Make-up Artist Types

(Photo: Vancouver Film School)

So you think you want to be a make-up artist, but where do you start?  Read on for some common roles for professionals.

• Cosmetic salesperson - Many great artists hone their skills on clients by starting out at a cosmetics counter or store.  Some stores, such as MAC, even offer training.
• Face painter - Although commonly associated with children's parties and fairs, face painting can be a lucrative side job that requires artistic skills.
• Bridal make-up artist - There is a demand for bridal makeup in almost all major cities, making it a good choice for those located outside of the biggest metropolitan areas.
• Print/editorial make-up artist - From senior photos to fashion magazines, print media offers a variety of opportunities for make-up artists.
• Film/TV make-up artist - Almost all featured actors need makeup in order to look good on camera.  Knowledge of basic bruise or costume makeup is useful in this field.
• Costume make-up artist - Most visible at Halloween, these artists use face paint, Spirit Gum, and other products to create fantastical looks from fairies to zombies.
• Special Effects make-up artist - Similar to costume make-up artists, Special Effects generally deals with monsters, dramatic ageing, and other transformations.  The skills usually are learned through extensive training.

Many professionals may have skills in several of these areas; some roles are more lucrative and/or consistent than others.

Thinking about going pro? Check out my book, The Mercenary Makeup Artist: Breaking into the Business with Style.

Did you enjoy this post? If so, why not sign up for our email list and get posts by email? Or if that's not your style, stay in the loop with an occasional newsletter instead.