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Apprenticeship Make-up Artist Jobs

Leading apprenticeship employers

Helping you find a career in the make-up artist industry

Depending on the type of event that they are covering, a Make-up Artist ensures models, performers and TV hosts look presentable for an audience or on camera. They work alongside photographers and production teams to reach a creative goal. A Make-up artist will also need to work to a clients' brief if they are doing the make-up for a wedding or party.

If you want to be a freelance Make-up Artist, it is best to start building up a portfolio on social media - Instagram is a great platform for this.

N Written by Navdeep

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FAQs

FAQs

What does a Make-up artist do?

A Make-Up Artist needs to have extensive knowledge of the latest fashion trends as they will be expected to replicate similar or produce equally inventive designs for clients. A typical day for a Make-Up Artist will involve:

Fitting headpieces and wigs on models
Keeping up to date with viral trends
Sourcing materials within a client's budget
Ordering equipment from specialist suppliers
Working quickly and professionally to complete the makeup within the allocated time
Taking pictures and maintaining an online portfolio
Sketching design ideas for hairstyles and makeup
Demonstrating an understanding of colour tones and photographic effects on makeup
Making sure makeup products are in line with a client's ethical values (e.g. some clients may not want to use brands that test their makeup on animals)
Being knowledgeable of the chemicals and products in makeup and making sure clients will not have an allergic reaction (artists may perform patch tests on clients)
Liaising with hairstylists, fashion designers and photographers (if they are working on a magazine or clothing shoot)
Working with directors and reading scripts to form a better understanding of the type of character that clients may be playing in a film, television series or play

Skills & interests required for a Make-up artist

A sociable demeanour
Ability to make clients comfortable whilst doing their makeup
Detailed knowledge of fashion
Able to keep up with makeup trends
Excellent makeup skills
Ability to self-promote on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube
Good understanding of camera and lighting process
Creativity
An ability to think innovatively
Able to network with hairstylists, art directors, magazine editors, directors, actors, producers

What hours does a Make-up artist typically do?

The working hours of Make-Up Artists tend to vary week from week, particularly if they are freelance. Weekend work and late shifts are common in this position.

What environment is a Make-up artist based in?

On a set or in the clients' home.

How much does a Make-up artist travel?

Travel is necessary to and from the venues.

How much does a Make-up artist get paid?

A Trainee Make-Up Artist earns an hourly rate of £5.90 to £7.38 under the National Minimum Wage. The rate will depend on the Make-Up Artists' age.

Make-Up Artists over 25 years-old will receive the National Living Wage at £7.83 per hour.

Artists working in London receive an hourly wage of £10.20. The price is higher to reflect the higher cost of living in the capital.

Head Make-Up Artists can earn between £170 to £320 for a ten-hour editorial work.

Lead Make-Up Artists can earn £450 a day for fashion events like London Fashion Week.

Perks & benefits

The opportunity to potentially work with celebrities and well regarded artists from other fields.

What qualifications does a Make-up artist need?

There are no minimum qualifications needed for this role. A higher education qualification is not required. However, NVQs in Beauty Therapy, Hairdressing and Theatrical Make-Up can offer artists the confidence and networking opportunities that they need to enter the industry.

The most important step toward getting a job as a make-up artist is experience. Trainee artists tend to work for free or offer low rates in order to build up their reputation and clientele. Prospective make-up artists can also can shadow make-up artists and work backstage on campus plays or small production companies in order to build up experience.