CFWV.com - Career Profile

Makeup Artist, Theatrical and Performance

Applies makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

This career is part of the Human Services cluster Personal Care Services pathway.

Applies makeup to enhance or alter the appearance of people appearing in productions such as movies.
Selects desired makeup shades from stock, or mixes oil, grease, and coloring to achieve specific color effects.
Cleanse and tones the skin to prepare it for makeup application.
Duplicates work precisely to replicate characters' appearances on a daily basis.
Alters or maintains makeup during productions as necessary to compensate for lighting changes or to achieve continuity of effect.
Studies production information, such as character descriptions, period settings, and situations, to determine makeup requirements.
Assesses performers' skin type to ensure that makeup will not cause break-outs or skin irritations.
Analyzes a script, noting events that affect each character's appearance, so that plans can be made for each scene.
Confers with stage or motion picture officials and performers to determine desired effects.
Establishes budgets, and works within budgetary limits.

You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
Work in this occupation involves using your hands to hold, control, and feel objects more than one-third of the time
Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
Work in this occupation involves making repetitive motions more than one-third of the time
Work in this occupation involves standing more than one-third of the time

Identifying color and seeing differences in color, including shades and brightness
Seeing clearly at a distance
Seeing clearly up close
Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
Identifying and understanding the speech of another person