With a recent boost in opportunities and resources for the industry, there are plenty of reasons why Atlanta is a great place to be.

‍

‍1. The Film & TV industry is making itself at home in Atlanta.

‍There’s a reason why Atlanta is called the Hollywood of the South. Georgia’s digital entertainment tax credits are a pretty sweet deal for film and television productions looking for cost-efficient alternatives to California. This also means that opportunities for artists in the character makeup and special effects industry are increasingly in demand. Though there’s always an option for production teams to fly in talent, it never hurts to be located in the city where all the action is happening. It’s one of the many reasons we decided to relocate Blue Whale Studios from Orlando to Atlanta.

‍

‍2. With a growing convention circuit, Atlanta is a great place to practice your skills in the community.

‍MomoCon, DragonCon, and Anime Weekend Atlanta, Hi-Rez Expo are four major conventions held throughout the year in Atlanta. All together, they achieve more than 208,000 attendees. A major component of each of these conventions are cosplay competitions. From prop making and prosthetics, to theatrical makeup and special effects, you can help take fan-based cosplay and original inventions to the next level and receive credit for your work, too!

‍

‍3. There are plenty of options if you’re looking for training programs to get started.

‍If you’re looking to attend a professional makeup school specializing in character and special effects, prosthetics, or beauty and theatrical makeup, there are several to choose from in the metro-Atlanta area. There are also quite a few cosmetology schools in the city, ranging from college-backed programs to standalone certificate opportunities. From weekend bootcamps to teach you a specific skill to longer programs, there are institutions that will fit your learning style.

‍

‍4. Film and television aside, Atlanta is still a booming place for the makeup business.

‍If working in the film and television industry doesn’t strike your fancy, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to build your career as a cosmetologist in the business world. Home to business giants like Coca-Cola, Delta, UPS, Home Depot, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche, company executives require makeup services for speaking engagements and conventions.

‍

‍5. Living close to an international airport makes travel a bit easier.

‍Even though Atlanta-Jackson Hartsfield Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, there are benefits to living so close to a major travel hub. Atlanta’s airport makes domestic and international travel a little easier as they are prepared for a high-volume of passengers and have more options for direct flights. When your craft requires you to travel and provide your services off-site, you don’t have to drive too far to reach the airport.

‍

Are you an established makeup professional or recently moved to the city? Let us know why you think Atlanta is a great place to work for people in the makeup and special effects industry on Twitter! @bluewhalemakeup.