Professional Makeup Artists

Career summary

#No alternate titles

 Professional makeup artists work on all kinds of projects for:

• Film
• Live theater
• Television

Makeup artists read the script to learn details about the production. They consider the age of the characters, the setting, and the time period of the production to determine how actors' and actresses' hair and makeup should appear. Lighting is also important when deciding what makeup to use.

Makeup artists research the hair and makeup styles of specific time periods. They draw sketches or collect photos to show the styles they have in mind. They also consult with directors and technicians about their ideas and designs at various stages of the process.

Makeup artists collect tools for their makeup kit, including:

• Brushes
• Grease paints
• Powders
• Rubber glues

Makeup artists apply foundations and makeup before performances or filming to create the effect they want. They style hair and attach wigs and prostheses. Some makeup artists do special effects, such as wounds for horror or action movies. Application of makeup can take several hours for one performer alone.

Sometimes makeup artists make prosthetic devices. These items are used to change the appearance of performers. They might create a beard for an actor, or fleshy face parts to make him look older. They also create or purchase hairpieces, wigs, and beards.

Makeup artists remain backstage during a performance or filming to monitor the production. They maintain actors' makeup throughout the show or filming and do touchups if needed. They help actors remove the makeup at the end of the show or workday.

Related careers

This career is part of the Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Actors
• Barbers
• Costume and Wardrobe Specialists
• Fine Artists
• Hairstylists and Cosmetologists
• Manicurists
• Photographers
• Set and Exhibit Designers
• Skin Care Specialists
• Tattoo Artists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to professional makeup artists.

• Read script for details that affect characters' appearance.
• Research hair, makeup, and clothing styles of historical time periods.
• Cleanse skin before applying makeup.
• Make drawings or models or collect photos to demonstrate makeup and hairstyle designs.
• Consult with directors, technicians, and other artists about ideas or changes.
• Create rubber or latex prostheses to change performers' appearance. Create wigs or beards.
• Select and apply foundations, powders, and grease paints to create the desired effect.
• Attach prostheses, wigs, or other materials to alter performers' physical characteristics.
• Stay on set or backstage to maintain performers' makeup throughout the production or filming.
• Help performers remove makeup at end of the performance or work day.
• Duplicate makeup or hair so that it looks the same for every performance.
• May develop and establish budgets for productions.
• Acquire wigs, beards, and specialized makeup for certain effects.

Common work activities

Professional makeup artists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Think creatively
• Get information needed to do the job
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Schedule work and activities
• Handle and move objects
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Assist and care for others
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Coach others
• Develop and build teams

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, professional makeup artists:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social interaction. They work closely with actors when applying makeup.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by assistants.
• Often work as part of a team.
• Communicate with others by telephone, in person, and e-mail. They also write letters and memos, but less often.
• Have limited responsibility for the health and safety of clients.

Physical work conditions

• Often work indoors.
• Are on rare occasions exposed to contaminants, such as toxic glues or fiberglass.
• Work very near others, within inches. They come into physical contact with customers.
• Occasionally must get into awkward positions to apply makeup at just the right angle.
• Are sometimes exposed to very bright or very dim lighting.

Work performance

• Must be sure that all details of the job are done and their work is exact. Errors could ruin the realistic effect of productions.
• Repeat the same physical tasks.
• Often make decisions that affect their company's reputation and the clients they work with.
• Sometimes make decisions independently, but often consult another first.
• Set most of their daily activities and goals on their own. However, their schedules are determined largely by client appointments.

Hours/travel

• May work long hours to meet deadlines.
• May work evenings and weekends during performances.
• May work part time or full time.
• May travel to different locations for productions or filming.

Physical demands

Professional makeup artists frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.

It is important for professional makeup artists to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for professional makeup artists to be able to:

• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.

Skills and abilities

Professional makeup artists need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Cosmetology and Hair Design

Other programs of study to consider

• Anatomy
• Dramatic Arts
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Modeling
• Painting and Drawing
• Photography
• Theatre Design and Technology

Training

To work as a professional makeup artist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete a formal training program.

Education after high school

Most makeup artists complete a formal training program in cosmetology. Professional-technical schools and two-year colleges offer these programs. Some makeup artists receive their training from professional programs designed specifically for the film industry.

Some makeup artists earn a bachelor's or master's degree in theater, art, film history, or a related subject. You should take makeup, drawing, painting, and drama courses in college. You should consider taking anatomy, chemistry, and photography courses.

Work experience

It is very helpful to have experience working in the theater or on the production of films. Assisting with makeup for school plays, community theater, and movies created by students is a great way to gain experience. Contact your state's film commission and try to get involved in film productions in your area. You may need to start as a volunteer.

On-the-job training

Some makeup artists learn their skills on the job from experienced makeup artists. The length of training varies by your skills and the artist you work with. You will need several months to get a good foundation in this area.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Cosmetology
• Drama
• Film and Videotape
• Photography
• Stagecraft

Many professional makeup artists are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer to hire makeup artists with the skills and experience needed for their production. Makeup artists demonstrate their skills through a portfolio. A portfolio is a collection of photos or drawings of previous work. Makeup artists should keep photos of all the work they do for theater or film productions, even for volunteer work. You could also make up your friends and take pictures of them as a way of showing your skills.

Employers also look for makeup artists who get along well with people. They also want artists who will do what they are asked. Makeup artists work closely with performers during long, uncomfortable makeup sessions. Performers may be unhappy or irritable. Producers and directors can also be difficult to work with.

Employers in the theater often seek makeup artists with skills in many areas. For example, they may prefer to hire a makeup artist who can also style hair, make wigs, and apply body makeup. Employers in the television and film industries often look for makeup artists with specialized skills.

Costs to workers

Some workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary widely depending on the project. Wages also depend on the makeup artist's skill and reputation. Makeup artists are usually paid a daily rate. Daily rates can range from $50 for small theater companies to $1,000 for big budget films or Broadway shows. Well-known artists can earn much more. Many makeup artists work long hours for several weeks, then go without work until the next project.

Most makeup artists do not receive benefits. This is largely because many work on a contract or freelance basis, especially in the film industry. However, makeup artists who are union members may receive benefits, such as health insurance, through their union. Makeup artists who work full time for theater companies may receive typical benefits.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 28% of professional makeup artists are self-employed.

Most jobs for makeup artists are in large cities or urban areas, where large theater companies and movie or television studios are located.

Major employers:

• Performing arts companies
• Spas and beauty shops
• Photographic portrait studios

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is growing as fast as average. The increasing desire of the public to attend live performances will spur growth for theatrical and costume makeup artists. However, this is a very small occupation and very few job openings will be available.

The lack of formal entry requirements for this occupation attracts many people. Only the most talented and persistent will find regular employment.

Other resources

International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists, and Allied Crafts of the US, Its Territories, and Canada 
207 West 25th Street, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10001
212.730.1770

National Endowment for the Arts 
400 - 7th Street SW
Washington, DC 20506
202.682.5400

Professional Beauty Association 
7755 East Grey Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
800.468.2274
480.281.0424

Washington Filmworks 
1411 4th Avenue, Suite 1000
Seattle, WA 98101
206.264.0667

References

Career cluster

• Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications

Career path

• Artistic

O*Net  occupation

• Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance (39-5091.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Body-make-up Artist (333.271-010) 
• Make-up Artist (333.071-010) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Artistic/Realistic/Social

COPSystem

• Service Skilled