Make-up Artist
What is the work like?
Make-up artists prepare make-up and hair for anyone appearing in front of a camera or a live audience in film, television, theatre, concerts, photographic shoots or fashion shows.
As a make-up artist, you could create anything from a natural look for TV presenters and guests, to period wigs and make-up or complex special effects such as scars and prosthetics.
You could work alone, as an assistant to a senior colleague or as part of a make-up design team. Depending on the job, your tasks might include:
- researching and designing make-up and hairstyles to suit the production
- working to detailed notes or a rough design brief
- applying 'corrective' make-up for a natural look
- hair tidying and styling
- fitting wigs, hairpieces and 'bald caps'
- applying prosthetic make-up to completely change a performer's appearance
- making notes and taking photographs to keep continuity
- standing by on set to re-do make-up and hair
- keeping work areas and equipment clean and tidy.
You would work closely with production designers, costume designers, camera and lighting crew and performers.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
Most make-up artists start by taking a make-up or beauty therapy course and getting practical experience, either as a make-up assistant or by working in a beauty salon.
You would find it useful start with qualifications in general beauty and hair, but you should also ideally take a specialised media make-up course, for example:
- BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in Production Arts (Make-up)
- VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Theatrical and Media Make-up
- ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Fashion, Theatre and Media Make-up
- foundation degrees, BTEC HNCs/HNDs and degrees in media make-up
- intensive courses at private make-up schools.
Check with colleges and universities about entry requirements. See the related profiles for information about training in general hairdressing and beauty therapy.
As well as taking a relevant make-up course, you should also try to gain practical experience, build a portfolio or 'showreel' DVD of your work to show to employers, and develop a network of contacts in the industry.
You can get useful experience through getting involved in activities such as amateur theatre or student film, theatre or fashion shows. You could also try to find paid or unpaid work experience with established make-up artists.
Once you have built up some experience and made some contacts, your first paid work in film or TV may be as a trainee or assistant to the make-up team. You might also find casual work as a make-up or hair 'daily', doing hair and make-up for extras in crowd scenes.
What further training and development can I do?
You would learn and develop your skills on the job, by assisting experienced make-up artists.
You may be able to receive apprenticeship-style training at the start of your career from new entrant training schemes, such as the BBC's Design Training Scheme, or schemes run by Film and Television Freelance Training (FT2). Competition for places on this type of scheme is very strong, and selection processes are tough.
Contact Skillset Careers to find out about any new entrant training schemes that may be available.
You should keep up to date with new make-up techniques and materials throughout your career. Short courses in specialist and prosthetic make-up are available at private make-up academies, film schools and some universities. You could also join the National Association of Screen Make-up and Hair Artists (NASMAH) for networking and training opportunities – see NASMAH's website for details.
Visit Skillset’s website to search for media courses, and for information about how to fund your training as a freelance make-up artist.
Where can I go for more information?
Focus Point21 Caledonian Road
London
N1 9GB
London
SW9 9BT
Chiswick
London
W4 4JE
Tel: 020 8994 4141
Eastleigh House
Upper Market Street
Eastleigh
Hampshire
SO50 9FD
Tel: 023 8068 4500
Sixth Avenue
Sky Business Park
Robin Hood Airport
Doncaster
DN9 3GG
Perivale
Middlesex
UB6 7AG
Tel: 0808 100 8094 (Scotland)
Tel: 08000 121 815 (Wales)
Warwick Street
London
W1R 5RA
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Freelance make-up artists are usually paid a fee for each contract, and there may be gaps between contracts.
Rates can vary widely, and may be negotiated based on the type of production and your track record. Contact the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) for current pay guidelines.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would often work long, irregular hours, depending on the needs of the job. You may begin work in the early morning long before shooting begins, or work in the evenings on live TV, theatre or concerts.
You might work in studios or backstage dressing rooms, or on location, in temporary cabins and possibly outside. You would be on your feet for several hours a day.
Location work could be anywhere in the UK or overseas, so you may need to travel and stay away from home for long periods. You would be expected to build up your own make-up kit and take it to each job.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- creativity and imagination
- good communication and 'people' skills
- a tactful manner
- stamina, patience and concentration
- the ability to work efficiently under pressure
- a high level of attention to detail
- punctuality and reliability
- willingness to work long hours when necessary
- good teamworking skills
- an interest in current and historical fashions.
What opportunities are there?
You would work on freelance contracts for a range of employers including television broadcasters, TV/film production companies, theatre companies, magazines and fashion show producers. Contracts could last anywhere from one day to several months.
Competition for jobs is strong, and when starting out you may have to work for free or for little pay. You will increase your chances of building a successful career if you are prepared to work anywhere in the UK or overseas.
Some jobs may be advertised in the trade press and websites, or by specialist recruitment agencies. However, it is more common to get work through word of mouth, and by using a crew directory or diary service to market yourself.
With experience or specialist skills, you could progress to chief make-up artist or make-up designer.
You may find the following links useful for general reading, job vacancies and making contacts (links open new window):
Make-up Artist Magazine
Broadcast Freelancer
The Stage
Stage Jobs Pro
Mandy.com
Production and Casting Report
The Knowledge (TV/film contacts directory)
Kays Production Guide (TV/film contacts directory)
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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