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Career Paths in Makeup Artistry Digital Effects Makeup Artist

Average potential earning | $60K/year

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In-demand Careers in Makeup Artistry

The career path for professional makeup artistry is incredibly versatile. The options are endless when you have the right skills and training. From editorial, film & TV, fashion, theatre, special effects, or prosthetics design – you can make your mark anywhere! And once you do, you might even consider building your brand.

TIPS

  • Build your portfolio: sometimes this might mean unpaid work and volunteering, but it’s all for a higher purpose. And practice makes perfect!
  • NETWORK: network, network, network. Get out there and meet people. You never know who will remember you and hire you for a big job!
  • Be professional: as always, be professional on any job, whether it’s paid or unpaid. Your reputation precedes you. 
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions
  • Be yourself: always strive to be your natural, creative, and authentic self!

From the cyborg assassin of The Terminator to the middle-earth wizards and goblins of The Hobbit, some of the most fantastical characters in film history have been brought to life by digital effects makeup artists.  Conceptualizing characters and creatures in both digital and physical form is a unique niche of makeup artistry. Your computer will be your best friend in this field, as you will rely on it for photoshop and digital character design.

The job of a digital effects makeup artist takes years of training and hard work. The first step in this journey is an education in makeup artistry from a reputable school like CMU. Here, you will learn the knowledge and skills required in today’s makeup industry. With help from industry experts, veterans, and professionals, you’ll learn the tricks of the trade, best practices, and current trends.

A digital effects makeup artist can find employment as a digital and practical sculptor for creature and character design. A ZBrush artist, for example, produces 3D models and visuals which can be used to create digital and physical creatures, prosthetics, props, and more. Think animated film and video game creature and asset creation – the opportunities are endless! It’s essential to stay on top of current trends in this field as the digital world progresses rapidly.

Most digital effects makeup artists are freelancers, and a portfolio is integral to showcasing skills, creativity, and experience. Many of the opportunities are in film & television, theatre, and editorial. Collaboration and teamwork are essential, as the digital effects makeup artist is part of a team serving the director’s artistic vision. It takes hard work and determination to be successful as a digital effects makeup artist. But with the right talent, enthusiasm, and grit – the sky’s the limit!

TIPS

  • Build your portfolio: sometimes, this might mean unpaid work and volunteering, but it’s all for a higher purpose. And practice makes perfect!
  • NETWORK: network, network, network. Get out there and meet people. You never know who will remember you and hire you for a big job!
  • Be professional: as always, be respectful on any job, whether it’s paid or unpaid. Your reputation precedes you. 
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
  • Be yourself: always strive to be your natural, creative, and authentic self!

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