Barry Patterson has been named the president of Toronto’s Complections College of Makeup Art & Design College (C|MU) , the school has announced.

In his new role, Patterson is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the makeup art and design school, as well as the overall growth and direction of the college.

Patterson is a long-time member of the Canadian film, television and arts community, having most recently held the position of executive director, communications at Vancouver’s Emily Carr University of Art and Design.

But many of today’s filmmakers and TV students will have encountered Patterson at the CFC, where he was the director of marketing and communications from 2004 to 2011.  He has also worked with CBC, Astral Media and Famous Players.

Patterson says he’s always admired the role makeup plays in the artistry of film and television production.

“Specifically in film and television, actors are transformed…they open their eyes up and they have been made into their characters,” Patterson told Playback Daily.

As the new president of the college, Patterson also aims to raise the public’s awareness of the role makeup and makeup artists play in bringing film and television productions to life.

“The need for makeup is one that is never really going to go away,” Patterson said.