The requirements for training as a makeup artist are similar to those for most specialized fields. The length of training and schooling will depend on what type of makeup artistry a person wants to study. Makeup artists can do makeup for television talk shows, news anchors or movies.
Once a high school diploma or equivalent is acquired, you can start with basic cosmetology school to get your background in color and medium. Most states require you graduate from cosmetology and pass an exam to be issued a license. This is a requirement that varies from state to state and depends on what avenues of makeup artistry you are going to pursue.
Generally, you will cover the following;
- Anatomy
- Safety and hygiene
- Corrective makeup
- Visual art
- Hairstyling
- Wig and costume making
If you are pursuing theatrical makeup for theaters, film, and television, further training and education is needed. The additional training will cover the following;
- Makeup types
- Animatronics
- Prosthetics
- Prop fabrication
- Ventilation pieces
During the time you are in school, there will also be one to two years of hands on learning as an apprentice. This is the perfect time to hone your skills and get noticed by possible clients and employers. Maybe you will discover that you have a talent for molding or airbrushing and will be able to build on this through specialized classes and training.
Makeup Artistry Training
The extent of required training for makeup artists will often depend on the employer or client. Once you have completed basic cosmetology and some training, working in a salon or department store would be the next logical step if you are interested in pursuing beauty makeup. This would be working in a major department store or salon, often serving full bridal parties and photographers.
More extensive education is required if you are going into the entertainment industry. A makeup artist has to understand the human anatomy to understand how to use makeup and prosthetics that look realistic. Techniques in molding and painting have to be mastered for seamless makeup applications.
Safety and hygiene are very important in any industry. You wouldn’t want to have someone applying your makeup from a workstation covered in dirt, hair, and old makeup. Bacteria can transfer easily from brushes and sponges if they are not sterilized or discarded properly. A workstation should also not be having cords and other items hanging out where people can trip over them. On a larger scale such as a movie set, there is a lot of equipment that you have to be aware of while working on the set.