All major cosmetic brands have makeup artists
on staff and many, like Bobbi Brown, have started their own
companies. The entry-level position in this career is found at
the department store counter or the neighborhood sales lady.
Starting with basic beauty and makeup application is the perfect
stepping stone to gain experience in this field.
Fashion
Makeup artists who make it into the world of
fashion are busy, sought after professionals. Whether behind the
curtain at the runway or doing touchups with magazine
photographers, their skills must be up to date with the most
current fashion. The artists who succeed in this field have to
be particularly creative and edgy to simulate a particular
“look”.
Body and Face Painting
Art can be displayed on almost any platform,
including the human body. Makeup specialists are artists in
their own right. Many design and apply body paint from clowns to
child face painting (http://tattoos.lovetoknow.com/Face_Paint).
Temporary tattoos have also become extremely popular art form in
makeup and a skilled makeup artist can design one to fit your
needs.
Theatre
The world of curtains and lights demand the
necessary makeup for both visual and character interest. Theatre
makeup requires a particular skill set for a makeup
professional. As the audience sits far away from the actors,
makeup is necessary to create the look desired by the director
and be visible from a long distance. In theatre work, artists
must also be skilled in the complete appearance, including wigs
and facial hair.
Television
From the fancy new dramatic shows found on TV
today, to the basic newscast, makeup artists bring actors to
life on the tube. One of the most diverse offerings in the
makeup career field, television work is the fastest growing
market.
Film and Movies
In addition to the basic makeup applications
for the stars on the big screen, makeup experts also create the
amazing special effects audiences expect in movies today. Makeup
techniques in film require a complete understanding of the whole
body to transform the average actor into a werewolf or elderly
widow, depending on the needs of the producer. The skill to
mystify, trick and re-create are essential.
Personal Services
Artists can be hired to perform special
occasion makeup like a wedding or family photo shoot. They also
help teach techniques and work with patients who have unusual
scars or deformities.
Reasons to Trust a Makeup
Artist
While most of us apply makeup each day and
have a variety of experience in the subject of cosmetics, a
makeup artist is truly a professional. Makeup not only colors
and conceals, it can transform your face. As the term artist
implies, the application of makeup is a true art form. Different
environments, photography, lighting, and skin surfaces, all
change the way makeup reacts on your face and body. A makeup
specialist possesses expert knowledge on these variations and
the tools to create the best face for the situation. These
professionals have education and experience to analyze face
structure, color palettes, lighting and skin tone. Consider
consulting one before your next professional picture session, as
their understanding of how photography impacts the look of your
face can be invaluable information.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,
individual beauty in particular. Before you hire a makeup artist
for business or personal services, inspect her work and style.
Evaluate her makeup selection and preview photos. Also inspect
the work area and equipment. The makeup room should be well
ventilated with a mirror, table and washbasin, close by.
Temperature and humidity control is important for proper care of
the cosmetic materials. The application environment should be
completely hygienic to avoid infections. Make sure your makeup
technician uses sterilized equipment and does not touch any
makeup with her hands or fingers.
Makeup application is a step-by-step process
from the first layer of foundation to the final swooshing of
lipstick. The makeup artist’s goal is to make you look like
yourself, only better. The process should be an enhancement, and
not a disguise – unless you are in the movies! Trust them to
teach you the details of application and remember, it will all
wash off when you are done.
Career Opportunities
So you want to become a makeup artist? While
it is a professional career, freelancers usually perform it.
Most start their career with professional training in theatre,
acting, hairdressing, art, and chemistry, or even with specific
courses in makeup application. Like many art careers, developing
a portfolio is key. Networking and a positive attitude lead to
most professionals’ success. Artistic talent and people skills
are the two most important qualities in a successful makeup
specialist.
