Everything You Need To Know About Makeup Artists

Eev Hastings
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1.2K Views
Sep 28, 2022

Professional makeup artists have won praise for employing their technical skills to transform actors into monsters or magical entities or to give them overtly high-fashion cosmetic treatments since the beginning of film and television. However, even when drastic changes aren't required, these experts play a crucial role in training performers to stand up in front of high-definition cameras and lighting.

If you are talented with makeup, appreciate the magic of filmmaking, or have recently graduated from a makeup artist school, learning how to become a makeup artist may be the right career choice for you. You can work with actors and directors by working as a cinematic makeup artist. Additionally, you will be able to use your creativity to help with the creation and application of masks, makeup, and other techniques for altering an actor's appearance for a film role. There are numerous stages you might go through to become a skilled cinematic makeup artist.

But hold on, this isn't to mean that working as a movie makeup artist is simple; even well-known makeup artists have to put in a lot of time and effort to get where they are now. We'll go over the information you need to be aware of in order to start working on movie sets in order to make sure you fully understand everything.

What Is a Film Make-Up Artist?

Applying makeup to actors on set is the job of a film makeup artist. They might contribute significantly to helping writers and directors deliver stories on the big screen. Depending on the film and the location of the filming, they might collaborate closely with the production team and the director, and their working hours and schedules might vary greatly.

Depending on the production and the character, the design's complexity and aesthetic can change, yet talented makeup artists can successfully recreate a wide range of looks from any era or genre.

Although you might integrate them in smaller films, hair and makeup are typically separate departments on a movie set. The two departments work together and are often connected. Learning skills in both areas is advantageous if you're just getting started, because smaller productions might just need one person for both hair and makeup.

What do makeup artists for movies do?

Depending on their role, makeup artists for movies may have different duties. What a makeup artist can do on a movie set is determined by four main job classifications in the makeup department:

1. Key Makeup Artist:

The principal makeup artist is in charge of and supervises the cosmetics team. They create prosthetics and special effects makeup for both the lead and supporting actors. They also hire stylists to replicate similar looks on the other actors. The main makeup artist performs the lead actors' routine makeup throughout filming and assigns tasks to their crew while continuously monitoring makeup consistency. Additionally, they are there on location for touch-ups between shots.

2. Make Up Artist

The supporting cast and non-lead actors receive makeup applications. The crucial makeup artist directs them and executes their instructions.

3. Makeup Assistant:

An assistant to a makeup artist helps them with body makeup techniques like face painting and body art. They might be in charge of managing the makeup supplies and other small tasks. The actors' makeup may be pictured if the director requests a reshoot to ensure uniformity.

4.Artist for special effects makeup:

When a movie figure must appear as a zombie, terrifying, old, battered, bloodied, or out of this world—any makeover that requires more than what normal makeup artists can handle—a special effects makeup artist changes their appearance. Realistic deformities, wrinkles, scratches, and other effects may be produced by prosthetics, apparatus, cosmetics, and other materials.

The full makeup crew takes care of the specialized makeup trailer and stays on set the entire time filming in case touch-ups or adjustments are needed.

What Function Does A Makeup Artist For Special Effects Play?

Have you ever pondered how characters from television shows and movies with alien appearances come to be? Of course, the writers and directors collaborate to bring that concept to life, but the special effects makeup artist is the one who turns that vision into a reality.

Typically, a makeup artist is in charge of making sure everyone appears attractive on camera. The SFX makeup artist, however, is called upon when special effects, such as scars, cuts, fake blood, or open wounds, are required. These painters have the honour of creating some of the most famous episode sequences for shows with aliens or unusual makeup.

How Do I Become A Makeup Artist For Film?

1. Enroll in a school for cosmetology

Working as a makeup artist for movies doesn't require you to go to cosmetology school. However, it does give you a greater understanding of a variety of beauty procedures, like applying cosmetics, styling and shaping your hair, taking care of your nails, and using skincare products. Additionally, you could focus on business, bacteriology, sanitation, and state laws.

2. Become certified

You must pass a certification exam and register as a professional makeup artist after understanding the principles of cosmetology. This initial step will assist you in learning more about fundamental concepts such as facial shape, individual appearance, bodily responses to various situations, etc. Makeup artists should take the necessary acting classes before pursuing a career in this field.

3. Develop Your Talents

After learning the principles of makeup application, you must learn how to refine your abilities. As part of this more advanced training course, aspiring makeup artists will hone their talents and abilities while consolidating what they have learned in the classroom.

Acquire Real-World Experience

To become a cinematic makeup artist, you must complete training that includes practical practice. This is an important step, especially if you want to work in the film industry as a production company. Furthermore, getting practical experience will aid you in better understanding the demands and preferences established by directors and clients.

5. Understand The Basics Of Production

You will also need to learn some fundamental production requirements and skills because there is a rising demand for makeup artists in movies, such as regulating and controlling yourself when an emergency call comes in. The ability to choose the projects you wish to take on in the future will come from being able to identify your hidden creative talents.

6. Create a Portfolio

Putting out a portfolio is a great way to attract the attention of movie production companies. If you want to work on a scary, tragic, comedic, or suspenseful film, your portfolio should be styled accordingly. Send your portfolio of every makeup style and trend that fits the genre of any movie you're interested in to the director in case they want to hire you for their next production.

