Make-up Artist

Also known as:

Theatre Make-up Artist

Introduction

Make-up artists make sure that people who appear on television, in films or in the theatre have suitable make-up and hairstyles. Creative make-up is required for dramas and light entertainment. News and current affairs and chat shows may require 'corrective' make-up and general tidying up.

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Work Activities

Make-up artists are responsible for doing people's make-up and hair before they appear in front of cameras and/or an audience. They apply corrective or creative make-up depending on the type of production.

Corrective make-up is used mainly on people appearing in news and current affairs programmes and chat shows. The artists make sure everyone's hair is neat, apply powder to prevent reflection from studio lights and generally tidy up appearances.

More creative make-up is required for dramas and light entertainment. The make-up artist has to create 'character' make-up and hairstyles that suit the period and style of the production. This requires careful preparation and research. They must keep photographs and notes of a character's appearance in order to re-create exactly the same make-up at a later date.

In the theatre, actors and actresses are usually responsible for their own make-up. The make-up artist is only called in if more complicated make-up is required. Some of the big theatres around the country may have their own wig departments that employ make-up artists who have skills in wig-making.

Hairdressing forms a major part of a make-up artist's work. Special effects hairdressing can involve use of wigs, hairpieces, false moustaches and facial hair.

For dramatic effects, prosthetic make-up uses materials such as latex foam to change the shape of a face, add age features or simulate injuries and wounds. When using these materials, the make-up artist needs to be aware of any harmful effects they may have on human skin.

Make-up artists may also do the make-up for fashion models before photo shoots and shows.

This career tends to have a glamorous image. However, there are many routine and mundane tasks to be completed, such as cleaning equipment and wigs.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You need an excellent knowledge of make-up and hairstyle techniques. You must also be creative and artistic and able to do very close detailed work.

You will usually see the performers, personalities and guests just before they are needed on set or stage, when they may be nervous. Therefore, you will need to put them at their ease and cope with difficult temperaments, while trying to apply make-up.

You will need a mature and even temperament, tact and endless patience. You will also need to be reasonably fit, as make-up artists spend a lot of time on their feet. Your colour vision may be tested.

You must able to work well in a team and under pressure to meet deadlines.

For freelance work you need to be well organised and able to plan ahead.

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Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates for make-up artists depend on the type of production they work on, the duration of the project and whether they are employed or self-employed.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Make up artists earn in the range of £260 - £460 a week, rising to around £660 - £990 a week, and higher rates are possible.

The Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematography and Theatre Union (BECTU) lays down guideline rates for freelance make-up artists working on independent productions. Look at their website for more information.

Hours can be long and irregular, including early mornings, evenings and weekends.

Many make-up artists work on a freelance basis. Work is found with theatre, film and television production companies and with photographers, for example, for fashion shoots.

There are not many vacancies and there is severe competition for all work in this area.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Formal qualifications and work experience in hairdressing and/or beauty therapy, including make-up, are usually required.

Some colleges, and schools of beauty therapy/hairdressing, may relax entry requirements for applicants with relevant experience.

Part-time courses in media make-up and beauty therapy are available in local colleges of further education.

• 51% of people in occupations such as make-up artist are self-employed.
• 45% work part-time.
• 6% have flexible hours.
• 2% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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