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.
Makeup Artist
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