Becoming a Professional Make-Up Artist

Becoming a professional makeup artist requires skill and training.

The work of makeup artists can be found in almost everything you see: photographs of celebrities or everyday people in magazines or book covers, television news, movies and even professional pictures of brides. They all benefit from the talents of makeup artists. If you are skilled at applying cosmetics, you might consider this as an ideal and glamorous career choice. However, becoming a professional makeup artist takes more than a love of cosmetics and talent. To succeed, you'll need to know how to make the right decisions and start off on the right foot.

Instructions

1. Look at your options. As a professional makeup artist, you can apply your talent to theater, print, film or private work. If you haven't already decided, research all areas of makeup application to decide which is the best fit and the most interesting to you.

2. Learn your craft. Your choice of professional makeup artistry field will dictate type of training you pursue. If your interest lies in special effects for film, for example, you will want to attend a makeup artistry program for special effects. If your interest is in general makeup application, consider attending a cosmetology school or a program specifically for makeup artists. Locate a program by checking out your local colleges or searching for beauty schools in your area. Search online for makeup artist programs, some of which offer home-study courses.

3. Meet licensing requirements. Because licensing requirements vary, check with your state's board of cosmetology to determine what, if any, licensing is required to apply makeup professionally. If your intent is to work as a freelance makeup artist, you will also want to check state and local business license requirements.

4. Assemble a portfolio with professional photographs of looks you have created. This is a way for you to showcase your talent for makeup application and creativity, and it is something that is expected of professional makeup artists who are seeking employment. Contact local professional photographers and barter your services for free in exchange for taking and providing photos of your work. Approach new models and even brides to offer your services in exchange for photographs of your work.

5. Work as a makeup artist. Apply for any work that is related to the field of makeup artistry, even if it is not your ultimate goal as a professional artist. Work in a department store behind the makeup counter. This will give you the opportunity to apply makeup on a regular basis and, depending on the cosmetic company, you may also receive further education and career advancement opportunities applying makeup on a professional level. Work as a freelance artist for weddings or special occasions. Get a job applying makeup at a photo studio.

Tips & Warnings

• A cosmetology license will open the door to many additional opportunities when you are working as a makeup artist -- for example, providing styling services in addition to makeup.

• Even if your state does not require a license to apply makeup, a license will be required if you also intend to style hair.

• If you are becoming a freelance makeup artist, obtain liability insurance prior to working on your first client.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Make-up Artists, Theatrical and Performance
• Make-up Professional: Building a Portfolio