Are you considering a career as a makeup artist? To become an “expert” in this highly competitive field you will need to set yourself apart from the rest. One of the best ways to do this is to specialize in a particular area of makeup artistry. Part 1 of this article provides you with an overview of the various niches in makeup artistry within the entertainment industry.
1. Celebrity
Celebrity makeup artists work with movie stars, singers, television personalities etc. As a celebrity makeup artist you will provide services to your clients for personal, promotional and press appearances, red carpet events, print work and other public appearances as needed. Celebrity makeup artists generally work as part of a team (often referred to as the “glam squad”), to ensure that their clients look their best whenever in public. This team typically includes a hair stylist and fashion stylist.
As a celebrity makeup artist you must be extremely flexible with your schedule. You will be on-call 24 hours seven days per week. Celebrity makeup artists are often required to travel extensively with their clients. For instance, you may travel for 10 months working with a singer on a world wide tour or accompany a movie star on a promotional tour for a film.
2. Television
Makeup artists who work in television provide services for celebrities, news anchors, talk show hosts, reality television personalities, soap operas, sitcoms, game shows, crime shows etc. As a makeup artist working in television you will work with a team of individuals consisting of hair stylists, and wardrobe stylists as part of the “crew” on set. Some makeup artists working in television have training in special effects makeup. For instance, on a soap opera where a character has had an automobile accident, a special effects makeup artist will create the look of a scrape, wound etc.
Makeup artists working in television work at television studios or on set usually in dressing rooms or trailers. Makeup artists working in television usually work a regular schedule because the shows that they work on shoot on a regular schedule.
3. Film/Movies
Makeup artists working in film/movies provide services to actors in films. As a makeup artist working in film/movies you will work on the set of movie studios and on location (outside of movie studios). Makeup artists in film/movies work as part of a team consisting of hair stylists and costumers.
Many makeup artists working in film/movies have training in special effects makeup. Special effects makeup can include prosthetics, scrapes, burns etc. As a makeup artist working in film/movies you will work long hours. You are also required to travel for months at a time as many films are shot in foreign location over a period of a couple months.
4. Theater
Makeup artists working in theater provide services for theatrical groups for actors, singers and dancers who perform on stage. As a makeup artist working in theater you will work with theatrical groups, typically in a dressing room. Makeup artists working in theater work as part of a team consisting of hair stylists and costumers.
Many makeup artists working in theater have training in special effects makeup. Special effects makeup in theater may include prosthetics, scrapes, burns etc. As a makeup artist working in theater you will work long hours and on a regular schedule. Theater groups typically perform on a regular schedule. In some instances, however, there is more than one performance in a day. Makeup artists working in theater may work at one location when their group performs regularly out of one theater. On the other hand, as a makeup artist working in theater travel may be required when you work with a group that tours.
Tips and Considerations
Educate yourself. To be competitive as a makeup artist in any of these niches you need some knowledge about makeup from that perspective. For instance, if you want to work in television, learn about television sets, their lighting, special makeup application techniques for television etc.
Network. Always try and get contact information from those you work with in the industry. Each person you meet can be a potential client or referral source.
