How to become A Makeup Artist

A Makeup Artist makes people fall in love with themselves using various cosmetic techniques and processes paired with beautifying products. Enhancing a person’s appearance by accentuating their natural strengths or camouflaging certain aspects and bringing alive characters on screen or stage are a Makeup Artist’s overarching goals. 

• MUA

• Makeup Artist 

• Make-up Artist

• Makeup Designer 

• Make-up Designer

• Commercial Makeup Artist 

• Commercial Make-up Artist

What do Makeup Artists do?

• Consult with clients to understand their specifications; customise their appearance according to their requirements and preferences

• Use makeup to highlight facial aesthetics; consider light, photographic processes, colours and setting during makeup application

• Apply knowledge of various colour palettes, materials and design styles to choose the ones best suited to the client

• Use models and fashion magazines as reference points for fashion photography makeup

• Work on movie sets with actors, costume designers, set designers and stylists to ensure consistency and a coherent look

• Understand a director’s expectations of a character’s appearance and fulfil them as closely as possible 

• Read scripts to grasp the essence of the look required; research relevant periods and settings to find out more on how to create the look

• Produce and sketch ideas for hairstyles and makeup designs

• Work with a team to create and maintain a consistent and coherent look and ensure that the hair and makeup routine continue seamlessly

• Apply makeup on characters before filming and remove it after usage on film sets

• Design prosthetics for special FX and sculpt latex foam to create them; cast facial and body moulds 

• Carry out fitting sessions for wigs, hairpieces and prosthetics and maintain the items

• Have a diverse cosmetic toolkit; consult clients to understand their the nature of their skin and skincare routine

• Comply with health and safety legislation

• Minimise the side effects of makeup/hairdressing, particularly from products and techniques used to create special FX

• Plan a budget and accordingly source and order supplies and equipment from specialist vendors

• Manage time according to your estimate of how long it will take to apply makeup to a client

• Document your work in detail and take pictures to add to your portfolio

• Keep up with the latest beauty trends, techniques, makeup and beauty products

Make-up Artists have different work settings depending on the assignment and their specialisation. Some work indoors in warm and stuffy studios and dressing rooms. Others travel to outdoor movie locations in extreme weather conditions. Special effects Makeup Artists typically work behind the scenes.
Working as a part of a production team is an integral part of the job.

Travelling around the world for photo shoots and filming is often on the cards for high fashion Makeup Artists. 

The work schedule of Makeup Artists is inconsistent due to frequent relocation, absence from home, and overseas travels.You may need to work on weekends, holidays or evening shifts. Working hours may be extended while working on a film or television project. You will be expected to be present on the set before the shooting begins and stay on location throughout filming to retouch the make-up. 

Advance fittings of prostheses are often needed, which typically take place with a team. 

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Makeup Artists can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Makeup Artists are generally employed by:

• The Entertainment Industry

• Fashion Industry

• Individual Employers 

• Network & Independent Television

• Film & Video Companies

• Advertising Companies

• Commercial, Fashion & Portrait Photographers

• Wedding & Fashion Industry 

• Cosmetic Companies

• Designer Hairdressing Salons 

• Large Theatres

• Educational Institutions

• The Medical Profession

Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Association of Professional Makeup Artists (IAPO), are crucial for Makeup Artists interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Working on outdoor locations in harsh weather conditions, including high humidity and high or low temperatures

• Working under time pressure while maintaining speed, concentration and accuracy

• Physical strain on neck and back while applying makeup and hairpieces

• Undependable and long working hours 

Having relevant experience gives Makeup Artists an edge in the market. Any academic program that a potential Makeup Artist takes up typically requires a period of supervised experience, such as an internship. You will gain optimal benefit from your tasks outside of the classroom when they line up perfectly with your lessons inside it. 

You may also acquire experience through work placements or unpaid work in backstage gigs at amateur dramatic productions or beauty or hair salons.

On-the-job training by assisting experienced Makeup Artists will enable aspirants to gain insight, build a network of contacts, develop their portfolios and exhibit a commitment to the profession. Just observing more experienced Makeup Artists will help you learn skills and techniques. 

With a growing number of aspiring Makeup Artists, the competition for jobs has increased. Hence, professionals are usually employed based on reputation and popularity. A good network of contacts made while studying and training on the job will go a long way in helping you succeed in the makeup industry. 

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working in the makeup industry to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. You may get to hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they manage to turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

A high school diploma or equivalent is typically mandatory for all aspiring Makeup Artists. They often need to complete a vocational school diploma in cosmetology or makeup. 

Formal training at an accredited cosmetology school fosters your skills in make-up application. You may need to take up additional schooling to specialise in areas such as airbrushing and special effects. Extensive knowledge of ingredients and light angles helps you become a successful cosmetic artist. 

With the entry into the industry becoming more structured, aspiring Makeup Artists may benefit from acquiring an associate degree or HND (Higher National Diploma) in makeup artistry to qualify for freelance experience and traineeships. Certain colleges and universities offer a variety of two-year foundation degrees and three-year undergraduate degrees in fields such as hair & makeup for fashion, theatre and media; hair, make-up & prosthetics for performance; media make-up & character design; and media make-up & special effects.

