Professional makeup artists can get certified or study under cosmetology experts to learn specific skills like color matching and special effects. When the artist is ready to work, he or she may be hired to apply makeup to actors and models who appear on stage, in films, or on television. Other options include working in salons or as an independent consultant. Many makeup artists go into sales, whether it’s at department stores, specialty stores, or as representatives for major cosmetics companies.
Cosmetology professionals who prefer a high degree of creativity in their work often seek out makeup artist jobs in the entertainment industry. Many artists choose to work in one of three mediums: stage, film, or television, but some may train to work in all three. Professionals who apply makeup to actors should be skilled in dramatic, heavy applications, as the actor’s makeup may need to be very visible on camera or from a distance when performing on stage. Work in the entertainment industry necessitates scheduling flexibility and a willingness to travel, as production sets may be located in various locations and schedule changes may occur at the last minute.
Some beauty professionals work directly with clients who require professional makeup application for a special occasion. Employees may also be certified hair stylists, skin care experts, or nail technicians in these makeup artist jobs, which are frequently found in salons. Cosmetologists can work directly for the salon or work independently and pay a fee to the salon to cover overhead costs. Some self-employed makeup artists work from home and travel to customers when they are hired. These jobs necessitate the ability to match colors and styles to individuals, as well as strong interpersonal and communication skills in order to assess the clients’ preferences.
Cosmetics sales may be a good fit for artists who have a knack for marketing. Makeup artist jobs are typically found in department stores and specialty boutiques, and training courses are sometimes provided for free. Cosmetologists who work in sales must be knowledgeable about the application techniques, ingredients, and benefits of the products they sell, in addition to assessing customer needs and expertly applying product. It’s also crucial for the artist to be able to convey information to the customer in a clear and understandable manner that positively portrays the products.
Cosmetics application and sales experience may lead to higher-level positions with makeup manufacturers or retailers. Managing cosmetics departments or stores, training other makeup artists, and purchasing wholesale products for retailers to sell are all examples of these jobs. Makeup artist jobs in product development and testing are available at some cosmetics companies, and they may also hire established artists as consultants. Cosmetologists who work for cosmetics companies may contribute ideas for color creation, texture, and application tools and instructions.