SOUTH AFRICA · SALARY IN RANDS

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

What the work involves, the skills employers want, and how to get started in South Africa.

  • Commercial Makeup Artist
  • Hair and Makeup Designer
  • Makeup Artist
  • Prosthetic Makeup Designer
  • Special Effects Makeup Artist
  • Special Makeup Effects Artist

What is a makeup artists, theatrical and performance?

A Makeup Artist, Theatrical and Performance is a creative professional who specializes in applying makeup and prosthetics to actors and performers in various entertainment settings, including theater, film, television, and live performances. Their primary goal is to enhance or alter the appearance of individuals to convey specific characters, moods, or themes, contributing significantly to the storytelling process. This role often requires a deep understanding of makeup techniques, color theory, and the physical demands of different performance environments. They work closely with directors, costume designers, and other creatives to achieve a cohesive visual representation of characters, often also responsible for maintaining the makeup throughout performances and correcting it as needed. Makeup Artists in this field may also engage in special effects makeup, using materials like latex and silicone to create realistic wounds, aging effects, or fantastical appearances. Their work is fundamental in shaping the audience's perception and emotional engagement with the performance, making it a vital aspect of the theatrical and cinematic experience.

What the work actually is

  • Apply makeup to enhance or alter the appearance of people appearing in productions such as movies.
  • Select desired makeup shades from stock, or mix oil, grease, and coloring to achieve specific color effects.
  • Duplicate work precisely to replicate characters' appearances on a daily basis.
  • Cleanse and tone the skin to prepare it for makeup application.
  • Assess performers' skin type to ensure that makeup will not cause break-outs or skin irritations.

Skills employers expect

Skills

  • Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  • Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Judgment and Decision Making Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Abilities

  • Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
  • Manual Dexterity The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
  • Oral Comprehension The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Oral Expression The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Knowledge

  • Customer and Personal Service Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Administration and Management Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
  • Fine Arts Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
  • Design Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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How people get into it

Education of new hires

Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Less than high school diploma
Some college, no degree

A normal week

  • Thinking Creatively
  • Getting Information
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Tools used on the job

Technology

  • Graphics or photo imaging software Adobe Photoshop · Autodesk Maya · Autodesk Mudbox · SavingFace
  • Web page creation and editing software Blogging software · Facebook · Instagram
  • Electronic mail software Email software · Microsoft Outlook
  • Accounting software Clear Books · Intuit QuickBooks
  • Data base user interface and query software Bookitlive · Client databases

Tools

  • Makeup kits Eye shadow brushes · Fan brushes · Round brushes
  • Costumes or accessories Wigs
  • Palette knives Makeup blending spatulas
  • Notebook computers Laptop computers
  • Hand sprayers Spritzer bottles

Who it suits

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

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Questions people ask

How much does a makeup artists, theatrical and performance earn in South Africa?

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance salaries in South Africa vary by experience, province and employer.

What is a makeup artists, theatrical and performance?

Apply makeup to enhance or alter the appearance of people appearing in productions such as movies, Select desired makeup shades from stock, or mix oil, grease, and coloring to achieve specific color effects and Duplicate work precisely to replicate characters' appearances on a daily basis.

How do I know if this career fits me?

Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.