MAKEUP ARTIST For theatre and performance

THE ROLE

A makeup artist ensures the performer, model or actor has suitable make-up before they appear on stage or screen.

It is their responsibility to create and produce a look that’s creative and technically accurate visual representation.

communicating with clients to clarify visual requirements

production study, reading scripts to ascertain the materials and the look required, budget implications and identifying areas where research is required;

producing and sketching design ideas for hairstyles and make-up;

ensuring continuity in hair and make-up and liaising with other members of the design team to ensure the overall look/effect is consistent and coherent;

demonstrating and implementing a practical understanding of lighting, the photographic process, colours and the impact of special effects/make-up processes on the skin;

ensuring that appropriate action is taken to minimise unpleasant side effects from the use of specialist make-up/hairdressing techniques;

maintaining awareness of health and safety issues and legislation;

casting facial and body moulds and sculpting latex foam, known as prosthetics;

fitting and maintaining wigs, hairpieces and prosthetics;

hairdressing;

•maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of available make-up and beauty products;

•sourcing, budgeting and ordering materials and equipment from specialist suppliers;

•time management, knowing how long a subject will take to be made-up;

•working quickly and accurately in time-pressured conditions;

•taking detailed notes and photographs of work, maintaining an up-to-date portfolio of work.

TO BECOME A MAKEUP ARTIST

Informal training is just as important as formal qualifications. You can study theatrical makeup for media and photography at colleges. It teaches you the skills to learn different skills and create special fx makeup. The course helps you build up a portfolio of your work , which can help lead you onto further careers or education

You can also study makeup and hair design at university, such as Southampton Solent or at Bournemouth arts university for media and performance.

UNIVERSITY At university, this furthers your skills teaching you the skills you’ll need to go into the industry from theatre to TV, from the music business to the world of fashion and film.

The course places a strong emphasis on developing industry-ready graduates and students are encouraged to apply for work placements to gain hands-on experience.

There are different routes it is possible to take on your make up course at Bournemouth Uni. Such as hair and make- up for fashion, prosthetic makeup effects and hair and makeup for stage, TV and film

Possible careers completing a degree could lead you to be working in professional theatres, such as English National Opera, or working for Make up complanys such as Illamasqua in London for fashion.

THE MAKE-UP INDUSTRY

To stand out in getting a job in the industry, it helps to have a degree in the relevant subject . It is also good to have as much work experience as possible.

Its also an industry of who you know and taking all opportunities that come your way, doing as much work big or small, as possible.

Joining an agency can get you work, they also provide training working alongside makeup artists. This can be from working in beauty counters in department stores or working on film shoots, either will get you experience.