Academy FAQ
What are the licensing requirements for permanent makeup?
Permanent makeup is a state and local regulated industry. The requirements differ widely. Check with your local and state authorities to determine the requirements in your area. Florida requires you to pass a pathogen class, have a tattooing license, and operate in an approved safe work environment.
Do I need a cosmetology license to practice permanent makeup?
Florida does not require a cosmetology license, but you will need a tattooing license. Check with your state and local authorities for the requirements.
What kinds of certificates do you offer?
Our certificates are for permanent makeup with a focus on eyebrow techniques, such as Microblading, Combination, Ombre, and Powder brows.
When are your classes?
There are no set dates for classes. Contact us at 727-213-8801.
How many days are your classes?
Usually 4-6 days for our "Getting Started in Permanent Makeup" certification.
Do I get hands-on experience with clients?
Yes. We understand that getting started in permanent makeup can be a little scary. We have designed our classes to comfortably move you from theory, to fake skin practice, to observation of our pros, and finally to live model practice. Our goal is that by the end of the class, you will have a good understanding of the industry and be comfortable working on clients.
Do I just jump in and start working on live models?
No. You will be paired with an instructor who will gradually bring you into doing work on live models. They will start off showing you how it is done then once you get a feel for it, they will gradually let you do the work. By the end of the class, will be doing all the work.
Why should I choose Impressive Brows Academy?
Practice! Practice! Practice! We are all about get you real life practice. Many schools only offer a practice on a couple live models, but we typically try to get you up to 20 models. We know it can be scary getting started in permanent makeup. That is why we emphasize lots of practice with live models under the guidance of an instructor. Also, we want you to build a portfolio of clients so you can advertise your services. You will get photos of your clients and experience in our class so you can show potential clients.
How many clients will I have in your class?
We try to get over 20 clients for our students. That's a great start to your portfolio and a good number to build enough confidence so you feel comfortable getting started.
What if I want more client practice?
You will leave our class with enough skill and proficiency to feel confident to get started; however, we do offer advanced classes and internships so you can develop more advanced skills.
Do I practice on paper first?
Yes. We need to build your skills and knowledge before working on client. We will assign you an instructor so you can practice drawing on paper and 3D mannequins at home. Once you you have mastered those techniques at home then we bring you into the classroom. This helps you get the most out of your live model experiences.
Can I organize an out-of-state group class?
Yes. We train outside of Florida. Organizing group classes can lower the cost per person. We've had out-of-state classes in Maine, Virginia, Georgia, Thailand, and Sweden.
Do you teach permanent makeup for lips and eyeliner?
Our introduction class is focused on brows only.
Where do you do your training?
Training is done at our headquarters in Largo, FL.
Do you have financial assistance?
No. Sorry we do not offer financial assistance.
Do you do payments?
We can take payments, but the full price needs to be paid by the time class starts.
What does it take to succeed as a permanent makeup artist?
- Business Savy - Most permanent makeup artists run their own business so you will need to learn to be good at advertising, marketing, accounting, etc. Many skilled artists don't survive because they cannot get clients. Impressive Brows does have an option to work for us and we do the client finding.
- Hard work - No getting around it. If you want to succeed, you will need to be a hard worker.
- Customer service - Hospitality skills are a must. You need to be able to deal with people, especially the difficult ones.
- Promptness - Clients don't like you showing up late. Their time is valuable. If you cannot make your appointments on time, you are going to have a hard time in this industry.
- Eye for beauty - Ultimately, clients want beautiful brows. The best artists have a good sense for beauty.
- Eye/hand skills - You are working in 3 dimensions when you do work on the face. Symmetry and shape are crucial to a happy client. Although there are tools you can use to help get the symmetry right, you need to be able to see visually too. If an unlevel picture frame doesn't bother you, you might not be right for this job.
How do I get started?
We require a deposit to get started. Once you make the deposit, you will need a Florida tattooing license, which requires you first pass a bloodborne pathogen test that is approved by the state. Here is the list of Florida state approved testing companies. We recommend Biologix Solutions. It is all online for $55. Once you have paid the deposit and finished the Bloodborne certification, we will work with you to get the tattooing license.