Make-up Artist

What is the work like?

Make-up artists apply make-up and style the hair of performers and presenters. They may work in film, television, theatre, on commercials, pop promos, corporate productions, fashion shows and live performances, and photo shoots. Their work plays an important part in creating the right 'look' for a production.

The type of make-up used depends on the production. It can range from a contemporary 'natural look' for a television presenter, to period styles for historical dramas, 'casualty' make-up (blood and bruises), or the application of small prosthetics, such as false noses and scars.

Make-up artists usually work to a brief. For drama productions this may include character and scene breakdowns, and detailed notes and pictures of the look they must create. Depending on the production, their work may include:

• selecting and purchasing supplies
• research and design
• doing 'corrective' make-up and hair tidying for presenters and interviewees
• applying make-up to actors
• fitting hairpieces, bald caps, facial hair and prosthetics
• re-applying make-up when necessary
• keeping careful notes and taking photographs to ensure continuity
• removing products
• carrying out risk assessments and developing procedures to control risks.

Make-up artists work closely with performers and presenters, making sure that they are comfortable with their look and checking for any allergies. On larger productions they may be employed as a personal make-up artist, responsible for the look of a principal actor. They also work closely with directors, designers, cinematographers, costume designers and other members of the technical team, and ensure that their work suits the overall production design.

Hours and environment

Hours are long and irregular. A standard working day may be around eight to ten hours, and overtime is common. Make-up artists often have to work in the evenings, at weekends and during public holidays. They sometimes work on more than one production at a time.

The work is usually indoors - in dressing rooms, make-up rooms, television or film studios, on make-up trucks or in people's homes - sometimes in small, cramped environments. Location work can involve working outdoors in all weathers. The job can also involve long periods away from home.

Make-up artists have to transport their own kit, which can be heavy to carry around. They may spend a great deal of time standing or bending over actors to apply make-up.

The job may be unsuitable for people with sensitive skin or certain allergies.

Salary and other benefits

These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.

• A newly qualified make-up artist may earn up to £15,000 a year.
• Make-up artists with experience may earn over £25,000 a year.
• A chief make-up artist may earn around £45,000 a year.

Most make-up artists work freelance and negotiate a fee per contract or project. Income can vary and there may be periods when they are not earning. The Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) can advise on rates. Current recommended minimum rates for a ten hour day range between £231 and £288, depending on the type of production.

Skills and personal qualities

A make-up artist should have:

• make-up and hairdressing skills, including corrective, glamour, period and ageing, as well as special techniques
• artistic and technical skills
• a good eye for colour and detail
• communication skills
• the ability to put people at ease
• diplomacy and tact
• the ability to work effectively as part of a team and under pressure of deadlines
• IT skills
• knowledge of health and safety legislation and procedures.

Interests

It helps to be interested in:

• storytelling and character building
• people
• contemporary and historical styles and fashion.

Getting in

Most make-up artists are freelance and work on short-term contracts which can last for just one day or up to a few months. Opportunities may be found in theatre, television and film, corporate productions and commercials, and with photographers working on magazines or advertising shoots.

Vacancies may be advertised on specialist industry websites, such as www.mandy.com, www.broadcastfreelancer.com and www.stagejobspro.com, and in trade journals such as Broadcast and The Stage. Some make-up artists register with diary services or advertise in crew directories, such as The Knowledge. Details of forthcoming productions may be found in Screen International and Production and Casting Report. The latter produces a newsletter which is available on subscription at www.pcrnewsletter.com

Competition is fierce and success often depends on reputation and contacts. Make-up artists must be able to market themselves and should create a portfolio or DVD showreel of their work.

Entry routes

Although not an essential requirement, most make-up artists have undertaken training. There is a wide range of relevant courses at various levels in hairdressing, make-up and beauty therapy. They will also have gained practical experience, possibly working in beauty or hair salons.

