Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Human Advantage 75%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Low Risk
2.9 / 10
This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.
Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.
Also Known As: Beauty Advisor, Beauty Specialist, Beauty Stylist, Beauty Therapist, Body Make-Up Artist, Character Artist, Commercial Makeup Artist, Hair and Makeup Artist +8 more
Core Tasks
- Apply makeup to enhance or alter the appearance of people appearing in productions such as movies.
- Select desired makeup shades from stock, or mix oil, grease, and coloring to achieve specific color effects.
- Duplicate work precisely to replicate characters' appearances on a daily basis.
- Cleanse and tone the skin to prepare it for makeup application.
- Assess performers' skin type to ensure that makeup will not cause break-outs or skin irritations.
- Study production information, such as character descriptions, period settings, and situations, to determine makeup requirements.
- Alter or maintain makeup during productions as necessary to compensate for lighting changes or to achieve continuity of effect.
- Analyze a script, noting events that affect each character's appearance, so that plans can be made for each scene.
- Confer with stage or motion picture officials and performers to determine desired effects.
- Establish budgets, and work within budgetary limits.
- Write makeup sheets and take photos to document specific looks and the products used to achieve the looks.
- Provide performers with makeup removal assistance after performances have been completed.
- Requisition or acquire needed materials for special effects, including wigs, beards, and special cosmetics.
- Evaluate environmental characteristics, such as venue size and lighting plans, to determine makeup requirements.
- Attach prostheses to performers and apply makeup to create special features or effects, such as scars, aging, or illness.
- Examine sketches, photographs, and plaster models to obtain desired character image depiction.
- Advise hairdressers on the hairstyles required for character parts.
- Design rubber or plastic prostheses that can be used to change performers' appearances.
- Demonstrate products to clients, and provide instruction in makeup application.
- Create character drawings or models, based upon independent research, to augment period production files.
Supplemental Tasks (1)
- Wash and reset wigs.
Emerging Tasks
New and evolving responsibilities for this role:
- Clean supplies such as makeup brushes.
Education & Training
Job Zone 3 Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
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Where This Career Leads
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Personal Care Services Hospitality, Events, & Tourism
Zone 3
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance You are here
Zone 5
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