What Makeup roles are available?
SCREENSKILLS SETS OUT GOOD EXAMPLES AND UPDATE SERVICE INFORMAITON
CHIEF MAKE-UP ARTIST
On large productions, the roles of make-up artist and hairdresser are separate. Chief make-up artists work closely with costume and hairdressers to ensure that each actors’ look complements every aspect of the script. Having created individual designs they make sure that actors are comfortable with their look and note any allergies or sensitivities. They recruit a team of make-up artists and distribute briefs and continuity notes. During shooting, they supervise the make-up process and may work as a personal make-up artist for a principal actor.
CHIEF HAIRDRESSER
Likewise, chief hairdresser is a separate role from chief make-up artist on big budget features. The chief hairdresser reads the script to determine each actors’ styling and then recruits and briefs a team of hairdressers. During shooting, they supervise the whole hairdressing department and may work as a personal hairdresser if requested by one of the principal actors.
HAIR AND MAKE-UP ARTIST
Increasingly, artists are expected to be skilled in both hair and make-up. They apply make-up, wash, cut, blow-dry, style and set hair, apply products using specialised techniques to create specific designs, set and dress wigs and hairpieces and work with facial hair and false pieces, such as beards and moustaches. They may also apply special effects make-up such as grazes, cuts and bruises and bald caps. Make-up and hair artists usually accompany performers on set and standby during scenes to touch-up makeup and ensure continuity is maintained.
PROSTHETIC ARTIST
In make-up, prosthetics are special effects, like werewolf faces, or bruises, cuts and grazes. Prosthetic artists are responsible for creating these. They break down a script and analyse what prosthetics are needed for what character. They estimate the time and cost of making prosthetics and create bald caps, prosthetics pieces, facial parts and scars, depending on the script. Normally prosthetic artists will apply the prosthetics to performers themselves (which can take hours) with the help of make-up artists and assistants. They usually stand by on set to ensure that the prosthetic is working and looked after.
HAIR AND MAKE-UP ASSISTANT
Assistants help hair and make-up artists by supplying brushes and products, helping fix prosthetics, washing actors’ hair, helping to alter, repair and dress wigs and toupees, running errands, and making sure that performers are well looked after. They prepare the actor’s skin and scalp in advance, and make sure that any allergies or sensitivities are taken into consideration. Assistants are also involved in crowd days by preparing facilities, working on the hair and make-up of large numbers of extras, standing by on set to maintain continuity and may even be given responsibility for minor characters. Career Opportunities with Makeup Artist Roles
The UK ‘entertainment’ industry is vibrant and varied which is great news if you want to be a makeup artist. Whether you wish to specialise in a type of work (eg Special Effects) or concentrate on an industry sector (such as film), there are many different makeup artist roles on offer for those with Professional Training) behind them.
TRAINING AS A MAKEUP ARTIST IS THE KEY TO PROMOTION
Our aim is on ‘professionalism’ because this is a competitive industry and the poorly trained will find it difficult and sustain any kind of career without the proper training behind them and continuous support from their training provider. The makeup artist role is a key one in any production so taking your training seriously will put you in a strong position.
These days, makeup artists are required to be competent in both modern/contemporary and period makeup, prosthetics, and hairdressing.
TRAINEE MAKEUP ARTIST JOBS
Whether you’re a school leaver or you’re looking to change career paths, you’re likely to start out as a trainee makeup artist. Trainees typically work under the direction of someone with more experience (perhaps one of your makeup tutors). They can be responsible for setting up and maintaining makeup workstations, observing and assisting more senior makeup artists with tasks.You could also be involved in administrative duties such as maintaining makeup and and purchasing necessary supplies to build your own kit. Ultimately you’ll get the basic knowledge you need to progress to the next step whether its an advance course specialised in an area you wish to study or starting your journey to building your resume.
MAKEUP ARTIST JOB DESCRIPTIONS
Titles may vary but, generally, there are 3 main makeup artist roles:
- Trainee/assistant
- Artist/senior artist
- Designer/chief
Depending upon the production, and therefore budget, the makeup and hair departments may be combined and led by a single designer – hence the importance of hairdressing skills.
TIPS
- Build your portfolio: sometimes, this might mean unpaid work and volunteering, but it’s all for a higher purpose. And practice makes perfect!
- NETWORK: network, network, network. Get out there and meet people. You never know who will remember you and hire you for a big job!
- Be professional: as always, be respectful on any job, whether it’s paid or unpaid. Your reputation precedes you.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
- Be yourself: always strive to be your natural, creative, and authentic self!
SALARY- RATE CARDS CAN BE SEEN ON SCREENSKILLS
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- Trainees can earn from £100 to £150 per day.
- A head make-up artist can earn £170 to £320 for a ten-hour day of editorial work.
- For fashion shows, lead make-up artists can earn £450 a day for an event like London Fashion Week, but around £275.
For other events.
- On major feature films, a trainee make-up artist can earn £140 for a ten-hour day, while the senior make-up artist with several years’ experience, will earn £390.
- TV Commercial minimum wage for a makeup artist starts from £350.
- Celebrity Makeup can earn from £200 – £1000 per day.
TRAVELLING
Being a makeup artist/designers has many perks. You can easily travel around the world from working on Paris fashion week, work in America, New Zealand, Europe for TV and Film. Most production companies will have budget to cover expenses such as flights and accommodation. We always recommend that you have your passport ready and updated as you never know that call might come that a celebrity needs an artist or a senior makeup artist needs an assistant in Rome!
