Makeup artists use beauty products and techniques to accentuate a person’s look with cosmetics and techniques. They may work on movie sets or fashion shoots and produce special effects with prosthetics.
Makeup artists often keep portfolios or websites to showcase their best work and professional abilities.
Education and Training
Makeup artists often study cosmetology or another related field, taking courses that teach the techniques and products needed for cosmetology or related industries, like fashion or theatre. Others might specialize in one specific industry by taking specific classes pertaining to it such as cosmetology.
Working alongside an established makeup artist in the field is often an invaluable opportunity to gain experience and create a professional portfolio, essential for showing clients, employers and potential mentors the work you can do.
Some states require makeup artists to obtain a license as cosmetologists or estheticians; however, many individuals find success without formal education or licensing.
Experience
Experience and creating a strong portfolio are essential ingredients of success as a makeup artist. On-the-job training at amateur dramatic productions can often provide invaluable experience that enables makeup artists to acquire necessary skills while building up their portfolios.
Listening and understanding customer needs are also essential when working as an esthetician or makeup artist, whether this involves understanding what the customer wants, advising them on suitable products or styles and making sure everything used has been cleaned thoroughly at the end of every session.
Based on your job requirements, other skills may include staying calm under pressure; working with actors and producers who may be temperamental with large egos; meeting tight deadlines; maintaining cleanliness (i.e. – keeping all tools clean and washing brushes regularly) as well as being willing to travel between locations for work if you are self-employed.
Licenses and Certifications
Makeup artists typically obtain their license through vocational schools offering makeup-specific programs; however, some choose cosmetology degrees at colleges with strong reputations instead; both pathways typically take approximately the same number of training hours to complete.
Makeup artists employed by cosmetics companies may work to develop and test new products before going to market, ensuring quality, safety, and performance are in check before going onto shelves. Such professionals must possess an in-depth knowledge of beauty trends, color theory and design.
Others specialize in preparing customers and performers for photo shoots, weddings and special events like birthday parties. Lighting and settings must be considered to produce optimal looks while creating special effects with prosthetics for movie sets is another job altogether.
State licenses may be necessary in some states for makeup artists who wish to operate professionally, with requirements depending on each state; some types of makeup (e.g. entertainment, fashion or sales) being exempt. Licensing requirements also include meeting minimum age, education and training criteria in addition to passing all required tests.
Career Opportunities
Makeup artistry allows you to explore many industries – fashion, film, theatre, weddings, print media and special effects are just a few of them! As an individual makeup artist you have the freedom to choose which sector best fits you – fashion films theatre weddings prints etc – or choose an industry to specialize in!
Your schedule also gives you the freedom to accept or decline assignments when it best suits you, providing flexibility that’s crucial for those not looking forward to the 9-5 grind.
Makeup artistry doesn’t require going to university, which means avoiding student debt. Additionally, many in this industry get paid per job rather than receiving a regular salary – meaning your earnings could fluctuate considerably from month to month and savers can find themselves struggling to budget or save efficiently.
