Make-up Artist

A make-up artist is a person who applies makeup and prosthetics on the human body for theatre, film, television, magazines, fashion and other productions. Make-up artists may be required to create high-fashion looks or alter an actor’s looks by showing injury, age, or other characteristics. There are many different types of make-up artists and many different fields they can work in.

Education

To begin, you need to determine what kind of make-up artist you want to be. You can work in fashion, television/film, magazines, and other places. You require proper training. A regular beauty school is fine, but if you want to work in film, you may want to attend a make-up school that specializes in cinematic make-up. Make-Up Designory (https://www.mud.edu/ny-campus.html) has campuses in New York and Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Makeup School (https://www.lamuschool.com/) also offers a make-up program while having the luxury of being close to Hollywood. You will require a portfolio. This will help showcase your range and your work as a make-up artist. To build a portfolio, ask a friend to model for you one afternoon. You can show your range and talent by creating different looks geared towards certain genres and styles. Look online for agencies representing make-up artists and send them your portfolio. You will have to start small. Being a make-up assistant at first will earn you terrific experience, and you will be able to learn things from professionals in the business. You can also offer your services to low budget filmmakers or film schools that are looking for make-up artists.

Job Description

A make-up artist’s job description varies significantly depending on what field you work in. Some make-up artists meet with clients and discuss what services they are looking for, or they may recommend products to customers. For film/television, a make-up artist is responsible for altering an actor’s appearance depending on the script. This can range from a basic foundation to help cut out the glare from the camera lights to completely transforming a person into an alien or different person all together. Hollywood union regulations differentiate between a make-up artist and a body make-up artist. Make-up artists can apply cosmetics from the top of the breastbone to the top of the head, from the toes to the ankles and fingertips to wrists. A body make-up artist applies make-up in any other required areas. As you advance in your career as a make-up artist, you may be required to hire and supervise additional make-up artists, especially if you are part of a large production like a film.

Pros & Cons

As a make-up artist, you may have the opportunity to work on a high profile film or other entertainment productions. You will get to meet and work on famous actors and actresses, transforming them into unrecognizable people with makeup and cosmetics. It is possible to receive additional payment through tips and commissions, especially if you work at a salon. There are also strong job prospects and many opportunities available for make-up artists. Many make-up artists are self-employed, allowing you to work on the jobs you want and choose what projects you take on. There are some disadvantages, however. Some beauty products have chemicals that can cause irritation when exposed to them. The job requires you to remain on your feet for long periods of time. Many make-up artists work evenings and weekends, and if you are part of a large film production, you may have extremely long days depending on the type of movie that is being made, and the amount of make-up the actors require.