For the person interested in becoming a make-up artist, one of the first decisions she should make is what kind of make-up artist she'd like to be. Two categories of make-up artists exist. The first one is a licensed cosmetologist. These are the people who offer make-up as a professional service for events like weddings, according to Education Portal. The other type of make-up artist is the kind who works in film, television, theater or theme entertainment like theme parks. While the cosmetologist must be licensed in the state in which she works, the make-up artist is typically required to learn more specialized skills than the cosmetologist.
A career in cosmetology begins with an educational program. Community colleges and vocational schools offer them in local areas. The students in these programs learn a variety of subjects during the course of their studies, including skin care, esthetics and make-up techniques. Additionally, the profession of cosmetology is regulated on a state-by-state basis, and cosmetologists receive licensing by the state in which they work.
Theatrical make-up artists often begin their careers in the field of cosmetology or may gain experience in the entertainment industry by working in film, television or theater settings as technicians. They can gain additional training in make-up artistry by attending a college or university theater or film program specializing in make-up. These programs should teach the aspiring make-up artist skills like how to make prosthetics, airbrushing and advanced special effects make-up. In the advanced special effects make-up category, these artists would be served well by learning how to make body sculptures, foam prosthetics and body casts. Additionally, these artists will want to acquire a strong background in the arts, learning art history, how to draw and sculpture and other arts-related skills. Finally, due to the nature of their work, classes in chemistry are also helpful, according to Education Portal.
Cosmetologists can work at make-up counters in department stores, as wedding make-up artists, or in salons or spas. Those getting jobs, according to Education Portal, are those who have at least a high school diploma and experience in the field. The entertainment make-up artist works on film, television or theatrical sets. Those with the best job prospects live in communities that have a large film, TV or theatrical community. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average hourly wage for the cosmetologist is $11.13, but those with experience tend to make more. For the make-up artist working in the entertainment industry, the average salary is $60,110 per year.
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, because of the nature of their work---particularly those working in cosmetology--maintaining their own personal appearance is something that make-up artists should be mindful of. Additionally, interpersonal skills and an attention to client maintenance are also career strategies that these artists need to develop. Additionally, for those interested in owning their own business eventually, obtaining business skills and training are also important.