Are you an ardent fan of makeup? Do you love looking through all the different types of eyeshadow, lipstick, eyeliner, mascara, blush, foundation, and so on when you go into different stores? Do you have a passion, a flair for applying makeup to make yourself–or someone else–look even more amazing, completely different…or even just ‘touched up’?
Do you have a natural eye for what colors, shades, and tones go best with different skin tones and types of makeup? If you answered ‘yes!’ to any of these questions, then becoming a professional makeup artist might be a great job option for you.
Within the world of makeup artistry, there are actually several different careers that could open up for you. Makeup artists aren’t just employed by Hollywood (though that can be part of it–and something we’ll touch on in this blog post) so don’t be intimidated at the thought of becoming one.
If makeup artistry sounds like a dream job to you, you may be interested in these six different types of makeup artist jobs:
Type #1: Photography makeup artist jobs
The world of advertisements is real. Why not get involved by doing something you love? Makeup brands need plenty of photo ads that showcase the potential of their lipstick, eyeshadow, etc. Why not get involved?
You may have to follow strict instructions from the brand, or they may allow you to go a little crazy and see what amazing things you can conjure up with their makeup. You’ll never know until you try!
Type #2: Salon makeup artist jobs
There are many different types of makeup artist jobs at the spa or salon. When women go to a salon or a spa, they want to come out feeling like their best self. Having a makeup artist at the location can go a long way toward doing that.
You’ll be able to give the clients a makeover that will enhance their beauty and boost their confidence. You could even give them some tips on how to replicate the look at home…while still keeping some of your trade secrets of course!
Type #3: Movie makeup artist jobs
There are so many different places that this career can take you. So many different types of makeup you might need to apply. So many different moods, eras, and tones you might have to convey with some simple makeup.
One aspect of being a movie (or TV) makeup artist that you should probably prepare for is that of special effects makeup. There’s a lot of computer generated imagery these days, but sometimes the services of good old special effects makeup are called for.
And that’s where you can come in, if you have the necessary skills! You may need to take an extensive make up artist course to work in this industry. Upon completion, you’ll learn many neat tricks that will bring these film and TV productions to life with your makeup artistry.
Type #4: Retail makeup artist jobs
Does the word ‘retail’ make shivers go up and down your spine? Well, it doesn’t have to! Retail is notoriously difficult because of dealing with difficult customers, bad pay, and (sometimes) dead-end jobs. But as a makeup artist in retail, it doesn’t have to be that way. You’ll be interacting with plenty of customers…but this can be where the fun comes in.
If you enjoy talking with people and applying makeup, then these types of makeup artist jobs could be perfect for you. Your goal is to get the customers to purchase the products, and what better way then by giving them a sample makeover that shows them just how awesome the makeup can look on them?
Type #5: Theatre makeup artist jobs
Theatre is an age-old tradition that still needs plenty of practical effects in this world of CGI and all things digital. And makeup is a big part of that! As a theatre makeup artist, you’ll be working with performers to make sure that their makeup is just right so that audiences around the theatre can really see their expressions.
This often means applying makeup in a bolder, even overstated way so that the actors’ and actresses’ faces are clear under the bright lights and distances between themselves and some members in the audience.
Type #6: Freelance makeup artist jobs
If none of the above makeup artist jobs sound quite like what you’re looking for and dreaming of, then there’s another possible path that you could go down–that of freelance makeup artistry! Now, as with all career opportunities, this one does have its pros and cons.
On the plus side, you’re your own boss. You can accept the work that you want to accept and have a lot of fun using your skills in the way you’ve always dreamed instead of working a job that isn’t very fulfilling.
However, on the con side…the customer is your boss. And until you get your business really grounded and stable, you’ll probably have to accept whatever work comes your way. It’s a tough call! But if you have the gumption to make it happen and freelancing as a makeup artist appeals to you, why not give it a try?
