BYU professor and special effects artist Jennine Hollingshaus teaches students how makeup goes beyond products, transforming faces to communicate and tell powerful stories.
TMA 367 is a film makeup class taught at BYU West Campus, the second in a series that includes a beginner course and prepares students for advanced studies in makeup and hair design.
Hollingshaus, the class’ professor, is a seasoned makeup artist whose credentials include working on the beloved Studio C makeup team since the third season.
Her class focuses on how makeup can shape and convey stories on screen, whether it’s for stage, film or everyday looks. Hollingshaus said her priority is helping students understand the depth of character development and storytelling, not just the cosmetics.
"Once you know the story you want to tell with makeup, that gives you power," Hollingshaus said. "Anyone can learn how to apply eyeliner or lipstick, but we’re asking, 'Why are you doing it?' That’s where true creativity and identity come in."
For student Claira Miller, the idea of storytelling through makeup became especially relevant when she worked on a zombie character for a short film. Using the principles from Hollingshaus’ lectures, she considered the character’s backstory before starting her design.
“I had to think, 'Okay, has she crawled out of the ground, or has she already been out? How long has she been decaying? Is her skin going to be moist or dry? Is it actively falling off?'” she recalled.
Claira was able to make creative choices that brought the character to life by considering the zombie’s journey.
As most BYU classes do, Hollinghshaus integrates concepts of faith and gospel principles in her lessons to help students see the spiritual side of creativity and use it to push against industry norms.
“Theater and film often have a reputation where faith isn’t encouraged,” she explained. “I think people of faith have a responsibility not to avoid these industries but to get in and make a difference and to change the industry.”
Student Hayden Mikami resonated with this connection of faith and creativity. He has learned to use his talents to express gratitude to God and to serve others.
“I think one of the biggest things is just like skills and talents, right?" Mikami said. "In the gospel principle behind that of using what you have to be able to not only express gratitude to God, but also to help other people and to, like, have that service."
Hollingshaus’s teaching also helped students develop confidence in their abilities, a skill that goes beyond makeup. She said she believes students should understand the power of creativity and its divine connection.
“Our Father, who is in heaven, is the great creator,” she said. “And because we’re His children, we have that spark of creativity within us. Even if you think you’re ‘not creative,’ you absolutely are. It’s a divine attribute we all have.”
Hollingshaus encouraged students to trust in their own potential and use makeup to express themselves.
Sophia Cabrera, who is also pursuing an acting major, finds the class boosts her self-confidence both as a makeup artist and an actor.
“Part of being an artist is making mistakes, learning how to deal with them and how to make them better and intentional,” she said.
Cabrera appreciated the hands-on approach in TMA 367. “I was so surprised how creative I could be as a designer,” she said. “It’s helped me become a more creative person.”
As students navigate their creative journeys in TMA 367, they often find that their skills and confidence grow in surprising ways. Brielle Paul reflected on her progress.
“It’s super cool to look back at pictures even from my first and be like, 'Wow, maybe I am better than I was before,'” she said.
Paul also said how seeing her own improvement helped her combat self-doubt.
“It feels like the opposite of imposter syndrome. ... You’re kind of like, 'Oh, I don’t actually know if I can do this,' but then when you see it at the end, you’re like, 'Oh wait, I actually can do this. This is crazy.'”
Students in TMA 367 not only master the art of makeup but also learn to recognize and celebrate their own growth as artists. This empowering experience encourages them to embrace their unique voices and stories, allowing them to shine both on and off the stage.