Also known as:

Theatre Make-up Artist

Make-up artists ensure that those appearing in television, film or theatre have suitable make-up and hairstyles. Creative make-up is required for dramas and light entertainment. News and current affairs and chat shows may require 'corrective' make-up and general tidying up.

Make-up artists are responsible for doing people's make-up and hair before they appear in front of cameras and/or an audience. They apply corrective or creative make-up depending on the type of production.

Corrective make-up is used mainly on people appearing in news and current affairs programmes and chat shows. The artists make sure everyone's hair is neat, apply powder to prevent reflection from studio lights and generally tidy up appearances.

More creative make-up is required for dramas and light entertainment. The make-up artist has to create 'character' make-up and hairstyles that suit the period and style of the production. This requires careful preparation and research. They must keep photographs and notes of a character's appearance in order to re-create exactly the same make-up at a later date.

In the theatre, actors and actresses are usually responsible for their own make-up. The make-up artist is only called in if more complicated make-up is required. Some of the big theatres around the country may have their own wig departments that employ make-up artists who have skills in wig-making.

Hairdressing forms a major part of a make-up artist's work. Special effects hairdressing can involve use of wigs, hairpieces, false moustaches and facial hair.

Prosthetic make-up involves using materials such as latex foam to change the shape of a face, add age features or simulate injuries and wounds. When using these materials, the make-up artist needs to be aware of any harmful effects they may have on human skin.

This career tends to have a glamorous image. However, there are many routine and mundane tasks to be completed, such as cleaning equipment and wigs.

You will usually see the performers, personalities and guests just before they are needed on set or stage, when they may be nervous. Therefore, you will need to put them at their ease and cope with difficult temperaments, while trying to apply make-up.

You will need a mature and even temperament, tact and endless patience. You will also need to be reasonably fit, as make-up artists spend a lot of time on their feet. Your colour vision may be tested.

For freelance work you need to be well organised and able to plan ahead.

Pay rates for make-up artists vary depending on the entertainment medium they work in, and whether they are employed or self-employed.

The pay rates given below are approximate. Make-up artists earn in the range of £9,500 - £15,000 a year, rising to around £18,500. In broadcast productions, make-up artists can earn in the range of around £21,000 - £36,500 a year.

The Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematography and Theatre Union (BECTU) lays down guideline rates for make-up artists working on independent productions. Look at their website for more information.

Work is found within theatre, film and television production companies and with photographers, for example, for fashion shoots. There are few vacancies and severe competition for all work in this area.