FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS……
A career in makeup is increasingly attractive as it offers variety and is rewarding and a fulfilling way of earning a living. As a professional makeup artist your job is to fulfill a creative requirement. In a rapidly changing world in which computers are replacing people in so many areas of work we know for sure that no machine can ever replace the makeup artist.
Once learned makeup is a skill that cannot be taken away from you. So pack your powder puff, portfolio and don’t forget your sense of humor.
WHAT IS THE JOB OF A MAKEUP ARTIST?
A makeup artist’s job is to apply makeup and style hair in a variety of different creative projects. Makeup artists can apply makeup to brides for weddings / magazine work / editorial / fashion shoots / photographic shoots / fashion shows / television / film / stage / theatrical productions / school formals and special occasions.
HOW DO I CHOOSE A SCHOOL TO BECOME A MAKEUP ARTIST?
Start by studying with a professional makeup school. Ensure the trainers are currently working in the makeup industry and have extensive experience with an up to date portfolio that you can view. Ask to see their latest freelance work and ask who will be training you throughout all modules of your class. Ask to meet the trainers who will be teaching you and get a feel for their experience and knowledge of the industry.
WHAT SUBJECTS SHOULD I DO AT SCHOOL TO HELP ME PREPARE FOR THE MAKEUP INDUSTRY?
Concentrate on creative subjects such as art, design, drama, dance and photography. You will also need great communication skills, marketing, business management and English.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO TO ADVANCE BY MAKEUP SKILLS?
Try and obtain a part time job in the cosmetic industry or retail fashion industry.
Also consider hairdressing and beauty therapy as a sideline.
Knowing how to cut and colour hair is an advantage for film and international work.
Learning about fashion is helpful for those wishing to pursue the photographic makeup jobs.
Practice your drawing and painting skills.
WHERE SHOULD I GO FOR ADVICE?
Make an appointment at Paint to discuss any questions you may have and we can help you plan your career. Speak to other professional makeup artists who are currently working in the industry for advice.
HOW DOES A MAKEUP ARTIST GET WORK?
A makeup artist would either work for a company or as a freelancer. They are also responsible for promoting themselves and marketing their skills. There are also agencies for creative talent, who put makeup artists on their books and find work for them.
WHAT TYPE OF WORK DOES A MAKEUP ARTIST DO?
The great benefit about a career in the makeup industry is the work can be very diverse – examples of the areas you can work in are – Weddings, formals, special occasions, film, television, fashion, photographic, theatre, stage productions, makeup for advertising, catwalk, fantasy makeup, body painting, special effect makeup, talent to camera, feature films, video clips, musical productions, magazines and makeup for television commercials.
DO I NEED TO FINISH HIGH SCHOOL?
Yes we recommend you finish your high school studies and major in artistic subjects. Start to concentrate on skills in the drawing and painting department.
WHAT DOES A MAKEUP ARTIST EARN?
A freelance makeup artist will develop their own pricing but you can expect to earn approximately between $50.00 – $120.00 per makeup application or you would work on a full day or half day rate.
Each specialised facet of the industry has their own pricing structure.
DO I NEED AN ACCREDITED COURSE?
As a makeup artist this is unnecessary as you are learning artistic skills. There is no need to spend an excessive amount of money on a training course to gain the appropriate knowledge. Your portfolio of work, personal presentation, professionalism and creative skills is what gets you work. Clients and creative agencies who are hiring a makeup artist will look at your portfolio of work and past experience only. Your reputation and artistic skills are the most important asset you can have. At Paint we listen to the expectations of the makeup industry. Our training is based on hands on practical experience and helping you to build your portfolio of work.
DO I NEED TO KNOW HOW TO DO HAIR?
Yes this is very important. A makeup artist is rarely booked if they have no hairstyling experience. They need to know the general basics of hair styling.
WHAT KIND OF COURSES DOES YOUR SCHOOL OFFER?
Back to Basics
The Hairstylist
Fashion First
Stage and Screen
Airbrushing
Workshops
CAN I WORK OVERSEAS?
Yes you can definitely work overseas as a makeup artist. Obviously you will need to obtain passport and correct working visas for the countries you want to work in. Being a Makeup Artist is like having a trade. It can take you to all corners of the globe.