A Mini Guide to Becoming a TV, Film, and Theater Makeup Artist

If you have excellent makeup skills and a desire to work in the entertainment industry, a theater makeup artist career could provide much career satisfaction and a rewarding income. You will need to use your various techniques and creativity to transform actors’ appearance for the stage or screen.

In addition to perfecting complexions and highlightingfacial features, you may need to create realistic wounds, scars, and wrinkles using your extensive skills. If this sounds up your street, read this mini guide to becoming a TV, film, and theater makeup artist.

Choose the Right Makeup Artist Path

The entertainment industry relies on different types of makeup artists to transform an actor or actress’s appearance or bring a fictional character to life. If you are eager to help thespians look their best on the small or silver screen, a film and TV makeup artist might be a dream career for you. You will not only need to choose makeup to fit a character’s personality and style, but it must survive harsh production studio lighting.

Alternatively, you could train to become a special effects (SFX) makeup artist. The role requires many different skills compared to standard makeup artistry. For instance, you will need to develop techniques to turn people into realistic zombies, witches, goblins, wolves, and more. To do so, you must practice your skills using special FX makeup, such as performance makeup, molds, modeling putty, body paint, stage blood, and more.

Understand Your Licensing and Certification Requirements

There are no educational requirements to become a professional makeup artist. Yet, some states may require you to earn a specific license or cosmetology certification to enter the role, such as an esthetician license from the American Association of Cosmetology Schools. If you are unsure about your legal requirements, contact your state’s cosmetology board for more information.

Even if you aren’t legally required to secure a license or certification, you will likely benefit from completing a course at a cosmetology school. It will boost your knowledge of makeup application, skincare, hair styling, and much more.

Work on Your Soft Skills

TV, film, and theater makeup artists will not only need superb makeup application skills, but they must possess many soft skills. For instance, you must have excellent communication skills to productively work with actors, directors, and producers. Also, good time management is essential, as you must ensure one or more actors’ makeup is complete to avoid slowing down filming or a stage show. What’s more, you must be a good listener to meet a movie or show’s expectations and smoothly adapt to any essential changes throughout production.

Create an Impressive Portfolio

Highlight your makeup skills and experience by creating an impressive portfolio of your past work. Include various makeup styles and looks in your portfolio to showcase your versatility and extensive techniques. It could help you secure your first position in the entertainment industry, which could open many doors throughout your career.