What Does a Makeup Artist Do?

makeup artist

Makeup artists apply cosmetic products to enhance the appearance of a person. They may work in a beauty store, for magazines or the entertainment industry.

Makeup artistry is a career that requires many skills and personality traits. Here are some that makeup artists should have to reach long-term success.

Education and Training

Makeup artists are employed in many different settings, including entertainment, theater, film, and retail stores. These professionals have a wide range of qualifications, including a formal education from a beauty school and hands-on training on the job.

Depending on your state, you may need to obtain a license to work as a makeup artist. Typically, this will require you to complete a program in esthetics or cosmetology.

The requirements for obtaining these licenses vary from state to state, though most are quite similar. Generally, you will need to have a minimum of 600 hours of training, pass a test, and pay an exam fee.

You will also need to be patient and be able to work well with others on a team. Often, you will need to be in close proximity with actors and other performers throughout the duration of a production. This can be very stressful and requires patience and a high level of attention to detail.

Experience

Makeup artists need a lot of experience to become the best in their field. They need to have excellent communication skills, the ability to listen to their clients, and the patience to work through a long list of jobs.

They also need to be able to manage their schedules effectively. If they have a lot of appointments in a short amount of time, they need to be able to keep track of what needs to be done and when so that their clients don’t have to wait.

In addition, makeup artists need to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques. This is especially important if they are working in the film industry.

Having a good portfolio of makeup is another way to show employers that you have the skills they need. You can include a link to your portfolio in your resume, so hiring managers can see some of your best work.

Portfolio

A makeup artist’s portfolio is their identity, it’s their resume, if you will. It’s a collection of images that display their skills, strength, and best work.

A good makeup artist portfolio must showcase a range of pictures of different styles and looks. It should include photos of clean makeup, editorial makeup, and fashion makeup.

Some images in the portfolio should be in black and white as well, because this helps to show a wide range of skills.

You can also add before and after pictures of your work, these are a great way to impress potential clients, and they can help convince them you have the skills they’re looking for.

Keeping your portfolio updated is essential for success in the competitive makeup industry. Change up your site design, feature shoots and projects, and tell new stories each time you update it.

Time Management

Time management is one of the most important skills for makeup artists to have. They need to be able to handle the tight schedules of their clients, such as a fashion shoot or wedding, and ensure they meet their deadlines on a consistent basis.

In addition to time management, being punctual is also a must when it comes to being a makeup artist. This is because being late can cause delays and a client’s expectations to be disappointed.

Makeup artists who are able to master this skill will be more successful in their career. They will be able to stay on top of their schedules and provide excellent service for their clients.