When do makeup artists work

Many make-up artists initially work for free or for a small fee on low-budget productions or editorial shoots to build up a record of published work and gain experience.

The majority of make-up artists work on a self-employed or freelance basis. Freelancing is often an essential pre-requisite for the very limited number of permanent jobs. Professionals are contracted for projects, either directly or through an agent.

Rates are negotiable and individuals who are well regarded in the industry are in great demand and are paid well above the rates listed. 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. Traditionally, academic qualifications are not as important as creative and practical skills. It's possible to become a make-up artist without a degree or HND. However, entrance is generally becoming formalised and candidates will often undertake a number of specialist HNDs in make-up artistry as a precursor to freelance industry experience and traineeships.

Several colleges and universities offer a variety of two year foundation degrees, as well as three-year undergraduate degree, in areas including:. Regional arts councils provide useful links to media organisations and their websites.

These include:. Most people entering this field have taken a course in both make-up and hairdressing, as the job requires you to be multiskilled. An understanding of film and video production techniques, camera and lighting processes, styles of literature, performance and dramatisation may also be important. Relevant experience is desirable.

This includes working backstage at amateur dramatic productions or working in a beauty or hair salon, plus any work placements or relevant unpaid work. By job shadowing and carrying out work experience assisting a make-up artist you'll gain valuable insight, develop your portfolio, build a network of contacts and demonstrate your commitment to the profession.

Observation is one of the best ways to learn skills and techniques. Competition is tough and professionals are often employed on reputation and popularity. A good starting point is to think of the contacts made during study and particularly through work experience.

A film makeup artist tends to earn more than a makeup artist who works on individual clients. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the salary link. To work as a makeup artist, an individual must have specific skills and knowledge of cosmetic application processes and products. Postsecondary education is usually not required to be a makeup artist, and experience tends to be more important than education in many positions.

Some vocational schools and colleges offer cosmetic training programs for makeup artists to learn techniques and perfect their makeup application skills. A program through a vocational school or college generally takes about one to three years to complete. This type of program involves learning more about the different kinds of makeup products, how to use them, makeup application tools and equipment, and how to use different techniques and color palettes for individual clients based on their features and skin tones.

Some makeup artists choose to train under licensed or experienced artists to gain experience. Others start in the industry by working at cosmetic counters in drugstores and department stores to learn more about the products and interact with customers who look for makeup assistance. In some states, a makeup artist must complete a training program that meets a requirement for numerous hours of experience. Completing an advanced training program is highly recommended for success in this field.

To become licensed, a makeup artist must follow the requirements of the state in which they plan to work. Some states require makeup artists to become licensed cosmetologists, which may require a 1, to 2,hour training program. Other states have makeup artist-specific licensing with training programs that last between and hours, while makeup artistry is unregulated in some states. The state-required training programs are usually offered through vocational schools and colleges.

Generally, there are two types of certification:. Certified Makeup Artist: A certified makeup artist has passed a course focused on makeup application. Licensed Makeup Artist: A licensed makeup artist has gone through a state licensing requirement, which often involves taking a written exam. Licensed makeup artists differ from licensed cosmetologists, who have taken more extensive courses and completed licensing requirements on several beauty topics, not just makeup application.

Occasionally must get into awkward positions to apply makeup at just the right angle. 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.

The best route to a job in a performance environment may be to volunteer with smaller organizations in order to build an impressive portfolio—a collection of photographs of work samples. Internships may be available with television stations, theater companies, or fashion designers. While the demand for makeup artists is expected to grow ten to twenty percent through , it is difficult to earn a comfortable living in this occupation. A very small percentage of makeup artists become well known and are sought after by stars and wealthy individuals for personal service.

Fewer still end up designing their own lines of makeup products. Many makeup artists must supplement their incomes with "day jobs" that pay stable wages. Makeup artists who work for department stores, makeup manufacturers, or established film or television production companies or performance organizations can expect to work regular hours in a well-lit, comfortable setting.

Make-Up Artist Magazine N. Makeup artists' income varies widely according to experience and the nature of the job. Salaries for those just beginning their career tend to be quite low. Those with established careers in network television, the Hollywood film industry, or the Broadway theater business may command substantially higher wages.