Makeup Artist as a Career

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Beauty has a way of capturing attention.. Beauty treatments & fashion trends has always been in vogue but today more and more people have become conscious about their looks. With the boom in entertainment industry, and more competition in modeling as well as fashion field, the demand for good looks has come up like never before. This has resulted in a need for professionals to make people look good.. and here comes the role of a make up artist.

One of the first tell-tale signs of a budding makeup artist is an innate passion to experiment with different looks, try them out on themselves and their friends.

Make-up is an art and a make-up artist is a professional artist who uses mediums applied to the skin to transform or enhance the appearance of a person. Make-up artist uses human skin as a canvas and makeup as a medium. These professionals prepare individuals for appearance in front of cameras or a live audience. They apply makeup and prosthetics for theatrical, television, film, fashion shows, magazines and other similar productions including all aspects of the modeling industry. Individuals who require constant services of these artists include models, film stars, high-profile individuals who are always in the news etc.

Make-Up Artists are often referred to as Cosmetologists or Beauticians, but are different in that they specialize only in make-up and typically do not offer other services such as hair or nail care. Whereas a cosmetologist is trained in the study and application of beauty treatment, not limited to only make-up, but also include hair and nail treatment, beauty treatment, and other areas. A makeup artist belongs to the aesthetic branch of cosmetology that specializes in the application of cosmetics to a person's face, by using such products as foundation or powder, blush, or eye makeup.

There are two main categories of makeup artist. Fashion artists who prepare fashion models for photo shoots, and theatrical or film makeup artist. While fashion makeup artist work with designers to create a certain look for the model, such as emphasizing lip shape or cheekbones; theatrical or film makeup artist enhances an actor's features to emphasize the character he or she plays in performance art.

Makeup artists should also be aware of which colors look best on different skin tones. Thorough knowledge of different skin type is essential, as some makeup ingredients can cause skin reactions. Knowledge of proper makeup application techniques is also an essential skill. There are different types of makeup like the special effect makeup for films, glamour for ramp and fashion, bridal and simple everyday makeup. Each has its own unique requirements.

One important decision to be taken by a potential make-up artist is whether to go for a freelance job or join an employer. If one decides to work freelance, job flexibility is much more at the same time risk involved would be greater.

Eligibility

Educational

Academic qualifications is not a necessity to be a makeup artist, only requirement is passion for the work and interest to make experiments in looks. However, short term courses in cosmetology / beauty care/ make up can horn your skills. As a makeup artist, you could start as an assistant or apprentice to a reputed makeup artist. On-the-job training though paid or unpaid, is considered to be of higher value than just academic qualifications.

Personal attributes required for a makeup artist

a good colour perception
passion for make-up
good communication skills
to be creative and artistic
able to work under pressure
good business sense and diplomacy
stamina, patience and concentration
careful eye for detail
a willingness to work long hours
good teamwork skills
high degree of physical and mental fitness

Apart from all the above attributes, complete and updated knowledge of cosmetics and other related products play an integral role in determining the right professional in this field.

Career avenues for a make up artist

The opportunities for a career in the make-up and beauty industry are plenty. Makeup artists are in demand in almost all spheres. They are usually employed by the entertainment and media industries. These professionals can work at salons, spas, retail and department stores, bridal boutiques, film production companies, magazines, modeling agencies, fashion designers and so on. Make-up artists design and apply makeup to actors, presenters and models, and for special occasions such as bridal parties.

In Fashion industry, makeup professionals usually work under the direction of a photographer or fashion designer, and apply makeup that complements the clothing or other fashion styles that the models are promoting. Makeup artists may also apply makeup to performing artists in plays, films, television shows, and concerts. Ordinary people like us are also a major employer. For instance, individuals who wish to apply make-up for weddings or other important events will employ makeup artists for that particular day. As a makeup artist, you could also conduct workshops, seminars and lectures on grooming. Some department stores hire makeup artists to apply mascara and lipsticks on customers. This is a part of their marketing strategy to promote cosmetic products. With considerable expertise you could work as independent consultants or with cosmetic companies like Lakme, Revlon, Maybelline etc. If you have a flair for writing then you could contribute beauty articles to magazines, newspapers and websites on beauty and personal grooming.

Make-up artists usually work indoors, and are often required to work long hours, and late at night and will not be able to leave until a project is completed. They may also be required to travel to different locations for photo shoots, movie productions or to clients homes. Many make-up artists are self-employed and work on a freelance basis.

Remuneration for a makeup artist

The average salary for a makeup artist can vary, depending on a number of factors. The pay that a make-up artist would get depends largely upon his or her skill, as well as on the type of clientele. The rate also varies with the type of make up as well. You will earn more if you are doing special effects makeup than the usual ones required for the film industry. At the same time finding accurate salaries for make-up artists is difficult since the figures vary widely depending upon the reputation of the make-up artist and the sector of the industry in which they are involved.

Makeup artists who are self-employed and well-known within the industry can earn considerably more. In the initial stage, anyhow one can earn between Rs 500-1500 a day. One can even charge per face. The earning can range between Rs 5000-10,000 a day for an experienced and well reputed make up artist. In the film industry, professionals can expect a package of around Rs. 8,000 to Rs 15,000 per session.

Institutes

To get the list of institutes click on course name

» Certificate in Cosmetology

» Diploma in Beauty Culture and Cosmetology

» M.Sc. Cosmetology

» Post Graduate Diploma in Beauty Technology and Cosmetology

» Certificate course in Make up and Hair Styling

» Diploma course in Comprehensive Make-Up Artistry (CMA)

» Post Graduate Diploma in Beauty, Hair and Makeup (PGDBHM)

» Beauty care

Tags

beauty care career , artistic career , fashion artist , makeup artist , filmy career