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How Do I Become a Special Effects Makeup Artist?

Alex Newth
Alex Newth

You may not need a four-year degree to become a special effects makeup artist, because talent and networking go a long way. At the same time, earning a cosmetology or stage makeup degree or certification can be beneficial in several ways. One is that you must display functional knowledge of the various related skills, or you may not be trusted to do a proper makeup job. Getting an internship usually is important to become a special effects makeup artist, because it helps you build a portfolio of work. A big part of getting this job is being able to network to people who may have an opening for this position.

Most special effects makeup artist jobs do not require a degree or certification, but there may be some instances in which it is a requirement; it also can give you a basis for learning how to better perform your craft. A degree or certification in stage makeup or cosmetology often is the most beneficial option if you plan on getting formal training. Taking special effects courses also may be helpful.

A makeup artist is knowledgeable about various cosmetic products, trends, and techniques.
A makeup artist is knowledgeable about various cosmetic products, trends, and techniques.

While formal training is not mandatory, you will be required to display functional knowledge of special effects makeup. This is largely determined by the project, because you may be required to perform many different tasks, such as making alien or demon masks, creating fake scars on actors or actresses or realistically aging someone. Without functional knowledge, it may be difficult to become a special effects makeup artist, because this field is creatively demanding.

Eyeliner may be used to create lifelike scars.
Eyeliner may be used to create lifelike scars.

It normally is important to get an internship on a movie set or other project in which a special effects makeup artist is needed. This can help you build a portfolio of work that actually is used on film, and it also can help you get contacts for later projects. Having real experience in the special effects makeup field also can help in getting a full-time job when you're read to become a special effects makeup artist.

Some schools offer degrees in stage makeup or cosmetology.
Some schools offer degrees in stage makeup or cosmetology.

As with much of the film industry, you usually will rely on contacts and networking to get a job in this field. These contacts can be from an internship, from knowing people working on a film project or from conventions centered on this field. There also are agencies that may be able to help you secure a position on a movie or commercial, but you may need some experience before an agency is willing to take you.

Discussion Comments

Mor

@umbra21 - I would do some research on the industry before deciding whether or not to invest in formal education. Because you might be up against other job seekers who have managed to volunteer and build contacts as well as completing a relevant degree. Your aim is always to try and get ahead of those people, so you've got to know what is expected in the field.

umbra21

@irontoenail - There are definitely ways of networking and building a portfolio without doing a degree or a course though. Volunteering at events that require special effects makeup can help you to do both of those things, as long as you make sure you're up to the job before you start.

There are also a lot of competitions popping up for people in the special effects industry, from body painting contests to wearable art awards. If you can manage to get placed in a competition like that it would look amazing on your resume as well as getting you a lot of valuable exposure.

irontoenail

I don't think people need formal training to do this job when there is a wealth of resources out there to teach yourself, but the benefits are the same with any career. If you teach yourself it's much harder to provide proof that you know what you're doing to potential employers and in a popular industry like this one that can make it very difficult to break it.

You will also make all kinds of contacts during a course if you pick the right one. And I'd say that networking is one of the most important parts of getting a job.

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    • A makeup artist is knowledgeable about various cosmetic products, trends, and techniques.
      By: Dmitry Fischer
      A makeup artist is knowledgeable about various cosmetic products, trends, and techniques.
    • Eyeliner may be used to create lifelike scars.
      By: cedrov
      Eyeliner may be used to create lifelike scars.
    • Some schools offer degrees in stage makeup or cosmetology.
      By: Yeko Photo Studio
      Some schools offer degrees in stage makeup or cosmetology.
    • Most special effects makeup artist jobs do not require a degree or certification.
      By: Chris Tefme
      Most special effects makeup artist jobs do not require a degree or certification.