Do images of beautiful women with flawless complexions spring to mind when you think of make-up artists? Then, you're only seeing part of their role. They also use make-up to create a variety of special effects and images.

There are approximately 45 make-up artists working in Western Australia and most work in the Perth metropolitan area.



Most make-up artists in Western Australia are female, but it is an occupation that more males are becoming interested in, and showing a flair for.

Each year, about 200 training places are offered in make-up artistry courses.

Creating 'The Look'

Make-up artists apply make-up to film, television or stage performers to enhance or alter their appearance, or to create special effects. Stanley Ipkiss, the hilarious but hideous looking character played by Jim Carrey in 'The Mask,' is a perfect example of the creative talent of a make-up artist.

Many make-up artists also do special occasion make-up for brides, photographic models and 'belles' of the school ball.

According to former Channel Seven make-up artist, Roz Kemp, it's an occupation that relies heavily on the creativity of the practitioner.

''A good make-up artist should be artistic and understand bone structure. After all, you're transforming a person's face. For example, the mouth may need reshaping to make it more attractive visually.''



Unleash Your Creativity!

Roz was responsible for the make-up for all Channel Seven programmes in Perth. She says it's essential to create a look that is consistent with the type of production.

''News presenters have to be groomed and sleek. Their make-up is fairly serious,'' she says.

Once a client is in the make-up chair, a make-up artist removes any previous make-up and cleans a person's skin. The next step is the application of fresh make-up. This can take anywhere between thirty minutes to several hours, depending on the type of make-up that's required. Special effects such as ageing, creating someone with an illness, giving someone a monster-like appearance, or adding the odd scar or bruise, can take several hours.

In Roz's case, it would take about 40 minutes to do a media presenter's hair and make-up. Also a qualified hairdresser, Roz says hairdressing skills are a must for make-up artists working in the television industry.



Tips, Tricks and Tools

Make-up artists are armed with tricks, tips and tools of their trade. Every imaginable brush - blush, lip and eyeshadow, as well as concoctions to help your make-up last longer, can be found in their invaluable, and expensive make-up kit.



They also reapply make-up during commercial or production breaks, when necessary. Make-up artists mostly work in a make-up room, or on location. Their work environment can get busy and stressful and they may be required to work long hours.



Not All Glamour

Tania, another make-up artist, says she was drawn to the occupation because of the perceived glamour.

''I wanted to be creative, and to work with people in a glamorous environment. But, there are many unglamorous moments, like getting up at 5am for a photo shoot.''

Roz was drawn to the occupation because she wanted to help make people feel more beautiful.

''I've made up many celebrities including Eartha Kitt, who played Cat Woman in the series, Batman, and Rupert Murdoch's former wife, Anna. Channel Seven gets a lot of national and international celebrities for events like Telethon, so I've had the opportunity to meet and make-up many of them,'' says Roz.



Limited Opportunities

Excellent communication skills are a must as a make-up artist, as you'll work closely with many different people. Clients must feel confident about your work, as they are trusting you to make them look good.

Opportunities for employment in theatre, television, dance and film and video companies are limited in this very competitive and tiny industry. Better employment opportunities exist in the eastern states.

Most make-up artists in Western Australia work on a freelance basis and do make-up for special occasions, such as weddings and school balls. Freelance make-up artists will have to 'see' themselves as a small business, and really sell their skills in order to generate work. This is an occupation where establishing contacts is critical. While it's important to be very good at what you do, it's also very helpful to know someone who can give you that all important break.



The minimum starting salary for make-up artists who work in live theatre as a member of a team is about $24,000 per year. A head make-up artist in live theatre earns between $29,5000 and $37,500. For those who work in the film and television industry, the rate for a make-up artist is $34,000, and this ranges up to $50,000 for a supervisor, who may work a 50-hour week. Make-up artists who are reputable and experienced may earn significantly more. You need to be aware that full time work in this occupation is rare, and most employment is on a contract basis.

To gain employment in this highly competitive industry, it is critical to have completed a reputable make-up artistry course and to have attained solid work experience. You can build up your experience by working for a cosmetic company, a beauty salon or an amateur theatrical company.

Make-up artistry short courses are offered through the Belmont and Lynwood campuses of TAFE. For more information about the courses please contact the campuses directly or check out the TAFE site below.

The Australian College of Beauty Therapy, the Perth College of Beauty Therapy and the WA Institute of Beauty Therapy also offer make-up artistry courses. For further information about these courses, please contact the institution of your choice, or check out the NTIS site below.

You can also undertake a traineeship in Make-Up Services. For more information, contact the Australian Apprenticeships Hotline on 13 38 73 (local call cost).

Further training opportunities are also available interstate. Please contact the relevant State Training Authorities for course details.

For further information about the complementary occupation of hairdressing, please click the Hairdresser profile below.

	Other Training Providers
	National Training Information Service website.
	TAFE Colleges
	Homepage links and contact details for all TAFE Colleges in WA.
	TAFE Handbook
	An online guide to full time TAFE courses available throughout WA.

Western Australian Arts, Sport and Recreation Industry Training Council
258 William Street Northbridge WA 6003 Phone: (08) 9227 8358

Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance
123 Claisbrook Street East Perth WA 6000 Phone: (08) 9227 7924

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