Although it is possible to learn makeup skills on the job, an aspiring Makeup Artist must have a certificate in cosmetology. The cosmetology program may take a year or more to complete in some locations. Cosmetologists may also be required to complete a fixed number of training hours before passing a licensing exam.

Certification demonstrates a Makeup Artist’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. When acquired from an objective and reputed organisation, it can help you stand out in a competitive job market, carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent, increase your chances of advancement, and allow you to become an independent consultant.

Individual government entities conduct the licensing process. It typically requires the passage of an examination in addition to the fulfilment of eligibility requirements, such as a minimum level of education, work experience, training, or the completion of an internship, residency, or apprenticeship.

Typically, a license is mandatory in most jobs, but the licensing requirements may vary from country to country. A Makeup Artist may attain a cosmetology license or a Makeup Artist license to render services to their clients. Since the practice of cosmetology includes hairstyling and other services, acquiring a cosmetology license would require you to complete more than just a Makeup Artist program. 

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high performance levels may be eligible for promotion every two to three years. 

There is no well-structured progression route in this field. Due to the freelancing nature of an artist’s job, a professional may juggle between trainee makeup assistant, makeup artist, chief/key makeup artist and designer roles, depending on their confidence and experience. 

As a Makeup Artist, career progression usually means demanding higher remuneration through temporary contracts, based on your experience, network of contacts and reputation. Permanent roles are not common. 

Different jobs require different levels of expertise. Hence, your rates may vary according to the demands of the job. You can make your own decisions for higher pay and bid for project work depending on your seniority, confidence and expertise. 

You can specialise in wigs or prosthetics, body painting or making contact lenses or teeth. You may aim to become Makeup Director. However, even if you do not make it, remember that freelance artists at lower positions may also have a successful career.

Candidates with additional certifications to match necessary skills and experience have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Makeup Artist build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, 

formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

Informal training is as vital as acquiring formal qualifications. Paid or unpaid industry experience contributes to professional development and marketability. 

Freelance gigs being predominant in this field, on-the-job training supplements your professional training. Individuals are responsible for their continuing professional development (CPD). 

You may solidify or expand your repertoire of skills to yield better work within your area of expertise or open up new doors in various specialisations. For example, you may take short and specialist courses, such as special effects (SFX).

Further studies allow you to experiment, diversify or specialise. Commercial schools may provide self-paid training opportunities.

Making Up Your Mind

Given the various options available, a professional Makeup Artist must choose their specialisation. However, before you do so, it is advisable to gain experience in your top three choices for deeper insight and clarity about where your passion and excellence lie. Be proactive and ready to learn in diverse situations and from experts in the field. 

Categories of Makeup

Makeup can be categorised as basic, corrective or character makeup. While some cosmetological aspects are common to all three, each may also employ its unique processes and products.

Basic makeup helps counteract the appearance changes that film or television processes can give rise to, such as altered skin tones or features. It helps retain a person’s normal appearance. 

Corrective makeup aims at enhancing the subject’s natural attributes and underplaying any less desirable aspects through the two primary techniques of highlighting and contouring.

Character makeup targets theatre, film and television productions that require the portrayal of diverse characters through minor or significant changes in appearance. Makeup Artists use their skills and makeup techniques, products and prostheses to make a person look younger or older or create science fiction or horror characters.

Special FX

Makeup Artists go beyond their conventional cosmetology skills to help execute bizarre characters, such as monsters and aliens, portray injuries, or create special effects (SFX) for entertainment media. You must be well-versed in the use of fake blood, latex, rubber, and other materials that you can use to create prosthetics that can pass off as real, particularly given the modern-day usage of high-definition cameras. 

Your toolkit would typically hold a makeup wheel with colours you can use to generate realistic bruises and abrasions, liquid latex and silicon to fabricate prosthetics with a 3D texture, and spirit gum, an adhesive to attach prosthetics and wigs to a person’s face or head.

Finding Success & Fulfillment

The first step to becoming a successful Makeup Artist is identifying a clear sense of direction by deciding your specialisation. Each option has its own set of pros and cons depending upon your lifestyle. Although it requires tremendous hard work, you can progress in the makeup industry if you can do it all with passion, love, and dedication. The effort and time required for movies and prints are demanding, but the rewards are tremendous if you demonstrate grit and talent. However, along with the creative process, you must grasp the business aspect. 

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Makeup Artists have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Makeup Artist has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Makeup Artists pay close attention to a subject’s ears, which could be a bit lighter and redder than neighbouring skin tones and because the shine of backlights through them elevates their tonal value.  

A Makeup Artist visually remodels, reshapes and remoulds people’s appearance using makeup, paint, wigs and other accessories. Whether simple or complex, the makeup should match the client’s needs, purpose and expectations. Makeup Artists may work behind the scenes, but the outcomes of their efforts are visible to wide audiences.

A significant aspect of a movie, event or performance is the makeup of artists. With the crew depending on you, make sure you are reliable and punctual. Value the commendation and be responsive to constructive criticism if you wish to be the best in the trade. Stay organised and prepared to carry tools and mediums wherever required. The Makeup Artist must maintain excellent personal hygiene, particularly as the work requires close good personal hygiene as the art of makeup requires close contact with the skin.