Hair + Makeup DepartmentMake-up Artist/Designer

The Make-up Artist/Designer is a key creative figure on a film/TV production, applying cosmetics effectively while also contributing to the look of a film, bringing the period and its characters to life. They are responsible for researching the period and story and creating a look relevant to the characters and production. In pre-production, they must liaise with the director to understand the creative vision for the characters and collaborate with the costume and hair departments to deliver a complete look and test looks and products on actors. They must make up several actors daily in accordance with the director’s vision to a busy production schedule. They may need to work with prosthetics and special effects make up. They are responsible for stocking the make-up truck, ordering supplies, managing the budget, planning staffing levels and facilities to budget and schedule.

Is this role right for me?

For this role, you will need:

Ability to research how people lived in different circumstances/periods and how this would affect their appearance.

A great eye for both period and contemporary looks.

An ability to understand the director’s creative vision for a project and communicating this to the make-up team in practical terms.

Knowledge of and experience in working with prosthetics and special-effects make-up.

Strong organizational skills, the ability to manage staff and ensure they are ready according to busy production schedules.

Great interpersonal and communication skills.

Strong administrative and budget management skills.

Work with:

• Director
• DOP
• SFX Artists
• Art Director
• Costume Designer
• Costume Supervisor
• Hair Designer
• Actors

Career Path to Make-Up Designer:

There are no usual career paths for the Make-Up Designer, often they would have worked their way through the Make-Up Department starting as a trainee. A Qualification in make-up design is beneficial.