MAKE-UP artists must have a thorough knowledge of the products they use, be up to date with the latest styles and colours and know how to apply make-up to achieve the best results for each client
The duties of make-up artists include giving lessons on how to apply make-up; doing make-up for special occasions; and applying make-up for TV presenters and actors.
They generally work from a salon, but also travel to clients. A lot of travelling and possible outdoor work can be expected in film and television or in fashion shoots.
Business and sales skills are important for self-employed make-up artists.
Jean Beaunoir started work mending carpets. After eight years of that she needed a change.
"For two years I did friends' hair. When I heard they needed an experienced stylist at the Durban Playhouse I jumped at the chance though I had no real experience or qualifications. Fortunately I got the job. I absorbed everything I could as I went along. I learnt how to do make-up by watching the experts doing it."
Basics
Make-up artists work on film and television sets and on photo shoots to ensure performers' hair and make-up is perfect.
"Earnings depend on how good you are and who hires you. In a recent photo shoot requiring four photos I got R1000 a day," Beaunoir says.
Job description
A make-up artist is briefed about a character such as, for example, one in a period piece or one who needs special effects.
"Dress rehearsals ensure there's enough time to accomplish the desired effects. An actor might have to wear a false nose or scar. We also have to know how different types of lighting affect make-up," she says.
Required studies
The Tshwane University of Technology offers a National Diploma in Performing Arts Technology. The course covers make-up styles and techniques.
Personality type
"Apart from oodles of creativity and the patience of a saint, you need to understand performers. Opera singers are very highly strung and might at the slightest upset refuse to go on stage. You need to reassure them that everything's fine.
"You also need self-confidence. Actors take a lot of your energy, to fuel their own performance on stage. If you go wrong in the dressing the room the show could be a flop," Beaunoir says.
An average day
"During Christmas I was working on My Fair Lady and it was hectic. Brides came to my home salon in the morning, then I'd rush to the Playhouse and do two shows," she says.
The worst thing about the job
"When somebody breaks out in a rash. Accidents also happen. Once I scraped an actress with a hairpin and nicked her skin as I adjusted a wig. The next day she had a terrible red weal. The worst is if a moustache or a wig falls off on stage," she says.
The best thing about the job
"New challenges. Once I had to do full body paint of a zebra, lion and a monkey. There's no text book to follow. You just come up with your own ideas. It's interesting work that keeps you on your toes."
- SA Career Choice
Creativity at work
MAKE-UP artists must have a thorough knowledge of the products they use, be up to date with the latest styles and colours and know how to apply make-up to achieve the best results for each client
The duties of make-up artists include giving lessons on how to apply make-up; doing make-up for special occasions; and applying make-up for TV presenters and actors.
They generally work from a salon, but also travel to clients. A lot of travelling and possible outdoor work can be expected in film and television or in fashion shoots.
Business and sales skills are important for self-employed make-up artists.
Jean Beaunoir started work mending carpets. After eight years of that she needed a change.
"For two years I did friends' hair. When I heard they needed an experienced stylist at the Durban Playhouse I jumped at the chance though I had no real experience or qualifications. Fortunately I got the job. I absorbed everything I could as I went along. I learnt how to do make-up by watching the experts doing it."
Basics
Make-up artists work on film and television sets and on photo shoots to ensure performers' hair and make-up is perfect.
"Earnings depend on how good you are and who hires you. In a recent photo shoot requiring four photos I got R1000 a day," Beaunoir says.
Job description
A make-up artist is briefed about a character such as, for example, one in a period piece or one who needs special effects.
"Dress rehearsals ensure there's enough time to accomplish the desired effects. An actor might have to wear a false nose or scar. We also have to know how different types of lighting affect make-up," she says.
Required studies
The Tshwane University of Technology offers a National Diploma in Performing Arts Technology. The course covers make-up styles and techniques.
Personality type
"Apart from oodles of creativity and the patience of a saint, you need to understand performers. Opera singers are very highly strung and might at the slightest upset refuse to go on stage. You need to reassure them that everything's fine.
"You also need self-confidence. Actors take a lot of your energy, to fuel their own performance on stage. If you go wrong in the dressing the room the show could be a flop," Beaunoir says.
An average day
"During Christmas I was working on My Fair Lady and it was hectic. Brides came to my home salon in the morning, then I'd rush to the Playhouse and do two shows," she says.
The worst thing about the job
"When somebody breaks out in a rash. Accidents also happen. Once I scraped an actress with a hairpin and nicked her skin as I adjusted a wig. The next day she had a terrible red weal. The worst is if a moustache or a wig falls off on stage," she says.
The best thing about the job
"New challenges. Once I had to do full body paint of a zebra, lion and a monkey. There's no text book to follow. You just come up with your own ideas. It's interesting work that keeps you on your toes."
- SA Career Choice
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