Once you establish a career as a film makeup artist, you will have some standard duties. These include the following:
- Interpreting the script: The screenwriter describes what he wants, and then it is your responsibility to interpret this script and bring the concept to life.
- Creating effects: You need to stay on the cutting edge of makeup, and that means creating new blends or even making brand new types of makeup.
- Managing a team: If you are the head makeup artist, then you are responsible for all the other makeup artists on the film, and you need to know how to set up schedules, manage people and ensure that all your team in task.
- Adding makeup to actors: This is your main responsibility, but there’s more to it than simply putting the makeup on. Actors sit in your chair for hours, which means that you need to establish a rapport with them. This helps keep them still and entertained, and not whining or complaining.
- Inventory: You need to make sure that all supplies are on hand. You are always on a deadline, and you don’t have time to run out to the store every time that you’re missing something. And, sometimes you can’t even find your supplies locally.
Other parts of your job include working with a team and creating silicon, plastic and rubber pieces for things like aging people, changing their appearance or turning them into non-human creatures. You also need to create body effects like bruising and cuts. You also need to take into account lighting and try to reduce shadows on people’s faces, and you need to enhance a person’s overall features.
A film makeup artist’s pay is extremely low, generally between $30,000 and $50,000 a year, and the hours are long. But, if you love what you do, and are dedicated, you can work your way up in the ranks.
