Makeup Artist

Ez Make Up

Characteristics of a Good
Makeup Artist

A Makeup Artist is responsible for applying make up to stage, TV and film performers to enhance their beauty, physical character or create special effects. Makeup art is both challenging and rewarding.  

Make-up artists work with actors, TV broadcasters, motion picture, stage and theatre productions. They are responsible for making the performer look good under close scrutiny of a live audience.

Makeup artists must analyze a film or stage production and take note of any special events that affect a performer’s appearance. Then, plans must be made for each scene. The Make-up artist must then meet with directors, production designers and performers to coordinate the desired look.

Then, the artist must be able to duplicate the makeup over and over because scenes are often shot out of order. It takes a lot of time, research, testing and experimenting to create special make up effects. Plus, the Make-up artist may have to stand for hours as he/she works. It is not unusual for an artist to work fourteen hours a day during the shooting of a film. However, much of this time is spent watching and waiting.

Finally, Make-up artists have very specific timelines to complete their work. The stress and pressure can be very intense. They are also required to travel to the location of the filming and work under a wide variety of weather and terrain conditions. Carrying their make up with them can require considerable lifting.

A good make up artist must have good color vision, creativity, imagination and confidence. Their ability to communicate and interact with professional actors is critical. One must be able to accept direction and criticism, yet work independently with others in a team environment.

Although there is no minimum education requirement in this occupation, a background in theatre or visual arts is a definite asset. The average salary of a make up artist ranges from $15,000 to $53,000 per year with the average salary being $26,000.

About The Authors:

Larry Andrew is an author and publisher of www.ez-make-up.com. Trisha Andrew is a mother, successful author and major contributor to this website.

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Makeup Artist