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Success in the Make-up Industry depends upon the right combination of three special qualities: Aptitude, Attitude, and Adaptability. This is the career philosophy of Todd McIntosh, self-taught veteran Make-up Artist, and instructor.

Todd was born in California - (a Virgo, perfectionist that he is), and raised in Victoria, B.C., Canada. His career was sparked at the age of 12 when, as a fan of the TV series, "Dark Shadows," he began creating monster make-ups. These make-ups expanded to include costumes, props, and acting, leading to his discovery by the President of Victoria's Langham Court Theater. There, during a five-year association to follow, Todd was able to develop his talents by assisting cast members with their theatrical make-ups. His first show was Kurt Weill's "A Threepenny Opera," over 30 more would follow.

Todd studied drama and art in high school, and along with continuing to polish his skills with make-up, he began to teach make-up for the first time. By the age of 15 he had replaced all his early eye-pencil and cardboard fang techniques with professional products and was working to create his first foamed latex prosthetics. These new skills with special make-up effects were developed through reading and study, and by careful observation of film and television. It would be many years before professional training would be available for this field. Such industry luminaries as Dick Smith, ("The Exorcist"), Rick Baker, ("The Grinch Who Stole Christmas/ "Planet of the Apes,") and Michael Westmore, (The "Star Trek" revival series), became Todd's idols at an early age.

Beyond admiring what he saw on the screen, Todd took special note of their working techniques, studying everything he could find on his heroes. Years later it would be Michael Westmore, with whom Todd worked on "Clan of the Cave Bear" and "Masters of the Universe," who would give his career that extra push.

Meanwhile, in 1978, Todd was hired by the CBC, (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation), and moved to Vancouver. He began working on "The Raes" variety specials as well as other TV variety shows and series. It was at the CBC that he upgraded his skills in beauty and glamour make-ups, thus opening doors that often remain closed to make-up artists who specialize in only one area.

In the subsequent years, Todd's list of credits became lengthy and impressive. He gained reputation and experience working on all manner of projects that began to swell Vancouver's, then fledgling, film industry. This gave Todd experience in virtually all aspects of the make-up field. In the midst of this flush of work, Todd found time to write the curriculum for the Blanche MacDonald Institute's Make-up Division, and to teach in the school as well. Todd also spent many years as chairman of the Make-up Department of I.A.T.S.E. Local 891 - the Vancouver local.

After years as a motivator in the Vancouver film scene, Todd finally decided to pursue his birthright, and try his hand at the center of the film business; Hollywood. In 1990 he moved to Los Angeles to begin his career all over again. Working first as a Key, then as a Department Head, Todd fleshed out his resume with such films as, "City Slickers I & II," "Mr. Saturday Night," "Dracula, Dead and Loving It," and "The Brady Bunch Movie's."

The move south paid off as Todd garnered Emmy awards and nominations, as well as being honored by his peers in the Hollywood I.A.T.S.E. Local with their own Hollywood Make-up and Hairstylists Guild Awards. Todd headed the Make-up department on the hit TV series "Buffy, the Vampire Slayer," for six seasons where he juggled all his skills at beauty and special make-up. True to form, Todd remains active as an educator in Hollywood.

Todd likes to describe himself as a graduate of the "school of hard knocks." His many years of hard work, study, and discipline have been rewarding both personally and professionally; but without hesitation, Todd will always continue to study and place himself in situations that offer the most learning experiences. Todd believes that the art of doing make-up is as complex as the art of dealing with people. A make-up artist must be a technician, a politician, an artist and psychiatrist; Part chemist and part administrator. It is really a career that requires skills from all areas of life.

"Your product is people. They are the canvas on which you paint, they are the medium in which you work, and your finished work of art."

Todd McIntosh