How to Become a Special Effects Makeup Artist

Interested in working as a Special Effects Makeup Artist but you’re not sure where to begin?
Here’s how to become a Special Effects Makeup Artist.

A general makeup artist will apply makeup on their client to conceal imperfections and to highlight their positive attributes. While a special effects makeup artist has similar responsibilities, they are less focused on beauty and more interested in using their makeup training to either imitate real life or fantasy. For example, adding fake blood onto an actor’s head, or making an actor look like a robot).

As you might have already figured, the majority of special FX makeup artists work in the film industry, particularly on the sets of fantasy, sci-fi and horror films. The top special FX makeup artists work in Hollywood, though it’s not the only area where they work. In actuality, many SFX makeup artists work in television productions, plays, and any event that requires special makeup.

Keep in mind that there are safety risks for nail technicians, such as a lot of repetitive movement, sitting for long periods, and exposure to chemicals. It’s essential to counter these hazards by scheduling regular breaks and adhering to industry-standard health and safety regulations. Also, you might not get along with every client you come across.

That’s why learning to negotiate and reassure customers is such an essential skill in this area – and the beauty industry as a whole. On the other hand, many who provide nail services find that they have created long-lasting friendships with their coworkers and their clients. If you love to talk to people and express your creativity, this is undoubtedly an industry you should look into.

In most cases, an SFX makeup artist has finished secondary school and has some sort of qualification in makeup artistry or cosmetology. They need to know many of the same skills as the average makeup artist. Therefore, many of the more general makeup courses apply here. One excellent option is a Makeup Artistry certificate, which should take you five to ten weeks to complete.

It broadly covers the many facets of makeup artistry, including the practical skills needed to work in the entertainment industry. Many of those interested start off as standard makeup artists and work their way up to special effects. Some of them even work as special effects makeup assistants to learn on the job and to establish connections with potential employers.

While a formal education isn’t essential, it isn’t easy to get this type of knowledge without it. You can learn on the job, but that may not always be possible. A special effects makeup artist may need to learn how to apply prosthetics that are generally not covered by standard makeup courses. Ideally, you want to go to makeup schools that have practical, in-person courses for special effects.

While some schools explicitly teach how to apply special effects makeup, they’re few and far between. Your best bet is to find a makeup school that has connections to film schools or the film industry. That way, you’ll have direct experience with age makeup application, realistic injuries, applying hairpieces, and much more.

However, if you’re still struggling to find a proper course, and you simply want to fill a few gaps in your knowledge, there are always online tutorials available at your fingertips.

Have you got what it takes?

A career in special FX calls for a special kind of person.
If that’s you, then get to it – explore your training options.