How to become a make-up artist

A make-up artist is professionally trained to apply make-up.  However, it isn’t as simple as just knowing your lipstick from your eyeliner! 

Most make-up artists are not just skilled in creating the latest look for their model or knowing the right techniques to enhance a person’s best features – some can also provide the special effects for prosthetics etc. on movie and television sets.

Many make-up artists choose to get into the entertainment field where they can put their skills to a number of different projects: television, film, photographic shoots or theatre.  For those who do not go down this route, may work in salons, beauty spas or even hire themselves out for special occasions such as weddings. 

To be a make-up artist you will need to have certain skills, such as:

• Creativity and imagination, an eye for detail and a steady hand!
• Time management and being organised – you will need to know how long it will take to do your task and all the tools required to achieve your look.  A director may not be too happy if filming is delayed because you’re still applying make-up to the lead role!
• Communication skills – you need to know exactly what is expected of you beforehand to avoid any confusion.
• Confidence and the ability to work well under pressure.
• Being flexible – you will often be expected to work unsociable hours, particularly if getting into the entertainment side of the industry, as well as weekends.  It is also possible that you will have to be on set for very long periods of time.

A make-up artist may typically do the following tasks:

• Discuss requirements from client and then create and sketch ideas for make-up and sometimes hair designs.
• Make a schedule; being aware of how long a subject will take.
• Order materials and equipment from suppliers, ensuring they stick to the set budget.
• Assess the model beforehand (paying attention to skin type, colouring etc.), prepare their face (making sure they have no allergies) then apply make-up.
• Style and fit wigs and hairpieces.
• Make face and body moulds for prosthetic use.

Qualifications and Training

Although it is not a necessity to have any formal qualifications to become a make-up artist, it will always give you an advantage.  It is possible to train on the job, which will be brilliant for gaining the essential practical experience needed in this industry.  This will also help with building up an impressive portfolio.  As this is such a competitive business, having both qualifications and work experience will mean you’re more likely to become successful.

If you decide to study for a degree or diploma you can expect to cover subjects such as:

• Film, TV, stage/theatrical, live performance and character make-up
• Cosmetic science
• Plaster casting and prosthetics
• Hairstyling
• Business and management studies
• To find a list of make-up artist and cosmetic training schools across the UK visit Beauty Finder.

Other useful sources include:

• The London College of Fashion
• Delamar Academy
• The BBC’s Design Trainee Scheme

Benefits of freelancing as a make-up artist

There are many advantages to becoming a freelance make-up artist, for instance one of the main reasons why many people decide to freelance is due to the money – by taking on more than one client at a time, you can often earn more than a full-time salary. By using our Freelancer Calculator you can work out exactly how much you could potentially take home.

Other benefits include:

• Control of your destiny – you are your own boss so you decide where your career will take you.
• Greater tax benefits being a freelancer
• Flexibility – you choose when, where and how long you want to work
• Job satisfaction

Finding work as a make-up artist

A strong client-base is absolutely vital for becoming a freelancer.  Word of mouth will more than likely secure further work, but to have this good reputation, you will need to market yourself and sell your services well.

Here are some helpful suggestions on how to do this:

• Create an up-to-date portfolio.  As a make-up artist, you will need to show what your capable of.  The more experience the better as this will demonstrate how hard working and talented you are.  Volunteering for local fashion shows and photo shoots will help to increase the size of your portfolio.
• Make business cards and give them out to friends and family.
• Talk to retailers whom you buy your products from.  They may be able to suggest potential clients in the business.  If possible, you could even leave business cards or leaflets with them.
• Set up a professional website.  Once you start gaining interest, your potential clients will need somewhere to go to see who you are, what your offering and your prices.  This is where your portfolio will be available for everyone to see.  Take advantage of social-networking sites by setting up links to your business website.
• Set up an advertisement in your local newsagents/newspaper etc. or through free directory websites such as BT Tradespace or the Yellow Pages.