Becoming a makeup artist in the film industry opens the gateway to working with multiple directors and actors. An actor’s appearance to fit the movie role can be easily transformed using the magic of makeup.

If this is your interest, pursuing a Diploma of Screen and Media Makeup is the first step to take. Yet, what could be the compelling reasons for you to pursue a Diploma of Screen and Media Makeup course?

What is a Film Makeup Artist and what do they do?

A Diploma of Screen and Media Makeup allows you entry into the film industry. Being a film makeup artist means working with various actors during filming. Makeup artists play an important role in helping turn the story into reality based on the ideas of both the writers and directors.

During shooting sessions, makeup artists work closely with the director and production team. The schedules and hours of work of makeup artists vary greatly depending on the location of the shooting and the movie.

The roles of makeup artists vary, including:

Makeup artist for special effects

Transforming the looks of film actors is the important role of special effects makeup artists. Any type of transformation to make actors look scary, beaten up, older, undead, younger, bloody, and a lot more are the things handled by special effects makeup artists.

Achieving the transformations means using materials such as cosmetics, prosthetics, and appliances. These materials used skilfully by special effects makeup artists allow them to design and do realistic abrasions, deformities, wrinkles, and a lot more.

Key Makeup Artist

Becoming a key makeup artist means overseeing and leading the entire makeup department during filming. His/her crucial role includes:

• In charge of applying the day-to-day makeup of the lead actors
• Plan and design the makeup, special effects makeup, and prosthetic work of leading and supporting actors
• Hire assistant makeup artists to help in recreating the designed makeup for all the actors involved in the film
• Take care of makeup touch-ups between movie and filming takes
• Continuously monitor the makeup processes throughout the filming or movie shoot

Makeup artist

Makeup for the supporting and non-lead actors are task delegated to makeup artists. The original designs created by the key makeup artists are correctly implemented by makeup artists throughout the filming.

Assistant to the Makeup artist

Assisting with various body makeup applications from body art to body painting is the task assigned to assistant makeup artists. Some minor makeup tasks are also assigned to them including the organisation of makeup kits. They are also in charge of taking photographs of the makeup applied to actors for consistency purposes.

How to achieve a career as a makeup artist for films

The steps needed for you to achieve a career as a makeup artist for films include:

Attend beauty school

While attending a beauty school is not a must-have requirement, it can become a big push when it comes to qualification. Other than that, learning about hair, skincare treatments, and makeup provides you with an essential tool in your dream career.

Get licensed

Graduating from a beauty school degree allows you to apply for licensure. Becoming a certified makeup artist is a big plus in your favour when you apply as a makeup artist for films.

Opting to enrol and obtain a certified diploma of screen and media makeup puts you on the right track to a dream career as a makeup artist in films.