Learn How To Become A Make-up Artist

A make-up artist ensures that models, performers and presenters have suitable make-up and hairstyles for appearing in front of cameras or an audience.

You could work in a variety of settings, including:

·       film

·       live music

·       photographic shoots

·       television

·       theatre.

The work involves creating images and characters through the medium of make-up, hairstyles and prosthetics according to a brief.

In the role you'll interpret the make-up requirements of clients to produce both a creative and technically accurate visual representation. This may involve very basic make-up for a TV presenter through to more complex period make-up or special effects.

Responsibilities:

Whether you work alone, as an assistant to a more senior colleague or as part of a make-up design team will depend on the nature of your role. 

Working as a make-up artist, you may find yourself:

·       communicating with clients to clarify visual requirements

·       reading scripts to ascertain the materials and look required, budget implications and identifying areas where research is required

·       producing and sketching design ideas for hairstyles and make-up

·       ensuring continuity in hair and make-up and liaising with other members of the design team to ensure the overall look/effect is consistent and coherent

·       demonstrating and implementing a practical understanding of lighting, the photographic process, colours and the impact of special effects/make-up processes on the skin

·       ensuring that appropriate action is taken to minimise unpleasant side effects from the use of specialist make-up/hairdressing techniques

·       maintaining awareness of health and safety issues and legislation

·       casting facial and body moulds and sculpting latex foam, known as prosthetics

·       fitting and maintaining wigs, hairpieces and prosthetics

·       hairdressing

·       keeping up to date with available make-up and beauty products

·       sourcing, budgeting and ordering materials and equipment from specialist suppliers

·       time management - knowing how long a client will take to be made up

·       working quickly and accurately in time-pressured conditions

·       taking detailed notes and photographs of work to maintain an up-to-date portfolio of work.

Salary:

·       Trainees should receive no less than the national minimum wage or the London living wage.

·       A head make-up artist can earn £170 to £320 for a ten-hour day of editorial work (depending on the type of work - rates vary between mainstream magazines, catalogues and campaigns). A junior make-up art artist can earn £45 to £150 for a ten-hour day.

·       For fashion shows, lead make-up artists can earn £450 a day for an event like London Fashion Week, but around £275 for other events.

·       On major feature films, with budgets over £30million, a trainee make-up artist can earn £140 for a ten-hour day, while the senior make-up artist with several years’ experience, will earn £390.

Working hours:

A typical working day includes long and unsocial hours, and you'll find that shifts and weekend work are common. 

Working on a film or television project means that you'll need to be on set before filming commences and remain on set throughout filming in order to re-apply make-up. 

Advance fittings are often required, but you won't be alone - working as part of a production team is integral to the job.

What to expect

·       The environment varies - you could be working in indoor dressing rooms, hot studios or cold outdoor locations. The work is physically demanding and requires great concentration. Most make-up artists carry around their own equipment.

·       Employers are located mainly in cities, particularly those with independent regional TV companies. Most opportunities are found in London. 

·       Travel within a working day, periodic relocation, absence from home at night and overseas work or travel is frequent. Make-up artists may travel overseas for film work on location.

·       Word of mouth, networking and speculative CVs are a common method of generating work. Many make-up artists use a photographic portfolio demonstrating the range of skills they offer.