Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

What the job really is

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

At a glance

• Sector: Personal Care & Service
• O*NET-SOC code: 39-5091
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Clean supplies such as makeup brushes.
• Duplicate work precisely to replicate characters' appearances on a daily basis.
• Apply makeup to enhance or alter the appearance of people appearing in productions such as movies.
• Analyze a script, noting events that affect each character's appearance, so that plans can be made for each scene.
• Alter or maintain makeup during productions as necessary to compensate for lighting changes or to achieve continuity of effect.
• Confer with stage or motion picture officials and performers to determine desired effects.
• Requisition or acquire needed materials for special effects, including wigs, beards, and special cosmetics.
• Study production information, such as character descriptions, period settings, and situations, to determine makeup requirements.
• Establish budgets, and work within budgetary limits.
• Select desired makeup shades from stock, or mix oil, grease, and coloring to achieve specific color effects.
• Write makeup sheets and take photos to document specific looks and the products used to achieve the looks.
• Assess performers' skin type to ensure that makeup will not cause break-outs or skin irritations.

Tools and technology

Adobe Photoshop, Facebook, Intuit QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Airbrushing tools, Angle brushes, Angle liners, Appointment scheduling software, Autodesk Maya, Autodesk Mudbox

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
• Skincare Specialists
• Costume Attendants
• Manicurists and Pedicurists
• Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
• Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
• Shampooers
• Barbers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.