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Makeup Artist

What Do Makeup Artist Do?

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

Makeup Artist Responsibilities

  • Duplicate work precisely to replicate characters’ appearances on a daily basis.
  • Provide performers with makeup removal assistance after performances have been completed.
  • Evaluate environmental characteristics, such as venue size and lighting plans, to determine makeup requirements.
  • Write makeup sheets and take photos to document specific looks and the products used to achieve the looks.
  • Advise hairdressers on the hairstyles required for character parts.
  • Cleanse and tone the skin to prepare it for makeup application.

Makeup Artist Skills

When polled, Makeup Artists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

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

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.

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

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

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

Other Makeup Artist Job Titles

  • Special Effects Designer
  • Special Makeup Effects Artist
  • Body Make-Up Artist
  • Prosthetic Makeup Designer
  • Special Effects Technician

Is There Job Demand for Makeup Artists?

There were about 4,800 jobs for Makeup Artist in 2016 (in the United States). 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. There will be an estimated 600 positions for Makeup Artist per year.

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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.

Makeup Artist Salary

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

Tools & Technologies Used by Makeup Artists

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?

Education needed to be a Makeup Artist:

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

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Where do Makeup Artists Work?

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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Similar Careers

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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