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All About Makeup Artists

Makeup Artist Job Description Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

A Day in the Life of a Makeup Artist

  • Requisition or acquire needed materials for special effects, including wigs, beards, and special cosmetics.
  • Analyze a script, noting events that affect each character’s appearance, so that plans can be made for each scene.
  • Provide performers with makeup removal assistance after performances have been completed.
  • Design rubber or plastic prostheses that can be used to change performers' appearances.
  • Assess performers' skin type to ensure that makeup will not cause break-outs or skin irritations.
  • Examine sketches, photographs, and plaster models to obtain desired character image depiction.

Makeup Artist Required Skills

Makeup Artists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Types of Makeup Artist

  • Commercial Makeup Artist
  • Special Effects Designer
  • Beauty Therapist
  • Prosthetic Makeup Designer
  • Body Make-Up Artist

Makeup Artist Job Outlook

In the United States, there were 4,800 jobs for Makeup Artist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 12.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 600 new jobs for Makeup Artist by 2026. The BLS estimates 600 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Makeup Artist are North Carolina, Nevada, and District of Columbia. Watch out if you plan on working in Washington, Indiana, or California. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Do Makeup Artists Make A Lot Of Money?

The typical yearly salary for Makeup Artists is somewhere between $22,460 and $130,710.

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Makeup Artists who work in District of Columbia, Tennessee, or California, make the highest salaries.

How much do Makeup Artists make in different U.S. states?

State Annual Mean Salary
California $79,820
District of Columbia $84,320
Florida $63,950
Georgia $58,100
Hawaii $47,720
Louisiana $35,720
Nevada $37,340
New York $77,030
Tennessee $88,090
Texas $42,550

What Tools do Makeup Artists Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Makeup Artists:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office
  • Web browser software
  • Email software
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
  • Facebook
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Twitter
  • Appointment scheduling software
  • Blogging software
  • Instagram
  • Client databases

How do I Become a Makeup Artist?

What kind of Makeup Artist requirements are there?

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What work experience do I need to become a Makeup Artist?

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Where Makeup Artists Are Employed

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Below are examples of industries where Makeup Artists work:

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You May Also Be Interested In…

Those interested in being a Makeup Artist may also be interested in:

References:

Image Credit: Tiffany Bumgardner via Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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