Makeup Artist Job Description

What is a makeup artist?

A makeup artist is someone who uses cosmetic techniques and processes to create beauty or fantasy with the human body. In its simplest form, makeup artistry enhances a person's appearance, bringing out color and features and hiding or smoothing out flaws. At its most extreme, makeup artistry creates imaginative characters and special effects for films.

There are two main categories of makeup artist. Cosmetic or fashion artists range from the clerk at the store makeup counter to the artist who prepares fashion models for photo shoots. The makeup artist knows how to make the subject look her or his best, and understands the different effects required by lighting and digital photography. The fashion makeup artist also works with designers to create a certain "look" for the model, such as emphasizing lip shape or cheekbones. Thanks to digital cameras, makeup artists are increasingly in demand for weddings and other special events that will be recorded.

Theatrical and film makeup artistry enhances an actor's features to emphasize the character he plays. Young actors can be made to look old, older actors to look younger, and the makeup can change as the character changes in the course of the story. Like a fashion makeup artist, the theatrical and film makeup artist learns to work with different lighting conditions, the distance between the stage and the audience, and the requirements determined by digital and high definition cameras. At its most creative, special effects artists create fantasy creatures and the illusion of blood and gore.

How do I become a makeup artist?

A love of cosmetics and all the things they can do is one of the first signs of a budding makeup artist. If you like to experiment with different "looks" and to try them out on your friends, you may discover a real knack for applying makeup. To find out if it would suit you as a career, you can get a job at a department store makeup counter, and get some makeup artist training as well. If this is your passion, there are makeup artist schools which offer classes in all the different kinds of fashion makeup.

You can also join theater groups at school or in the community and learn to work with greasepaint and theatrical lighting. This type of makeup artistry is very creative, and the makeup artist learns to concoct a character's appearance as part of the director's vision. You can learn this art on the job, and you can also take classes at colleges with theatrical programs.

A degree is not required, but a portfolio is essential. Take good pictures of your work as you go from project to project, keep in touch with people you've work with, and be open to working with new experts as opportunity arises. People skills are essential, and you will benefit if you have a reputation of working well with demanding actors, directors, photographers, and brides.

What kind of careers and income do makeup artists have?

Makeup artists can work at retail stores and salons. Many makeup artists are freelance, and market themselves as specialists in weddings and special events, mortuary makeup, photo shoots, runway models, film and television, live theater, and special effects. According to the Bureay of Labor, depending on experience and the portfolio, salaries for makeup-artists can range from $22,200 to $102,450.

Makeup artist schools quickly provide professional-level expertise for the beginner, which saves the trouble and time of learning everything by trial and error. Makeup artist training covers a wide range of specialties. The schools often provide job referrals for a quick career boost, as well.

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