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Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance - 39-5091.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Commercial Makeup Artist
  • Hair and Makeup Designer
  • Makeup Artist
  • Prosthetic Makeup Designer
  • Special Effects Makeup Artist
  • Special Makeup Effects Artist

SOC Occupation Groups

39-0000 Personal Care and Service Occupations
39-5000 Personal Appearance Workers
39-5090 Miscellaneous Personal Appearance Workers
39-5091.00 Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Advise hairdressers on the hairstyles required for character parts.
  • Alter or maintain makeup during productions as necessary to compensate for lighting changes or to achieve continuity of effect.
  • Analyze a script, noting events that affect each character's appearance, so that plans can be made for each scene.
  • Apply makeup to enhance or alter the appearance of people appearing in productions such as movies.
  • Assess performers' skin type to ensure that makeup will not cause break-outs or skin irritations.
  • Attach prostheses to performers and apply makeup to create special features or effects, such as scars, aging, or illness.
  • Cleanse and tone the skin to prepare it for makeup application.
  • Confer with stage or motion picture officials and performers to determine desired effects.
  • Create character drawings or models, based upon independent research, to augment period production files.
  • Demonstrate products to clients, and provide instruction in makeup application.
  • Design rubber or plastic prostheses that can be used to change performers' appearances.
  • Duplicate work precisely to replicate characters' appearances on a daily basis.
  • Establish budgets, and work within budgetary limits.
  • Evaluate environmental characteristics, such as venue size and lighting plans, to determine makeup requirements.
  • Examine sketches, photographs, and plaster models to obtain desired character image depiction.
  • Provide performers with makeup removal assistance after performances have been completed.
  • Requisition or acquire needed materials for special effects, including wigs, beards, and special cosmetics.
  • Select desired makeup shades from stock, or mix oil, grease, and coloring to achieve specific color effects.
  • Study production information, such as character descriptions, period settings, and situations, to determine makeup requirements.
  • Wash and reset wigs.
  • Write makeup sheets and take photos to document specific looks and the products used to achieve the looks.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Apply cleansing or conditioning agents to client hair, scalp, or skin.
  • Apply makeup to alter or enhance appearance.
  • Assess skin or hair conditions.
  • Collaborate with others to determine production details.
  • Demonstrate activity techniques or equipment use.
  • Design costumes or cosmetic effects for characters.
  • Groom wigs or hairpieces.
  • Manage budgets for personal services operations.
  • Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
  • Prepare operational reports or records.
  • Review production information to determine costume or makeup requirements.
  • Teach health or hygiene practices.

Military Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Body-Make-Up Artist
  • Make-Up Artist