The Models Direct Guide to Becoming a Makeup Artist

If you want to be involved with fashion shoots, theatre and television productions or work on movie sets but performing isn’t for you, you could consider training to become a makeup artist. If you think this career is for you, read on for some tips from modelling agency Models Direct.

[UKPRwire, Wed Apr 21 2010] If you want to be involved with fashion shoots, theatre and television productions or work on movie sets but performing isn’t for you, you could consider training to become a makeup artist. In this role you can still feel the glamour of working in the entertainment industry and the satisfaction of seeing your work on screen as well as showing your creativity. If you think this career is for you, read on for some tips from modelling agency Models Direct.

The work. As a makeup artist you could find yourself working on theatre, television or film productions. You could also find yourself making models even more beautiful in fashion shows or photographic shoots.

From the beginning. It’s common for showbiz makeup artists to start off as hairdressers or beauty therapists, and they will have often attended a beauty therapy course or similar at college to get them started. These courses are on offer all over the country so you shouldn’t have a problem finding one suitable to what you want to do. Generally it’s advised that you don’t specialise too much in one area. For example, you’re more likely to be offered a job if you can do makeup and hair rather than just makeup.

Courses. Employers may judge your application on who your teacher was, so find out where and how recently your tutor has worked in the industry. If you know you want to work as a makeup artist for the entertainment industry, there are courses that specialise in stage makeup or even special effects and prosthetics.

Experience. Models Direct believe this is the best form of training. Even if you don’t get to do much practical work on placements just helping out and watching others work will give you an idea of what a career as a makeup artist is like. Rather than waiting to be assigned a placement through your course, be proactive and approach local theatres, photography studios or students producing short films as part of their course volunteering your services. This will give you some hands-on experience.

Portfolio. This will be a vital tool in getting work as you will probably be asked to present a portfolio of your experience at interviews. Portfolio photoshoots can also be great experience for aspiring models and photographers. If you don’t know anyone appropriate who is willing to pose for you, you can book models on a time for print/CD basis through commercial modelling agencies, Models Direct included. The photos in your portfolio should be of a decent size and quality, well lit and fully show off your abilities. It might also be a good idea to include images and ideas that inspired the specific looks.

Money matters. Models Direct remind all aspiring makeup artists that the route to your dream career can get very expensive. Courses and equipment can be costly, as well as photographs for your portfolio if you decide to have them done professionally. You should also expect to work for low or no pay to gain experience before being offered well-paid employment.




About Models Direct

Models Direct (http://www.modelsdirect.com) is a talent and model agency for female models, male models, teen models, child models and baby models for advertising, fashion, film, TV, promotional and photographic modelling work. We are a Government-regulated Model Employment Agency... not an online showcase, we're the real thing!

If you think you, or perhaps your partner, child, baby or pet, might be a suitable model for us to put forward for selection to appear in films, TV, fashion, promotions, advertisements and photographic modelling, please visit the website (http://www.modelsdirect.com/become-a-model) or call us on +44 (0)871 224 6000. Modelling can be great fun & often rewarding as a part time hobby.

You can also find out more by visiting the blog (http://modelsdirect.wordpress.com) or by following Models Direct on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/models_direct).