Specialist media make-up courses include the following:

• BTEC National Certificate or Diploma in performing arts (make-up)
• London College of Fashion Diploma in image styling for performance, foundation degree in film and TV make-up and BA (Hons) degree in make-up and prosthetics for performance
• VTCT Level 3 Diploma in theatrical and media make-up
• ITEC Diploma in fashion, theatre and media make-up.

There is also a wide range of short courses, including courses in specialist techniques, such as prosthetics or special effects make-up.

Applicants should check course content and entry requirements with course providers. They may have to demonstrate their potential with a portfolio of work.

It is essential to gain practical experience. Courses may include work placements, and relevant experience can also be gained in amateur or fringe theatre, student films and photography projects, charity or student fashion shows.

A make-up artist for film and television usually starts as a trainee or assistant and works their way up. It may be possible to find work as a 'daily', mainly on films, employed on a day-to-day basis, usually on large crowd scenes.

Training

Make-up artists usually train on the job, learning from more experienced colleagues. They need to keep up with new techniques and materials throughout their careers.

Short courses are available at private make-up academies and also through trade organisations, such as the Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Authority (HABIA) and the National Association of Screen Make-Up Artists and Hairdressers (NASMAH). Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for Creative Media, subsidises some training for freelancers. The BBC also offers a design training scheme and further information on the programme, including entry requirements is available on their website. Competition for places is fierce.

Getting on

Progression for make-up artists is dependent on establishing a reputation and being offered the opportunity to move on to larger and higher profile projects and productions. With the right skills and experience they may progress to become chief make-up artists or make-up designers, or specialise in particular techniques or effects.

Some make-up artists go on to teach or set up their own academies. It may be possible to work overseas.

Further information

BBC Training and Development, White City, 201 Wood Lane, London W1U 4AA. 0370 010 0264. Website: www.bbctraining.com

British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC), Meteor Court, Barnett Way, Barnwood, Gloucester GL4 3GG. 0845 065 9004. Website: www.babtac.com

Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU), 373-377 Clapham Road, London SW9 9BT. 020 7346 0900. Website: www.bectu.org.uk

Creative and Cultural Skills, 4^th Floor, Lafone House, The Leathermarket, Weston Street, London SE1 3HN. 020 7015 1800. Website: www.creative-choices.co.uk

Design Trainee Scheme, BBC Academy, Room 2425, White City, 201 Wood Lane, London W12 7TS. 020 8752 6904. Website: www.bbc.co.uk/design

Get Into Theatre. Website: www.getintotheatre.org

Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Authority (HABIA), Oxford House, Sixth Avenue, Sky Business Park, Robin Hood Airport, Doncaster DN9 3GG. 0845 230 6080. Website: www.habia.org

London College of Fashion, 20 John Princes Street, London W1G 0BJ. 020 7514 7400. Website: www.fashion.arts.ac.uk

National Association of Screen Make-Up Artists and Hairdressers (NASMAH), 68 Sarsfield Road, Perivale, Middlesex UB6 7AG. 020 8998 7494. Website: www.nasmah.co.uk

Skillset, Focus Point, 21 Caledonian Road, London N1 9GB. Free careers helpline: 08080 300 900. Website: www.skillset.org/careers

Further reading

Fashions in Makeup - Peter Owen Ltd

Period Make-up for Studio, Stage and Screen - Methuen Drama

Professional Make-up Artistry - Heinemann

Theatrical Design and Production: An Introduction to Scene Design and Construction, Lighting, Sound, Costume, and Makeup - McGraw-Hill

The Complete Make Up Artist - Thomson Learning

Performing Arts Uncovered - Trotman

Working in performing arts - VT Lifeskills

Magazines/journals

Broadcast

Make-up Artist Magazine - www.makeupmag.com

Production and Casting Report - www.pcrnewsletter.com

Screen International

The Stage

Stage, Screen & Radio Magazine

(Some may be priced)

February 2010

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