On movie sets and back stage at the theater, makeup artists use cosmetics and prosthetics to enhance performers’ appearance and evoke the unique character of different roles. Makeup artists develop a design for a character’s look, based on the time period, setting, and story. They consult with directors, lighting staff, performers, and others to identify the right effect, while keeping within budget constraints. Technical skills, and an understanding of different materials, are critical in this field. Makeup artists may use artificial hair, and create plastic or rubber features to fit over a performer’s face or body part, to show scarring, aging and other changes. Makeup artists may also work for cosmetic companies, department stores, and for special events such as weddings to create a special look for clients, and teach them how to replicate the look. Freelance makeup artists usually have flexible schedules, and may need to travel to different locations for events or photo shoots. In this creative profession, makeup artists often express themselves through their own dress and appearance. Many find it rewarding to enhance their clients’ appearance, and develop different looks for characters. Typical qualifications for being a makeup artist include a high school diploma or equivalent, and a technical certificate or associate’s degree in the field.
What they do:
Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.
On the job, you would:
Apply makeup to enhance or alter the appearance of people appearing in productions such as movies.
Select desired makeup shades from stock, or mix oil, grease, and coloring to achieve specific color effects.
Duplicate work precisely to replicate characters' appearances on a daily basis.
Business
customer service
management
Arts and Humanities
English language
music, dance, visual arts, drama, or sculpture
Engineering and Technology
design
Communications
multimedia
Basic Skills
talking to others
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Hand and Finger Use
hold or move items with your hands
keep your arm or hand steady
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
create new and original ideas
group things in different ways
People interested in this work like activities that include creating, designing, and making your own rules.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Self Control
Stress Tolerance
Adaptability/Flexibility
Cooperation
You might use software like this on the job:
Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
Autodesk Maya
Web page creation and editing software
Blogging software
Facebook
Electronic mail software
Email software
Microsoft Outlook
certificate after high school or no high school diploma/GED usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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