How to Start a Make-Up Artist Career

Make-up artists work with many different products.

A make-up artist may work in many different capacities to apply make-up for special events such as weddings and proms. Make-up artists may use tools such as facial make-up and other accessories such as wigs or false eyelashes to create a certain look for performers working in TV, movies, theater and other types of productions. A make-up artist may also work for salons, spas and make-up counters in department stores and cosmetics companies. If you have a passion for make-up and enjoy working with people, you might consider the possibility of a career as a make-up artist.

Things You'll Need

• Cosmetology certification

Instructions

1. 

   Your own face is the perfect make-up artist training ground.

   Get an educational background in make-up artistry. Although you may be able to find work as a make-up artist in television or theater without a formal education, most salons, spas and other organizations that hire make-up artists will require that you have some sort of training in the field. Contact your local trade schools, and find a certification or degree program for make-up artistry, cosmetology or aesthetician training. Enroll in a certification program or degree program and complete the required coursework. Once you are certified or licensed, you will find many more job opportunities open to you as you begin your career.

2. 

   High-quality tools and products create a professional result.

   Apply for a job as a make-up artist at a local salon, spa or retail makeup counter. Regardless of your ultimate make-up artist career goals, you will need to gain experience working with clients and applying the techniques you learned in school. Accept a position wherever you can find work, and build your resume of experience as you work with new clients, try out new techniques and learn about the many products that are available in the industry of cosmetology and make-up artistry. Talk with clients about your future goals, and develop client relationships to carry with you throughout your career.

3. 

   Treat clients with care and they will recommend you.

   Take regular photographs of all the work you do with each client, and assemble a portfolio that showcases your best work. Choose the photos you feel best represent the type of work you want to be doing on a regular basis. Update your resume regularly, and maintain contacts with current clients, coworkers and managers who you can list as contacts and references. Search job listings and trade publications for the type of opening you'd like to find to advance your career, or branch out as a freelancer and find your own clients. With adequate experience and a professional portfolio attesting to your skills and abilities, you can design the career that best suits you.

References

• FabJob: Become a Makeup Artist
• Spa and Beauty Education: Make-Up Artist Career Guide
• Makeup-Artist-Word: Welcome to MAKUP-ARTIST-WORLD.COM Professional Makeup Courses and Make up Schools Resource for Professional Makeup Courses and Makeup Schools