Make-up artists apply make-up to fashion and photographic models; actors and
other performers involved in stage, film and television productions; brides;
and other clients for special occasions.
How much can I expect to earn?
Full-time employed Make-up Artist earn an average of $1509 per week. The
[average annual salary for this job is $78468 excluding super.]
Personal requirements
artistic ability
good colour perception
patient and tactful
good communication skills
good hand-eye coordination
able to work under pressure.
This job also involves:
Full use of hands/fingers
Use of precision or semi-precision tools or instruments or deft hand movements
are required for these occupations. Included are jobs where poor co-ordination
or incomplete use of hands or fingers may make tasks dangerous or difficult to
undertake.
Good vision for detail
These jobs require you to be able to see clearly to examine items close-up. It
covers jobs where poor vision e.g. tunnel vision, could make the work place
unsafe or the job difficult to undertake, e.g. draftsperson working with
detailed drawings; checkout operator reading dockets; work requiring good
hand-eye co-ordination for working with precision or semi-precision tools.
Mainly indoor work
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than
three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed
area protected from the weather.
Reading or writing
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may
be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as
letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or
writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and
symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing
skills.
This occupation offers jobs at the following skill levels:
Skilled Non-trade Jobs
These jobs do not usually require completion of secondary education, however
further part-time study such as a Certificate III or IV, and on-the-job
training, may be required.
Study requirements
At school, you can study these subject(s) to get a good foundation for this
occupation:
Art
School subjects that include some aspect of ART provide a useful background to
these jobs. In some cases an art-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry
to courses that provide the training for the job.
Performing Arts
School subjects that include some aspect of the PERFORMING ARTS provide a
useful background to these jobs. In some cases a performing arts subject is a
pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Duties and tasks of a Make-up Artist
Make-up artists may perform the following tasks:
prepare the skin for make-up application and remove make-up as required
demonstrate cosmetic products to clients
instruct clients about make-up application
apply a wide variety of professional make-up products
design wigs, beards, masks and prosthetics (artificial body parts) and apply them to achieve an appropriate character appearance
use make-up to produce effects such as ageing, illness, scars and bruising
alter or maintain make-up during productions to ensure the continuity of a performer’s appearance
advise hairdressers on the hairstyle required for character parts.