How to Become a Theatrical Makeup Artist

This is an example of a small train case.

A makeup (also known as make-up) artist creates and implements character design involving looks. They often work closely with the costume designer to create an entire look. In the theater, makeup artists must also work with environments as the main goal is to ensure that the character/actor's facial expressions are visible to the audience. In the past, performers did their own makeup; however, in the 21st century it is more common to find professional makeup artists doing it for them.

Things You'll Need

• Train case/makeup box
• Cleanser
• Toner
• Hand sanitizer
• Eye makeup remover
• Nail polish remover
• Alcohol
• Wet wipes
• Foundations
• Foundation tester bars
• Face Powder
• Yellow powder
• Tri-wheel concealer
• Blushes (individuals or palette)
• Lipsticks
• Lip liners
• Lip gloss
• Brush cleaner
• Color correctors
• Eye shadow (individuals or palette)
• Cake eyeliners
• Eyeliner pencils
• Mascara
• Mascara sealer
• Clear brow gel
• Disposables: spatulas, lip brushes, mascara wands, eye shadow applicators, sponges
• Loose eye dust
• Foundation primer
• Liquid powder shine eliminator
• Lipstick sealer
• Eyeliner sealer
• T-zone mattifier
• Pencil sharpener
• Face tissues
• Brushes
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Cotton balls
• Lip moisturizer in a pot
• Sponges
• Brushes (at least 2 of each): powder, sponge, blush, blending, contour, eyeliner, brow, lip, concealer, eye shadow and detail
• Camera
• Portfolio

Instructions

Learning the skills

1. Every career demands certain skills and abilities from its professionals. Some key traits for a makeup artist are: natural talent; ability to speak and listen well; good manner with people; eye for detail; a flexible nature; a positive nature; patience; hand-eye coordination; ability to draw straight lines and consistent shapes; creativity; great portfolio; good grooming and personal hygiene habits.

2. There are two ways to learn how to be a makeup artist. You can go it alone or you can go to a school. Either way you will have to practice.

3. Some ways to sneak in practice is to have makeup parties, read books on makeup, volunteer for makeup-related jobs, find a mentor or be an apprentice or become an intern.

4. If you chose to go to school to learn the art of makeup, make sure you shop around. A good article on the subject is "Before You Choose a Makeup School" by Mary Erickson. She cautions that your first impression of a school is probably not necessarily indicative of the reality of it.

5. Here are a few things to keep in mind while looking to schools:

   -Are the teachers working professionals?
   -Is the curriculum up-to-date?
   -Is the curriculum advanced (or beginning) enough for your level?
   -Is the class/program specialized or specific?
   -Does the school offer on-the-job training or co-op programs?
   -Does the school offer job placement help?
   -What is the school's published placement rate of its graduates?
   -How large or small is the average class?
   -How much time is given to hands-on training?
   -Does the school supply models?
   -As the program in or cover the area(s) you are interested in?
   -Ask to sit in on a few classes. If the school refuses, see it as a red flag that they are more interested in cranking out graduates rather than really helping you.
   -What is the school/class cancellation policy?
   -Ask to speak with past graduates. If they decline, see it as another red flag.

Getting the job

1. Finding job openings can be tricky if your school does not offer placement help, or you do not already know someone in the field. Use the classified ads in papers, job boards, company websites, online job boards and trade publications.

2. Once you have the job make yourself handy and go beyond the basics of the job. Don't settle for the status quo: be visible, be creative, be polite and professional, and be personable.

3. Always present the highest quality work ethic in all things, in all ways.

References

• Mary Erickson; 2009
• Stage Makeup; R Corson; 1990