Profession
Artistic Makeup Artist
The visual transformation that completes the characters.
As an Artistic Makeup Artist, you transform faces for the camera and the stage. Working in film, television, theater, and advertising, you create everything from natural looks that read well on screen to dramatic characters, aging effects, wounds, and fantasy creatures. Your days depend on the project: you might be up early doing an actor's makeup before a shoot, touching up between takes, or spending hours building a special effects look with prosthetics and paint. You work closely with directors, costume designers, and performers to make sure every face fits the story. It is creative, detail-driven work often done under tight deadlines and long hours.
Average salary
$2,500 – $10,000
Education
2 years
Employability
72%
🎥 See what it's really like
Makeup Artist Career Overview
CareerOneStop outlines the paths, skills, and settings for professional makeup artists.
A Day in the Life of a Makeup Artist
A working artist shares what a real day on the job involves.
How Makeup Artist Pat McGrath Creates an Iconic Look
Vogue goes behind the scenes with one of the industry's most celebrated artists.
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❓ Frequently asked questions
How much does a Artistic Makeup Artist professional earn?▾
Salary ranges from $2,500 – $10,000 per month, depending on specialization, region, and experience. Professionals in major cities tend to earn above the national average.
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