carlosthecat Posted February 3, 2019 Share Posted February 3, 2019 My dd (a junior) thinks she would like to have a career as a make-up artist. She is not interested in doing hair or nails so going to cosmetology school doesn't make sense to her. What kind of jobs can she get in this field? I am out of my league here and really don't know how to advise her on what steps she needs to take. Any ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klmama Posted February 4, 2019 Share Posted February 4, 2019 In my state, a person can't charge others to apply make-up without being a licensed cosmetologist. I suggest you research the laws in your state. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori D. Posted February 4, 2019 Share Posted February 4, 2019 (edited) Check out this website for a start in your research: MakeUpArtist.Edu Is she thinking one of these areas: - theater or film make-up artist? - fashion industry make-up artist? - doing make-up for local clients for special events, weddings, portrait photography, etc.? - demonstrating make-up application and selling cosmetics through a store or small "in-home parties"? - working at a spa or clinic, giving facials, applying "permanent make-up", or doing special skin or laser treatments, etc.? Be aware: she may still need to attend a cosmetology or beauty school for special courses and to earn a (possibly required) license, and pursue some sort of apprenticeship or mentorship under a qualified professional. Also, your location makes a huge difference in how much you can earn, or what is even available as far as make-up artist jobs. That website I linked makes it sound like it is a lucrative field -- and for some people, I'm sure it is. We live in a city of about 1 million people, and the daughter of a dear friend went through aesthetician courses and licensing -- and really could not find a full time job in the field. Her real passion is theater make-up, which she does very part-time for minimum wage for occasional local theater productions. (Most actors apply their own make-up, as the production can't afford full time professionals.) Good luck! Warmest regards, Lori D. Edited February 4, 2019 by Lori D. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amateur Actress Posted February 4, 2019 Share Posted February 4, 2019 Is there a local community or civic theatre near you that offers classes? Has she done makeup before for plays, etc? I would suggest she start a portfolio, if she hasn't already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlosthecat Posted February 5, 2019 Author Share Posted February 5, 2019 On 2/3/2019 at 7:05 PM, Lori D. said: Also, your location makes a huge difference in how much you can earn, or what is even available as far as make-up artist jobs. That website I linked makes it sound like it is a lucrative field -- and for some people, I'm sure it is. We live in a city of about 1 million people, and the daughter of a dear friend went through aesthetician courses and licensing -- and really could not find a full time job in the field. Her real passion is theater make-up, which she does very part-time for minimum wage for occasional local theater productions. (Most actors apply their own make-up, as the production can't afford full time professionals.) Yes, it seems that the make-up industry looks so glamorous, but I think very few people can actually earn a decent wage especially, as you say, if you are not in the right location. I don't want to be a dream killer, but I want her to be realistic about a future career. As several of you mentioned, after looking into it more, I believe she would have to go to cosmetology school, get some hours in, and then pass a test. Thanks for all the suggestions that were made. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted February 5, 2019 Share Posted February 5, 2019 Did you check to see if your state has a separate makeup license? Some do, although my state got rid of theirs two years ago. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori D. Posted February 5, 2019 Share Posted February 5, 2019 (edited) 1 hour ago, carlosthecat said: ...I don't want to be a dream killer, but I want her to be realistic about a future career... Having DD do the research will help her be realistic about what is required to become a make-up artist, what the job actually consists of, and whether it would make a sustainable wage for her or not. 🙂 Also, by doing the research herself, that could lead to stumbling over some other related (or not!) field that might really grab her interest. 😉 These websites are really fun and helpful for career exploration: - CA Career Zone -- a good starting point website -- - Career Clusters -- take the interest survey and then looking at possible careers in the clusters of high interest might be a fun way to explore - Occupational Outlook Handbook -- good search engine for suggesting occupations by salary, by future growth, by degree needed, etc. - Career One Stop -- so huge that it can be overwhelming, so I don't usually recommend *starting* with this one, or if you do, start with their Get My Future page which is a helpful way of guiding you through the process BEST of luck as your DD and you do career exploration! Edited February 5, 2019 by Lori D. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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