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Make-up artist

Apply make-up and style hair for people in TV programmes, films, photo shoots, or preparing people for weddings or other special events.

About skillsGetting in

About the job

Salary

Source: LMI for All

Weekly

£360

Average

Monthly

£1,560

Average

Yearly

£18,720

Average

7,100

people are currently employed

High growth

400 more jobs in 5 years

These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics

A day in the life – Make-up artist

What it's like

You would apply make-up and style hair for people appearing in films, television programmes or photo shoots, or live events like concerts, plays or fashion shows. You could also work to prepare people for weddings, or other special occasions.

Your job would be to create the look that the person needs for the type of production or event.

For example, you could create a natural look for a TV appearance or use wigs and hairpieces for an actor in a period drama. You might also apply special effects or prosthetics such as false noses or bald caps.

Your tasks might include:

  • researching and designing make-up and hairstyles

  • working to production designers' notes and instructions

  • tidying and styling hair

  • using special effects make-up to completely change a person's look

  • taking notes and photos you can use to keep the look consistent throughout filming

  • waiting on set to re-do make-up and hair

  • keeping work areas and equipment clean and tidy

  • removing make-up

  • keeping wigs and hairpieces in good condition

You could either work by yourself, as an assistant to a senior colleague, or as part of a larger hair and make-up design team.

You would work closely with production designers, costume designers, camera and lighting crew, and performers.

Hours

You would often work long and irregular hours, depending on the needs of the job. You may begin work in the early morning long before filming or events begins, or work in the evenings for live TV, theatre, catwalks or concerts.

Environment

You could work in TV or film studios, theatres, or in temporary buildings and vehicles on location. You may also work on location backstage at a fashion show, or in a client's house. You would be on your feet for several hours a day.

Travel

Location work could be anywhere in the UK or overseas, so you may need to travel and stay away from home regularly, sometimes for long periods. You would be expected to build up your own make-up kit and take it to each job.

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Top skills

Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!

It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.

Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:

  • taking initiative
  • self esteem
  • developing a plan
  • attention to detail
  • empathising
  • creative
  • verbal communication
  • networking
  • building relationships
  • positive attitude

Your skills are important

Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.

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Getting in

Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.

You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.

Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:

  • Art and Design

  • Performance Arts

  • Skills for Work: Beauty

Most make-up artists enter the job through a college course.

You would need either:

  • a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8)

  • a relevant work-based experience and qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Beauty Therapy: Make-up (SVQ level 2/3)

You can enter some Beauty or Make-Up National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF 2-6) with no formal qualifications but some courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5).

You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.

Qualifications and experience that show understanding of the industry, helping customers and an eye for visual detail such as Skills for Work Beauty (SCQF level 6) or Hairdressing (SCQF level 4/5).

A portfolio showing your work on make-up / hairstyling can also be helpful.

Experience in make-up work for amateur dramatics.

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