How do i get into the world of makeup?

i would like to become a makeup artist when i am older, and i would like to know what i need to be one, like what grades and what subjects would be good, as i am going to start A-levels in september and i am picking art as a choice, would that be helpful?


and also what else would i need to become one?
How do i get into the world of makeup?
art wouldnt be helpful don%26#039;t be fooled by the word %26quot;artist%26quot;
How do i get into the world of makeup?
by putting it on everyday to get used to it!
Reply:Im sure theres a beauty/make-up courses you can take at college. If your artistic maybe you could practise on your friends?





What is the work like?





Make-up artists prepare hair and make-up for anyone appearing in front of a camera or a live audience in film, television, theatre, concerts, photographic shoots or fashion shows.





As a make-up artist, you could create anything from a natural look for TV presenters and guests, to period wigs and make-up or complex special effects such as scars and prosthetics.





You could work alone, as an assistant to a senior colleague or as part of a make-up design team. Your work could include:





* researching and designing make-up and hairstyles to suit the production


* working to detailed notes or a rough design brief


* applying %26#039;corrective%26#039; make-up for a natural look


* hair tidying and styling


* fitting wigs, hairpieces and %26#039;bald caps%26#039;


* applying prosthetic make-up to completely change a performer%26#039;s appearance


* keeping notes and photographs to maintain continuity


* standing by on set to re-do make-up and hair


* keeping work areas and equipment clean and tidy.





You would work closely with production designers, costume designers, camera and lighting crew and performers.


What qualifications and experience will employers look for?





Most make-up artists start by taking a make-up or beauty therapy course and getting practical experience, either as a make-up assistant or by working in a beauty salon.





You would find it useful start with NVQ levels 2 and 3 or other certificates/diplomas in general beauty and hair, but you should also ideally take a specialised media make-up course, for example:





* BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in Production Arts (Make-up)


* VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Theatre and Media Make-up


* ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Fashion, Theatre and Media Make-up


* foundation degrees, BTEC HNCs/HNDs and degrees in media make-up


* intensive courses at private make-up schools.





Check with colleges and universities about entry requirements. See the related profiles for information about training in general hairdressing and beauty therapy.





As well as taking a relevant make-up course, you should also try to gain practical experience, build a portfolio or %26#039;showreel%26#039; DVD of your work to show to employers, and develop a network of contacts in the industry.





You can get useful experience through getting involved in activities such as amateur theatre or student film, theatre or fashion shows. You could also try to find paid or unpaid work experience with established make-up artists.





Once you have built up some experience and made some contacts, your first paid work in film or TV may be as a trainee or assistant to the make-up team. You might also find casual work as a make-up or hair %26#039;daily%26#039;, doing hair and make-up for extras in crowd scenes.





What further training and development can I do?





You would learn and develop your skills on the job, by assisting experienced make-up artists.





You may be able to receive training at the start of your career from Film and Television Freelance Training (FT2) Design First, an apprenticeship-style programme for trainees in the make-up/hair, props, art and wardrobe departments.





Places with FT2 are strictly limited. To apply for a place as a trainee make-up artist, you should be aged 18 or over and be qualified to at least NVQ Level 2 in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy. See FT2%26#039;s website for more details.





Broadcasters and regional screen agencies may offer other new entrant schemes from time to time, such as the BBC%26#039;s Design Training Scheme. Contact Skillset Careers for information on any available schemes.





You should keep up to date with new make-up techniques and materials throughout your career. Short courses in specialist and prosthetic make-up are available at private make-up academies, film schools and some universities. You could also join the National Association of Screen Make-up and Hair Artists (NASMAH) for networking and training opportunities 鈥?see NASMAH%26#039;s website for details.





Visit Skillset鈥檚 website to search for media courses, and for information about how to fund your training as a freelance make-up artist.





What skills and knowledge will I need?





* creativity and imagination


* good communication and %26#039;people%26#039; skills


* a tactful manner


* stamina, patience and concentration


* the ability to work efficiently under pressure


* a high level of attention to detail


* punctuality and reliability


* willingness to work long hours when necessary


* good teamworking skills


* an interest in current and historical fashions.