What do makeup artists, theatrical and performance do?
Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.
This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.
Job titles to recognize in your search
O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.
- Commercial Makeup Artist (Commercial MUA)
- Hair and Makeup Designer
- Makeup Artist (MUA)
- Prosthetic Makeup Designer
- Special Effects Makeup Artist (Special Effects MUA)
- Special Makeup Effects Artist
- TV and Film Makeup Artist (Television and Film Makeup Artist)
Core tasks to compare with a job posting
- Clean supplies such as makeup brushes.
- Duplicate work precisely to replicate characters' appearances on a daily basis.
- Apply makeup to enhance or alter the appearance of people appearing in productions such as movies.
- Analyze a script, noting events that affect each character's appearance, so that plans can be made for each scene.
- Alter or maintain makeup during productions as necessary to compensate for lighting changes or to achieve continuity of effect.
- Confer with stage or motion picture officials and performers to determine desired effects.
- Requisition or acquire needed materials for special effects, including wigs, beards, and special cosmetics.
- Study production information, such as character descriptions, period settings, and situations, to determine makeup requirements.
- Establish budgets, and work within budgetary limits.
- Select desired makeup shades from stock, or mix oil, grease, and coloring to achieve specific color effects.
Prepare an application for this occupation
- Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
- Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
- Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
- Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.
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