Profession make-up artist

Make-up artists assist and support artists before, during and after the performance and filming of movies or television programs to ensure the make-up is in line with the artistic vision of the director and the artistic team. They create images and characters through make-up and prosthetics. They maintain, check and repair prosthetics and assist with quick changes.  

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Personality Type

Knowledge

  • Make-up techniques

    The various techniques and tools for applying make-up.

  • Art history

    The history of art and artists, the artistic trends throughout centuries and their contemporary evolutions.

  • Skin types

    The different skin types, such as dry, normal, oily, and sensitive.

  • Cosmetics

    The various types of substances used to enhance the appearance of the human body.

Skills

  • Work with respect for own safety

    Apply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.

  • Prepare personal work environment

    Correct settings or positions for your working instruments and adjust them before starting operations.

  • Understand artistic concepts

    Interpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.

  • Manage personal professional development

    Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional development based on reflection about own practice and through contact with peers and stakeholders.

  • Determine skin type

    Determine what type of skin a person has in order to use the right make-up for that particular skin type.

  • Ensure continuity in the styling of artists

    Ensure that artists are consistently styled during the production of a motion picture. Make sure that their look remains the same.

  • Test make-up

    Perform routine tests to determine if make-up products are adequate.

  • Finish project within budget

    Make sure to stay within budget. Adapt work and materials to budget.

  • Translate artistic concepts to technical designs

    Cooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.

  • Analyse a script

    Break down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.

  • Gather reference materials for artwork

    Gather samples of the materials you expect to use in the creation process, especially if the desired piece of art necessitates the intervention of qualified workers or specific production processes.

  • Work safely with chemicals

    Take the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.

  • Follow directions of the artistic director

    Follow the instructions of the director while understanding his creative vision.

  • Define artistic approach

    Define your own artistic approach by analysing your previous work and your expertise, identifying the components of your creative signature, and starting from these explorations to describe your artistic vision.

  • Work ergonomically

    Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.

  • Make up performing artists

    Use cosmetics on artists for stage performances.

  • Analyse the need for technical resources

    Define and make a list of the required resources and equipment based on the technical needs of the production.

  • Adapt to artists' creative demands

    Work with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.

  • Follow work schedule

    Manage the sequence of activities in order to deliver completed work on agreed deadlines by following a work schedule.

  • Perform quick make-up changeovers

    Quickly apply changes to a performer's make-up during the performance.

  • Safeguard artistic quality of performance

    Observe the show, anticipate and react to possible technical problems, ensuring optimal artistic quality.

  • Contextualise artistic work

    Identify influences and situate your work within a specific trend which may be of an artistic, aesthetic, or philosophical natures. Analyse the evolution of artistic trends, consult experts in the field, attend events, etc.

  • Repair prostheses

    Repair damage to prostheses for stage performances.

Optional knowledge and skills

draw make-up sketches present exhibition photography maintain prostheses advise client on technical possibilities develop professional network develop educational activities work with the director of photography create lifecasts apply body paint prevent fire in a performance environment plan art educational activities design make-up effects promote yourself manage consumables stock keep personal administration develop educational resources lighting techniques work with the camera crew draft styling schedule repair wigs participate in artistic mediation activities document your own practice decide on make-up process develop artistic project budgets work with the lighting crew attend rehearsals

Source: Sisyphus ODB