Different Types of Makeup Artist Jobs

These professions are known for FX makeup skills, having the ability to morph normal features of people into something bizarre, grotesque, frightening, or dramatic.

It’s an area of artistry where you can create with your whole imagination.

You’ll spend a lot of time working with cosmetics and different adhesives and latex to create awesome character effects while making your person look realistic.

With fantasy makeup skills, this artist often works with castings or molds, as well as prosthetics to get the desired outcome look of aging, bruising, mutations and much more.

You could be transforming facial changes as well as creating special effects with a whole body makeover. Other times the makeup could be very minimal.

The following are some of the tasks that would be performed for the MUA working these venues:

1. Apply makeup to alter or enhance the appearance of people starring on stage, photos, or in movies
2. Create and maintain makeup as needed during productions in coordination with different lighting effects for continued effect

To be successful with the two primary responsibilities of makeup artists working with actors on stage or screen, any of the following tasks would be performed.

• Cleanse and tone the face of clients in preparation for the application of makeup
• Design and develop prostheses made of plastic or rubber for creating character special effects
• Attach prostheses as needed and according to script, followed by makeup being applied to create special features that look real
• Create special effects using skills to include aging, scars, sadness, one to look ill or dead, and more
• Duplicate work whereby a character’s appearance would be identical each day of performance or shooting
• Offer assistance to actors with the removal of makeup
• Study a stage or screen script to understand each characters appearance on a scene-by-scene basis
• Design plans or “How To” guides for the appropriate transformation
• Use photographs, sketches, and other visuals to understand desired character look
• Meet with officials for the stage or screen project so desired effects can be confirmed
• Confirm budget constraints and work within that realm
• Assess each actors skin type and allergies, if any, so the safest cosmetics and special effect applications could be chosen
• Evaluate stage or screen environment to include size of venue, type and amount of lighting, and even props so appropriate makeup requirements could be determined
• Blend your colors – make eye shadows really smooth so it doesn’t distract other actors that are close, but bold enough for the theater or stage
• Requisition materials needed to create special effects to create, which usually includes makeup, wigs and various types of facial hair
• Choose appropriate makeup type and shade from available inventory
• Mix colors with the right grease or oil to achieve desired effects
• Work closely with the hair and costume departments so overall look or effect could be achieved

Brian Strumwasser mentions a makeup artist might not be needed every night for theatre or on stage performances. It’s good to teach every person their makeup plot with face charts.

These are like a “How To” guide that show the actor where the makeup belongs. They’re very nice to have for references.

Brian is a New York based makeup artist and hair stylist who works in film, print, and Broadway. He’s a visual artist that has worked with some of the most celebrated people in the entertainment industry.

Thelma Pollard is the Production Makeup Supervisor for The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. She shares some things she’s learned over the years.

There are some prosthetics that can be prepped before the show to save time. You work very close with actors so eventually they can do their own makeup for the role.

You will be in charge of replenishing the makeup room.

She likes to check the quality of the bald caps they use by putting both hands inside and stretching to make sure it feels sturdy and that it doesn’t break.

IT IS The makeup, hair, and costume that comes together to make up your character!!

Costume designers can be an inspiration that derives your looks.

Another wonderful tip from Thelma is to have a library of makeup artist design books at your house that will show and guide you on how to do different looks. This can save you time and help you develop skills as a makeup artist.

She says to say hi to everyone around you. She also mentions that there are many great videos, but feels the classroom is very important because it teaches you how to get along with different personalities.