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Make-Up Artist

A make-up artist ensures that models, performers, presenters and others have suitable make-up and hairstyles before they appear in front of the cameras or an audience. This may be in a variety of settings: film; television; theatre; live shows; or photographic shoots.

The make-up artist's role is to interpret the make-up requirements of clients and to produce both a creative and technically accurate visual representation. This may in some cases involve very basic make-up for a TV presenter through to more complex period make-up or special effects.

The ability to work as part of a production team is integral to the role.

The title make-up artist does not do justice to the profession. A more accurate description would be special effects artist as the role involves creating images through the medium of make-up, hairstyles and prosthetics in accordance with the storyline.

Depending on the nature of the job, a make-up artist can work alone, as an assistant to a more senior colleague or as part of a make-up design team.

Typical work activities include:

communicating with clients to clarify what look is required;
reading scripts to ascertain materials/look required/budget implications, known as production study, which may require further research;
producing and sketching design ideas;
liaising with other members of the design team to ensure the overall look/effect is consistent and coherent;
building a rapport with make-up subjects;
demonstrating and implementing a practical understanding of lighting, the photographic process, colours and the impact of special effects/make-up processes on the skin and ensuring that appropriate action is taken to minimise/eradicate any unpleasant side effects from the use of specialist make-up/hairdressing techniques;
ensuring continuity in hair and make-up, taking detailed notes and photographs of work;
casting facial and body moulds, sculpting latex foam - known as prosthetics;
manipulating/applying wigs, hairpieces and prosthetics;
maintaining wigs, hairpieces, prosthetics and other specialist materials and equipment;
hairdressing, which is an essential part of the work;
planning, budgeting and ordering equipment and materials from specialist suppliers;
working quickly and accurately in time-pressured conditions.

The rates of the Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT) and the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematographic and Theatre Union (BECTU) are the industry minimum for film and television work. Latest rates are as follows: £100 per day for junior make-up/hair assistant; £150 for make-up designer/prosthetics. Higher PACT/BECTU rates apply for commercials, which can be very lucrative - often in excess of £500 per day for experienced artists. Fashion and editorial work ranges from £200 to £2,000 per day. Top make-up artists designing for fashion shows regularly earn over £3,000 per day (salary data collected Sept 04).

Rates vary considerably. Artists with published editorial/advertorial work ('tear sheets') have the opportunity to negotiate additional fees for their published work ('credits') with companies that use them to endorse a product range.
Make-up artists are generally expected to arrive on set 'up and running'. Many, therefore, initially work for free or for a small fee on low-budget productions or editorial shoots, to build up published work and experience.
A typical working day includes long and unsocial hours; shifts and weekend work are common.
The environment varies from hot studios to freezing-cold outdoor locations. The work is physically demanding and requires great concentration.
Self-employment/freelance work is commonly possible and the majority of make-up artists are employed on a freelance basis. Freelancing is often an essential pre-requisite for the very limited number of permanent jobs. Professionals are contracted for projects either directly or through an agent.
The self-employment nature of the profession could result in periodic re-location, demand an extremely flexible approach to work, and result in insecurity. Work settings can be pressurised; the professional needs to be ready to respond constantly.
More than 50% of make-up artists working on set are women; however, there is a predominance of men in special effects, the film and fashion industries.
Jobs are available in restricted locations only. Potential employers will be located in cities, particularly those with strong regional independent TV companies. Travel within a working day, absence from home at night and overseas work or travel is frequent.

Information taken from Prospects www.prospects.ac.uk for more information

Courses

View course list.

Subject
Art (2)
Fashion (2)
Drama (2)
3D Design (1)

Qualification
Other (1)
AS (1)
A Level (1)
Foundation Degree (1)

College
East Devon College (2)
Somerset College of Arts and Technology (1)