Social ServiceISCO 5142
Make-up artist
Make-up artists assist and support artists before, during and after the performance and filming of movies or television programs to ensure the make-up is in line with the artistic vision of the director and the artistic team. They create images and characters through make-up and prosthetics. They maintain, check and repair prosthetics and assist with quick changes.
Check yourself in a minute: make-up artist
Rate 5 of the 26 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
understand artistic concepts
follow work schedule
perform quick make-up changeovers
test make-up
adapt to artists' creative demands
About make-up artist
As a make-up artist, you are a skilled craftsperson who transforms actors and performers through make-up and prosthetics, bringing the artistic vision of directors and creative teams to life before cameras roll or stage lights ignite. Your day involves studying scripts to understand character requirements, designing looks that fit the production's aesthetic, applying sophisticated make-up techniques, and creating or repairing prosthetics to achieve specific effects. You must work quickly and efficiently to execute make-up changes between scenes, maintain continuity throughout filming, and ensure that all work safeguards the artistic quality of the performance. This creative role demands both technical precision and artistic sensitivity, as well as the ability to collaborate closely with performers, directors, and costume designers while working safely with specialized chemicals.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a make-up artist.
1
Character and Design Conceptualization
- Analyze scripts to understand character backgrounds and requirements
- Consult with directors and artistic teams to understand creative vision
- Design make-up looks and prosthetic applications that align with production aesthetics
- Contextualize artistic work within historical and cultural frameworks
2
Make-up Application and Technique
- Apply make-up using advanced techniques tailored to different skin types
- Create special effects and character transformations using make-up
- Test make-up applications to ensure quality and stage-readiness
- Make up performing artists efficiently and according to specifications
3
Prosthetics Creation and Maintenance
- Create custom prosthetic pieces for character effects and transformations
- Apply prosthetics to performers with precision and comfort
- Maintain, inspect, and repair prosthetics throughout production
- Ensure prosthetics maintain integrity through multiple takes and performances
4
Quick Changes and Production Support
- Perform quick and efficient make-up changeovers between scenes
- Maintain continuity of appearance throughout filming or performance runs
- Ensure continuous styling and appearance updates as needed
- Follow work schedules and manage time during intensive production periods
5
Workspace Preparation and Safety
- Prepare and organize personal work environment with all necessary materials
- Work safely with chemicals and cosmetics to prevent harm
- Work ergonomically to maintain health and prevent injury
- Maintain hygiene standards and sanitize tools and equipment
6
Collaboration and Artistic Adaptation
- Translate artistic concepts and director feedback into technical make-up designs
- Adapt to performers' creative demands and special requirements
- Analyze technical resource needs and prepare accordingly
- Finish projects within budget while maintaining quality standards
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (26)
art historyart historyThe history of art and artists, the artistic trends throughout centuries and their contemporary evolutions.cosmeticscosmeticsThe various types of substances used to enhance the appearance of the human body.work ergonomicallywork ergonomicallyApply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.understand artistic conceptsunderstand artistic conceptsInterpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.follow work schedulefollow work scheduleManage the sequence of activities in order to deliver completed work on agreed deadlines by following a work schedule.perform quick make-up changeoversperform quick make-up changeoversQuickly apply changes to a performer's make-up during the performance.test make-uptest make-upPerform routine tests to determine if make-up products are adequate.adapt to artists' creative demandsadapt to artists' creative demandsWork with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.prepare personal work environmentprepare personal work environmentCorrect settings or positions for your working instruments and adjust them before starting operations.finish project within budgetfinish project within budgetMake sure to stay within budget. Adapt work and materials to budget.work safely with chemicalswork safely with chemicalsTake the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.contextualise artistic workcontextualise artistic workIdentify influences and situate your work within a specific trend which may be of an artistic, aesthetic, or philosophical natures. Analyse the evolution of artistic trends, consult experts in the fie...analyse the need for technical resourcesanalyse the need for technical resourcesDefine and make a list of the required resources and equipment based on the technical needs of the production.analyse a scriptanalyse a scriptBreak down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.work with respect for own safetywork with respect for own safetyApply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.define artistic approachdefine artistic approachDefine your own artistic approach by analysing your previous work and your expertise, identifying the components of your creative signature, and starting from these explorations to describe your artis...gather reference materials for artworkgather reference materials for artworkGather samples of the materials you expect to use in the creation process, especially if the desired piece of art necessitates the intervention of qualified workers or specific production processes.repair prosthesesrepair prosthesesRepair damage to prostheses for stage performances.determine skin typedetermine skin typeDetermine what type of skin a person has in order to use the right make-up for that particular skin type.make-up techniquesmake-up techniquesThe various techniques and tools for applying make-up.make up performing artistsmake up performing artistsUse cosmetics on artists for stage performances.translate artistic concepts to technical designstranslate artistic concepts to technical designsCooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.follow directions of the artistic directorfollow directions of the artistic directorFollow the instructions of the director while understanding his creative vision.skin typesskin typesThe different skin types, such as dry, normal, oily, and sensitive.safeguard artistic quality of performancesafeguard artistic quality of performanceObserve the show, anticipate and react to possible technical problems, ensuring optimal artistic quality.ensure continuous styling of artistsensure continuous styling of artistsEnsure that artists are consistently styled during the production of a motion picture. Make sure that their look remains the same.
