Makeup artists enhance the appearance of people using cosmetic products, whether for film, television, fashion, theatre productions or aesthetician services at parlours and spas.
Tactfulness is crucial when working with clients. Makeup artists need to listen closely and understand what their clients require from them.
1. Flexibility
Makeup artists have many employment options to choose from when it comes to makeup artistry work, from working for themselves or with an agency, to going into business independently and bidding on projects to earn a regular income stream. Independent entrepreneurs may even add esthetics or cosmetology licenses to their credentials for offering more comprehensive services to clients.
Working as part of a production crew on movie or television sets means meeting clients before filming starts and being available throughout the shooting schedule for touch ups. Travel may also be required between salons, clients’ homes, studios and runway back rooms – making this career perfect for anyone seeking creative fulfillment while maintaining control of their schedule. Possessing the right attitude will be essential in succeeding at this task.
2. Earning Potential
Makeup artists can choose to work either independently or with salons and spas. They may also find work with professional photographers, theater companies and talent agencies – potentially earning them a salary per session or makeup application depending on their level of experience and reputation.
Ambitious makeup artists may strive to become make-up directors, but even those who fall short can still have a successful and lucrative career as makeup artists. Perhaps they specialize in one aspect such as wigs or prosthetics or body painting.
Makeup artists can specialize in beauty or pursue medical profession, helping hide scars or aid post-surgery patients. Furthermore, makeup artists may find work with magazines or fashion shows.
3. Variety
Makeup artists may specialize in fashion, beauty, theatre, film or special effects makeup applications – providing more opportunities and making their careers financially more rewarding.
Theater and film makeup artists specialize in shaping an actor’s features to reflect their character in performance, often working alongside directors or costume designers to bring their visions into being.
Special FX makeup artists specialize in altering features of an actor to make him or her appear grotesque, frightening or dramatic – from The Terminator’s cyborg assassin to Middle-earth wizards and goblins in The Hobbit; special FX artistry is an exciting, rewarding profession with creative potential that often contracts individually for various clients.
4. Flexibility
Beginning your career in makeup can take various forms. Some of the more traditional routes include working as a clerk in a store’s cosmetic department or providing beauty work at fashion shows and photoshoots; other possibilities may include opening a makeup studio or salon.
Special effects artists create amazing looks on people using paint or other products, while makeup assisting jobs allow artists to work under supervision from experienced professionals for a set rate of pay.
Makeup artists must possess excellent customer service skills as they interact directly with clients and explain the processes to those receiving makeup services. Reliability and punctuality must also be top priorities to be considered reliable professionals in this profession.
5. No Physical Labor
Makeup artistry can be one of the more non-physical professions; though there may be times when standing for long stretches is required, overall it shouldn’t be as demanding physically as some other careers.
This can be especially advantageous for busy lifestyles, such as stay-at-home parents who wish to pursue their passion in beauty. But it’s important to remember that beauty industry competition can be fierce, so treat each client professionally; avoid choosing beggars who try to get makeup done for free as clients, and refuse work from those you feel uneasy working with.
Keep your tools and brushes sanitized properly to minimize bacteria growth and avoid infections. Doing this will also help ensure maximum performance from them.