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Career Details : Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

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Description

Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a drywall installer might benefit from experience installing drywall, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be an installer with little difficulty.

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.

Tasks

  • Applies makeup to performers to alter their appearance to accord with their roles.
  • Selects desired makeup shades from stock or mixes oil, grease, and coloring to achieve special color effects.
  • Designs rubber or plastic prostheses and requisitions materials, such as wigs, beards, and special cosmetics.
  • Confers with stage or motion picture officials and performers to determine dress or makeup alterations.
  • Creates character drawings or models, based upon independent research, to augment period production files.
  • Examines sketches, photographs, and plaster models to obtain desired character image depiction.
  • Studies production information, such as character, period settings, and situations, to determine makeup requirements.
  • Attaches prostheses to performer and applies makeup to change physical features and depict desired character.

    Related Careers

    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Job-Required Social Interaction
    • Objective or Subjective Information
    • Using Hands on Objects, Tools, Controls
    • Indoors
    • Provide a Service to Others
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