Optional (28) — show
photographyphotographyArt and practice of creating aesthetically appealing images by recording light or electromagnetic radiation.lighting techniqueslighting techniquesThe characteristics of techniques used to create atmospheres and effects on camera or on stage; the equipment required and appropriate setup to use.manage consumables stockmanage consumables stockManage and monitor consumables stock to ensure that the production demands and deadlines can be met at all times.decide on make-up processdecide on make-up processDefine the make-up materials and methods you will use.work with the camera crewwork with the camera crewWork with the crew responsible for the camera operation and movement to get directions from them on where to stand for an aesthetic result.plan art educational activitiesplan art educational activitiesPlan and implement artistic facilities, performance, venues and museum-related educational activities and events.develop educational resourcesdevelop educational resourcesCreate and develop educational resources for visitors, school groups, families and special interest groups.maintain wigsmaintain wigsOrganise, maintain and repair wigs and hairpieces. Use special shampoos, conditioners and combs. Store wigs in a safe environment.attend rehearsalsattend rehearsalsAttend rehearsals in order to adapt sets, costumes, make-up, lighting, camera set up, etc.prevent fire in a performance environmentprevent fire in a performance environmentTake steps to prevent fire in a performance environment. Make sure the space complies with fire safety rules, with sprinklers and fire extinguishers installed where necessary. Make sure staff are awar...work with the director of photographywork with the director of photographyWork with the director of photography on the artistic and creative vision that needs to be followed during production of a movie or theatre production.advise client on technical possibilitiesadvise client on technical possibilitiesRecommend technical solutions, including systems, to the client within the framework of a project.develop artistic project budgetsdevelop artistic project budgetsDeveloping artistic project budgets for approval, estimating deadlines and material costs.develop artistic educational activitiesdevelop artistic educational activitiesDevelop speeches, activities and workshops in order to foster access and comprehension to the artistic creation processes. It can address a particular cultural and artistic event such as a show or an ...apply body paintapply body paintApply special paint on parts of or on the whole body.maintain prosthesesmaintain prosthesesMaintain performance prostheses to keep them in good condition for as long as possible.keep personal administrationkeep personal administrationFile and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.draw make-up sketchesdraw make-up sketchesSketch make-up designs to develop the concept and share with others.manage personal professional developmentmanage personal professional developmentTake responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional developmen...create lifecastscreate lifecastsUse specialised products such as silicones to create moulds of a person's hand, face, or other body parts in a process called lifecasting. Use moulds or other materials to create medical devices in th...develop professional networkdevelop professional networkReach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up ...present exhibitionpresent exhibitionPresent an exhibition and give educational lectures in a comprehensible way that is attractive to the public.draft styling scheduledraft styling scheduleDraft the schedule to indicate where, when, and how the actors should be styled.work with the lighting crewwork with the lighting crewWork with the crew responsible for the lighting setup and operation to get directions from them on where to stand for an aesthetic result.participate in artistic mediation activitiesparticipate in artistic mediation activitiesParticipate in cultural and artistic mediation activities: announce the activity, give a presentation or talk related to a piece of art or an exhibition, teach a class or a group, lead artistic mediat...design make-up effectsdesign make-up effectsDevelop and apply special make-up including effects.develop the look of a productiondevelop the look of a productionDevelop the overall look or style of a theatre, opera, television, or film set.document your own practicedocument your own practiceDocumenting your own work practice for different purposes like assessment, time management, job application etc.
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Frequently asked questions
What does a make-up artist do?
Make-up artists assist and support artists before, during and after the performance and filming of movies or television programs to ensure the make-up is in line with the artistic vision of the director and the artistic team. They create images and characters through make-up and prosthetics. They maintain, check and repair prosthetics and assist with quick changes.
What skills does a make-up artist need?
A make-up artist needs 26 essential skills, including art history, cosmetics, work ergonomically, understand artistic concepts, follow work schedule.
Will AI replace make-up artist jobs?
The AI disruption score for make-up artist is 16/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: follow work schedule, keep personal administration, manage consumables stock. Most resilient: make up performing artists, work with respect for own safety, make-up techniques.
AI Replacement Risk
16/ 100
Low Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
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