Makeup Artist Careers

The famous pointy ears on Star Trek's Dr. Spock, the grotesque creation of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, and even the blue-lipped, white-faced, frozen appearances of Titanic characters are all examples of the limitless, extraordinary possibilities of makeup. From the elaborate makings of world-famous Broadway characters to the simplicity of camouflage face paint, professional makeup artists have created some of the most famous characters and cosmetic products known today.

An extremely versatile career that involves both creativity and artistic talent, makeup artists constitute a specialized profession within the field of cosmetology. One of the most difficult cosmetology careers due to intense job market competition and limited permanent employment opportunities, makeup artistry can be a challenging but rewarding career for those very interested in cosmetics.

Education for this profession is typically available as its own independent course of study, if not already integrated into other cosmetology education programs. Other beauty schools exist to provide specialized education in television, film, or theatrical makeup application.

Professional makeup artists must possess the ability to produce creative, unique and accurate visual representations of their client's needs/wants. Whether seeking to create the natural, romantic look for a bride, or aiming to produce complex special effects in theater productions, makeup artists must be able to demonstrate a wide variety of application techniques and cosmetic practices to meet the ever-changing needs of a demanding career.

Some makeup artists work with cosmetics as a means to beautify and accentuate the features of their clients, like those found at makeup counters and employed as consultants for cosmetic companies. Others who prefer creating more dramatic looks work in television, film, or theater, using makeup to help create character personalities and appearances. Still other employment opportunities for makeup artists exist within the fashion industry, working on photo shoots, runway shows, and advertisements. From small towns to the entertainment hubs of New York City and Los Angeles, makeup artists exist virtually everywhere.

While it remains a profession with endless opportunities for career advancement, can accommodate either full or part time work schedules, and job opportunities are found world-wide, entering the exciting field of makeup artistry also comes with its fair share of risks and limitations. Very few employment opportunities exist in television, film, theater, or fashion. Competition for positions in these industries is extremely high and, even when available, such work is usually only available on a project-basis. For these reasons, it is not unusual for makeup artists to practice part time while also completing other related work to ensure financial stability.

Here are some other noteworthy facts about makeup artists:

• The earnings for makeup artists range between $14,000 and $50,000 per year.

• The demand for makeup artists is projected to increase 10-20% over the next decade.

• The first makeup artist is believed to have been Cleopatra, who was famous for her elaborate, multi-colored cosmetic application techniques, using henna dyes.