As a make-up artist you apply cosmetics to individuals in a variety of situations.

As a make-up artist you apply cosmetics to individuals in a variety of situations.

Traditionally a make-up artist worked as part of a beauty therapy salon, or took up freelance work for the film, television, theatre and fashion industries.

But nowadays the scope for make-up artists is expanding, with opportunities in areas such as camouflage and corrective make-up.

If you like working with powders, lipsticks and shadows and also like transforming people's images, being a make-up artist is for you.

There are many things one can do as a make-up artist. For example, you can help clients look their best for weddings or any other special event, or give beauty makeovers to people who want to update their everyday images.

You might even specialise in helping people disfigured by accident or illness look and feel good again.

If you live in an area with a viable film industry, you can also become a make-up artist to the stars by working on TV or movie projects.

The advantages of being in this business are that you can start part-time and on a tight budget.

To start in the special effects make-up business, you should become a freelancer and send your portfolio to various production companies. Many filmmakers hire freelance crews.

For this purpose you can also do a specialised course to learn how to do various things such as aging and colouring.

You must save money for the things you need for the course. Along the way you will want many things and the money will come in handy in choosing the right products to start off your career later.

Who are your clients? Your clients can be just about anybody who wants to look good. You can target brides by establishing relationships with wedding-oriented businesses such as bridal consultants or bridal shops.