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Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.
Other titles employers use
Commercial Makeup Artist (Commercial MUA) · Hair and Makeup Designer · Makeup Artist (MUA) · Prosthetic Makeup Designer · Special Effects Makeup Artist (Special Effects MUA) · Special Makeup Effects Artist · TV and Film Makeup Artist (Television and Film Makeup Artist) · Special Effects Makeup Artist
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to creative, practical and persuading work.
- Creative
- Making, designing, writing, or performing without one set answer
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Persuading
- Leading, selling, starting projects, or making a case
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Active Learning
Subjects to know
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Fine Arts
- Design
- Communications and Media
Useful strengths
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Visual Color Discrimination
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 5.0 | Arm’s length or closer, most of the day |
| On your feet | 4.0 | Standing or moving for most of it |
| Talking face to face | 4.9 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 4.5 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a postsecondary certificate. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- High school or less 43%
- A certificate or some college 38%
- A four-year degree 9%
- A two-year degree 5%
- A doctorate or professional degree 5%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Web page creation and editing software
- Accounting software
- Electronic mail software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Calendar and scheduling software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 520
- Job openings each year
- 90
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 20.9%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 520 | 90 | 20.9% |
| New York | 380 | 0 | 2.7% |
| Puerto Rico | 140 | 20 | 16.7% |
| District of Columbia | 100 | 20 | 11.1% |
| Ohio | 70 | 10 | — |
| Nevada | 50 | 10 | 25.0% |
| New Jersey | 40 | 10 | — |
| Indiana | 30 | 10 | 50.0% |
| North Carolina | 30 | 0 | 50.0% |
| Alabama | 20 | 0 | — |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.