What does a professional makeup artist do?
Makeup artists may work for film sets, fashion designers, in a salon, with brides, or with everyday clients – every specialization is a different journey. It’s possible to specialize in many fields, but building your makeup artistry skills is key to becoming a reputable artist.
Professional makeup artists are responsible for creating unique makeup looks and inspiring confidence in their clients
Creativityis the one variable across all makeup artistry professions. Each individual look has a purpose, and it is the artist’s job to achieve the desired effect using makeup. Makeup artists temporarily alter the outward appearance of their clients to create the desired outcome and work with client requests to create new looks.
Many makeup artists alsoexpand their services to include hairstyling, fashion styling, and skincare. These require additional training or possibly a license, but each skill acquired will boost your makeup artist salary!
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Makeup Artist Job Opportunities
A makeup artist can specialize in one or multiple areas since there are varying fields within the makeup industry that all have different applications and techniques.
These makeup artist job opportunities include:
Performance
TV and Film
Theater
Special FX
Fashion Makeup
Runway
Editorial
High Fashion
Beauty Makeup
Cosmetic Companies
Spas and Salons
Makeup Counters
Airbrush Makeup
Bridal
Editorial
Photoshoots
Glamour Makeup
Prom
Celebrity Galas
Special Events
Bridal Makeup
Bridal Parties
Luxury Brides
Destination Brides
Performance Makeup
TV and Film
Theater
Special FX
Fashion Makeup
Runway
Editorial
High Fashion
Airbrush Makeup
Bridal
Editorial
Photoshoots
Beauty Makeup
Cosmetic Companies
Spas and Salons
Makeup Counters
Glamour Makeup
Prom
Celebrity Galas
Special Events
Bridal Makeup
Bridal Parties
Luxury Brides
Destination Brides
Find more job opportunities for makeup artists on the Beauty Buzz.
Work Conditions for Makeup Artists
As a makeup artist, your primary role is to apply makeup on clients to create a desired look. Your makeup application may be more or less intricate depending on your client’s needs and your makeup specialization.
- Most makeup artists work in an energetic and fast-paced environment, so physical endurance is an important aspect of a makeup artist’s career. Practicing muscular strength and endurance will prevent discomfort or injury while on the job.
- Meeting new people and working with clients is a constant in your makeup career. Building your interpersonal skills will advance your client list!
- Makeup artists work with clients to develop unique makeup looks—your creativity will open doors in the makeup industry!
Average Makeup Artist Salary
Is there money in the makeup industry?
Absolutely! With proper industry training and experience, your salary as a professional makeup artist has the potential to keep moving up.
On Average
A makeup artist’s salary depends on education, experience, and field specialization. The average starting salary for a makeup artist working a steady hourly wage is between $27,000 and $35,000 USD.
Freelancing
A freelance makeup artist’s salary depends on how many clients and contracts he or she works on. The hourly rate of a freelance makeup artist depends on personal pricing, experience, makeup training, and location.
TV and Film
Working as a film and television makeup artist can provide an annual salary of about $60,000 to $90,000 USD.
Fashion and Celebrity
Makeup artists working for fashion designers, cosmetic brands, and celebrities all have the potential to make $100,000 USD +.
I am enrolled in the master & pro makeup course. So far so good and they have templates for the assignments which is handy and you get all booklets sent to you so no printing. There is a forum you can chat with others about your course and also a Facebook group for everyone enrolled so you are not alone. Thanks QC for being so flexible and just amazing! You are so much better than the rest!
“Loving QC Academy! Just submitted my final unit in Master Makeup and still getting through Hair Styling, Air Brush & then onto Pro Makeup. I've already started getting clients and am booked up 3 weeks in advance! … None of this would have been possible without QC Academy, and I've only been doing the course a couple of months!”
Katie HarrisMaster Makeup Artistry, Pro Makeup Workshop, Hairstyling Essentials Graduate
Read over 200 student reviews like this one on QC’s Facebook Page!
Your Makeup Artistry Career Path
For a general idea on how a makeup artist gains experience, follow this sample career path of a freelance makeup artist:
Years 0-2
Working as an assistant makeup artist to a more experienced makeup professional. Separate jobs and projects can improve a makeup artist’s skills and experience with clients.
Years 3-5
Working as a freelance makeup artist to build your reputation and brand name. Continue to build a personal client list for your makeup business.
Years 6-8
Working as a senior freelance makeup artist, employing other makeup artists for your business.
Years 9+
Employing more makeup artists and assistants or intermediate makeup artists. Working for cosmetics brands or taking on preferred projects and makeup clients.
How can QC’s Online Makeup School help you?
QC Makeup Academy has helped countless students and graduates gain professional makeup training to start their careers. From exclusive business training and hands-on assignments, you learn all the details and skills of makeup artistry under the instruction of a well-known professional makeup artist.
As a QC graduate, you have access to your online resources for life. QC provides you with a certificate demonstrating your professional training which will boost your career and salary.
Start Your Makeup Career Today
It’s never too early or too late to start a career you’ll love.
Start enjoying your job by pursuing a career you’re passionate about!
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