how one becomes a make-up artist

Heather

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Jun 4, 1998, 3:00:00 AM6/4/98

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Hi - i've tried finding this info out from other sources, but to not
much success. I've been reading this newsgroup for about a week now,
and i'm not sure this is entirely the right spot, but it's the closest
i can get.

Anyhow, i have done school/community work at theatrical make-up, and
every now and then entertain the notion of trying to do it
professionally. But, i haven't a clue where to begin. It's been
quite a while since i did any, anyhow, and i haven't any local theatre
contacts, so i'm not even sure how to get into it locally again.

Well, any advice would be appreciated. :)

heather
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Gel Cat

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Jun 4, 1998, 3:00:00 AM6/4/98

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Don't worry about not having any local contacts right now, just get out and
make them. Call all the theatres in the phone book, and let them know you want
to do makeup. If you remember your basics, and maybe study up a little, you
should do fine, and be able to get some contacts going that may help with
recommendations to others.

Boyd Campbell

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Jun 4, 1998, 3:00:00 AM6/4/98

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One thing I would reccomend is to add hairdressing to your
list of skills since often companies look for people who can
do both. In most states there are short courses you can take
to become a liscensed beautician which would also help.

It's good to know certain effects really well like old-age,
disaster or prosthetics but a good basis in straight makeup
is essential, especially in theatre.

Rich Williamson

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Jun 5, 1998, 3:00:00 AM6/5/98

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In article <3576e691...@news.telegram.infi.net>,
wel...@teuleugraum.iunfiu.net (Heather) wrote:

> Hi - i've tried finding this info out from other sources, but to not
> much success. I've been reading this newsgroup for about a week now,
> and i'm not sure this is entirely the right spot, but it's the closest
> i can get.
>
> Anyhow, i have done school/community work at theatrical make-up, and
> every now and then entertain the notion of trying to do it
> professionally. But, i haven't a clue where to begin. It's been
> quite a while since i did any, anyhow, and i haven't any local theatre
> contacts, so i'm not even sure how to get into it locally again.
>
> Well, any advice would be appreciated. :)
>
> heather

heather ...

you are a good part of the way there...

as you do community theatre and work as an artist , try to get more and
more responsible jobs with larger groups. after a while you will likely
connect with a theatre that will give a couple of hundred $ "honerarium"
for your services... not quite a paid job but the next best thing. keep
at it and try to leverage this into a paid job.

another way to break in is to meet with working artists and offer to work
for nothing. you must demonstrate that you have a basic competancy level
and are mature and professional enough to prevent embarrasing the artist.
I do this routinely and after a while i pay some of my "interns"... some
have even gone on to become full fledged working artists themselves
(including one who went to hollywood and got her union card)

like most careers AFTER you have learned the technical part (you must take
classes, read books, have an inate talent, and continue to read and stay up
with whats new) then it comes down to who you know... make sure you are
friendly with the right people, and make sure that they know that you are
willing to work free or cheaply... after some time you can raise your rates
and even make an honest living at it (you don't think I started charging
$200 an hour when I started do you?)

something else to consider you can work for photographers, films, local
cable access stations, parades, theatres, special events, schools, and way
more... you are not limited to theatre (which unfortunately is the lowest
paying of all make-up artist jobs)

get a copy of make-up artist magazine (tower records, bookstores, and on
the internet) and read up on how others made it. Check out some of the
schools (not the one or two year courses but maybe a few weeks long course
to really focus your already acquired basic skills).

visit your locval make-up retail store and chat with the resident artist or
owner. see what they say about your areas potential for pro work. they
might even have job openings. Advertise yourself in film guides, theatre
sourcebooks, and more.... If you really want to do this get some basic
business skills under your belt too... you will be an independant
contractor working for yourself running your own business. you will need
to learn how to advertise yourself, collect bills, schedule your time and
way more...

hope this helps

rich

--
Rich Williamson
Pierre's Costumes
7882 Browning Rd.
Pennsauken, NJ 08109
(formerly Miller Costume -1876 & Pierre of Philadelphia -1943)
609-486-1188
215-923-1395
609-486-4402 fax
http://www.costumers.com A great site for costumes, mascots, make-up,
wigs and way more...

Since spammers scan addresses from newsgroup headers I put in a dummy
"reply to". You should substitute "COSTUMES" for
"check-sig-file-for-real-address" and "MINDSPRING" for the ISP.