What does a Make Up Artist do?
Published 5 min read
A make up artist is someone who applies makeup to people's faces to enhance or change their appearance.
Make Up Artist job duties include:
- Apply makeup to clients using a color palette and different tools including brushes, sponges, and airbrushes
- Create a look that meets the client’s desired result, whether natural or dramatic
- Work with all skin types to achieve desired results
- Enhance clients’ features by choosing the right foundation, powder, blush, eye shadow, eyebrow pencils, lip liner, and lipstick
- Select products based on client’s skin type, complexion, and desired look
- Instruct clients on how to care for their skin and maintain their makeup
- Recommend cosmetics and skincare products to clients
- Stay up-to-date on the latest trends in makeup and skincare
- Maintain a clean and organized workstation
Make Up Artist Job Requirements
There are no formal education requirements for becoming a makeup artist. However, many makeup artists have completed cosmetology programs at a vocational school or community college. Some makeup artists may also have a bachelor's degree in fine arts, which can be helpful for those interested in working as a freelance artist. Certification is not required to work as a makeup artist, but many professionals choose to obtain certification from an organization such as the American Makeup Artist Association. Experience is also important for makeup artists, as they need to be able to understand the different products available and how to apply them correctly.
Make Up Artist Skills
- Makeup
- Cosmetics
- Hairstyling
- Airbrushing
- Wigs
- Lashes
- Brows
- Contouring
- Highlighting
- Color theory
- Skin care
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How to become a Make Up Artist
There is no one path to becoming a make up artist. Some people are born with a natural talent for applying makeup and making people look their best, while others may need to learn the basics through a formal education. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just brushing up on your skills, here are a few tips on how to become a make up artist.
1. Develop Your Skills
If you’re serious about becoming a make up artist, you need to develop your skills. This means practicing on yourself and others as often as possible. Experiment with different techniques and products to find what works best for you. There are plenty of resources available online and in libraries to help you learn the basics of makeup application.
2. Get Formal Training
While you don’t need formal training to become a make up artist, it can certainly help. There are many schools across the country that offer programs in cosmetology or esthetics, which can teach you the ins and outs of the industry. This type of training will give you a leg up when it comes time to apply for jobs or start your own business.
3. Build Your Portfolio
As with any creative field, your portfolio is essential when it comes to finding work as a make up artist. Start building yours by practicing on friends and family members, and ask them to take before-and-after photos of your work. You can also attend local events and offer your services for free or at a discounted rate in order to get more experience under your belt. Be sure to keep track of all the places you’ve worked and the types of makeup you’ve applied so that you can showcase your versatility to potential clients.
4. Market Yourself Online and Offline
In today’s digital world, it’s important to have an online presence if you want to be successful as a make up artist. Create a website or blog where you can showcase your work, and be sure to populate it with plenty of high-quality photos and videos. You should also create social media accounts on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, and post regular content that will help you attract followers who might be interested in your services. In addition to marketing yourself online, don’t forget about offline methods like handing out business cards or flyers in local businesses, or participating in local fairs or markets.
5. Stay Up-to-Date on Trends
The world of fashion is always changing, so it’s important that you stay up-to-date on the latest trends if you want to be successful as a make up artist. This means regularly reading magazines and blogs, watching fashion shows, and following popular makeup artists on social media. By keeping tabs on what’s new in the industry, you’ll be able to provide your clients with the looks they crave – and keep them coming back for more!
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