7. Develop Relationships Within The Sector

You must be aware of the value of networking in order to earn a career in the film industry. This will help you first establish contacts so that numerous production companies can hire you as a makeup artist. This helps you improve your teamwork and communication skills, as well as your ability to operate under pressure and under strict deadlines.

Does a make-up artist need to attend film school?

Much like other technical parts of filmmaking, attending film school is not always necessary to become a makeup artist. Filmmakers often do not teach the creativity and craft required to use makeup to produce spectacular appearances, strange modifications to human features, and horrible abominations straight out of a nightmare. Just like with computer-generated special effects, pre-production concept ideas, and set decorating, makeup takes artistic ability. As a result, you are more likely to find the greatest training for a career in cosmetics at an art school or other specialist program than at a film school.

When considering a career in filmmaking, many people have a tendency to automatically believe that attending film school is the best option. But the truth is that not everyone who works in Hollywood or on film productions is a target audience for film schools. Only a small percentage of the hundreds of people who work on most large motion picture productions often attend film school to gain the knowledge necessary for their jobs. The work of a makeup artist is an example of an artistic vocation within the film business that is notably amenable to education that does not require film school.

Makeup artists frequently have experience with makeup and the many methods used to produce a variety of effects in films. For instance, Rick Baker, a well-known and award-winning makeup artist, learned many of the techniques he employed to produce outstanding makeup effects in numerous movies from scratch. Even though he eventually received an honorary doctorate in humane letters, the knowledge he needed to function in the industry was not learned in a film school. In the end, a lot of makeup artists pick up knowledge from other industry experts and frequently study on their own when they're still young and working on lesser films.

Through instructional techniques like the mentor-extern system, the inclination of artists working in the film industry—especially those in makeup and makeup effects—to train new artists who want to enter the field is fostered. A skilled and experienced mentor can teach the student what they need to know by pairing them with an extern who is looking to learn new skills and make relationships in business. As opposed to investing time and money in a film school that can teach you things you do not truly need to know to become a makeup artist, you should think about finding a school that can assist in linking you with a mentor in the business.

What Tools Are Included In A Makeup Artist's Kit?

Get your supplies together if you want to work as a makeup artist on a movie. The majority of productions, particularly smaller ones, won't provide this. Start assembling the following things now:

brushes in a range of sizes.
Several different foundation options for various skin types were
Utilize HD translucent powder for touch-ups and sheen.

And any other makeup you enjoy using.

You'll start learning what kinds of makeup you prefer using on actors once you enroll in cosmetology school and have some experience working on movie sets. Then, as you learn more about various makeup brands, you'll inevitably begin to assemble your collection.

What do makeup artists get paid?

A makeup artist in the movie business typically makes roughly $75,000 a year. Earnings for makeup artists in the film industry range from $37,000 to $124,000 annually.

When a makeup artist is a salaried worker, certain opportunities could arise, such as on a television program, where they might work for several months at a time. Additionally, union members are used in these positions, raising hourly wages.

Even though they are union employment, many times they are performed on a contractual basis. Therefore, depending on whether the project is union or non-union and whether it is for a movie, television show, advertisement, editorial, or celebrity, the day rate for a makeup artist can vary significantly. As a result, even though more skilled makeup artists might command higher rates, production affects the makeup artists' pay.

Job Opportunities for Film Makeup Artists

In the beginning, and if you're interested in learning more about the industry, you'll probably have to labor for no pay. It is beneficial in certain ways, though, as it makes it simpler to secure a job and allows you to gain experience on the field without the rest of the squad having unreasonably high expectations for you.

Facebook communities for theatre and film are a great way to look for unpaid film makeup artist work to build your portfolio. You can hold out till someone posts a call for makeup artists. Better yet, you might write a post introducing yourself and the kinds of initiatives you're interested in.

Final Words:

There are numerous reasons why pursuing a career as a makeup artist is worthwhile. You are given the opportunity to express your artistic sensibility, set your own hours (based on the position), and network with other like-minded creatives working in all areas of the entertainment industry. However, how does one truly become a makeup artist, and what qualifications are required to get started? Should you go to cosmetology school? Do you want to join the union? Here is all the information you require to work as a makeup artist for film, television, and other media.

Even though you might not be able to get into the film industry, you can quickly build a name by learning new things, obtaining experience, and networking whenever you can. You won't need to actively look for work as a film makeup artist as long as you put in more time working. Although finding gigs as a movie makeup artist may first seem difficult, bear in mind that as your network expands, it will become simpler.

Try to establish a relationship with a makeup artist who will allow you to assist them on their projects. Even better if you have the chance to work for them as an intern or assistant! When you first start out, having a mentor who can teach you the ropes might be helpful.

Comments (1)

Lisa

Mar 01, 2024

It's fascinating to learn about how makeup artists' pay can vary based on different factors like union membership and the type of project they're working on. It makes me appreciate the skill and flexibility required in their profession. Speaking of makeup, have you tried StacyLash's lash lift kit yet? I've heard amazing things about it, and it seems like a great option for achieving stunning lashes without the hassle of extensions. I'm definitely considering giving it a try for my next beauty routine upgrade!