry, Ben brings insider techniques, real-world set experience, and the high standards that top productions demand — giving you the skills and confidence to launch your own career.

Program Overview

What You’ll Learn

Sculpt & Lifecast – build clay maquettes, take lifecasts, and master the core tools that shape every FX piece.
Mold Making & Casting – create professional two- and three-piece molds, then run silicone or foam appliances ready for set.
Special-Effects Makeup I & II – progress from out-of-the-kit injuries to multi-piece creature prosthetics, detailed painting, and on-skin application that meets union standards.
3-D Printing for FX – turn digital models into printed parts and molds, blending cutting-edge tech with traditional makeup artistry.
Business & Portfolio – price your work, negotiate contracts, and graduate with a polished portfolio showcasing full character builds.

Student Work

Ready to bring your creative vision to life?

Consumer Information

Academy of Makeup & Arts is authorized for operation as a postsecondary educational institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. In order to view detailed job placement and graduation information on the programs offered by Academy of Makeup & Arts, please visit

https://www.tn.gov/thec/bureaus/student-aid-and-compliance/postsecondary-state-authorization/authorized-institutions-and-data.html.