How To Become A Makeup Artist

Educational And Licensure Requirements
Those interested in how to become a make-up artist should realize that this career does not have any specific educational requirements. Most employers require candidates to hold a high school diploma or equivalent and be at least 16 years of age. A good number of make-up artists also hold a college degree although this is not required. Candidates could easily take make-up courses or enroll in cosmetology programs offered at beauty and arts schools. Such programs offer training in areas like designing prosthetics, molding and casting, make-up effects, airbrush illustration, and cosmetic makeup. Personal appearance workers must also be licensed, and licensure requirements include graduating from a state-approved cosmetology program.

Desirable Skills
The most essential quality that any make-up artist should possess is an interest in enhancing the look of other people. They should be dependable and responsible in fulfilling their work obligations. They should also be adaptable and flexible. A cooperative attitude is highly advantageous, as is the willingness to take on additional challenges and tasks. Professionals in this occupation enjoy a great degree of creativity. This means that alternative thinking is required to come up with new solutions and innovative ideas.  On the downside, they will have to be patient and tolerant. They should be able to accept criticism and keep their emotions under control.
Other qualities that you are going to need are:

• Dexterity
• Good communication and listening skills
• Analytical thinking skills
• Attention to detail
• Time management skills

Employment Opportunities
They are employed by various industries including:

• Motion Picture and Video Industries      
• Personal Care Services                                 
• Amusement Parks and Arcades
• Performing Arts Companies
• Radio and Television Broadcasting

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of these professionals is expected to grow as fast as the average of all occupations. Employment opportunities are highly concentrated in New York and California. These are also the highest paying states for this occupation.

Tasks Performed
To begin with, they are responsible for determining a budget and working within the allocated resources that the project has set. They have to procure the material required for special effects, including beards, wigs, rubber or plastic prostheses, and special cosmetics. They have to assess environmental factors such as lighting plans and venue size in order to decide makeup requirements.

Their challenge is to enhance or alter the look of individuals appearing in different productions. They often document their work by taking photographs and writing makeup sheets to record specific looks. This information is used later when they have to replicate their work in order to ensure a continuity of effect. In order to obtain a desired character image portrayal, they often examine photographs, sketches, and plaster models. They have to deal with basic tasks in makeup application such as cleansing and toning the skin. They choose appropriate makeup shades or mix grease, oil and coloring in order to achieve specific color effects such as when depicting cuts, bruises and burns. All of these tasks allow a makeup artist to perform amazing artistry.