Barcelona City Council | Capital humà

Performing and Audiovisual Arts Make-up Artist

This is the professional specialist in make-up applied to audiovisual productions and events, such as television programmes or series, films, advertisements, videoclips, fashion photoshoots, theatre, dance, etc. Make-up requirements must be interpreted and an adequate visual representation achieved. In each case, the professional must adapt him/herself to the script, production, actors, director, etc. The make-up artist is in charge of creating a good image for everyone who appears on camera, and for the characterisation of actors/actresses.

• Read and study the scripts to identify make-up requirements and exchange impressions with the production managers.
• Define the make-up or characterisation process according to the project to be executed and available budget.
• Must occasionally do some documentation work in order to become more familiar with the period styles to be recreated, the subject matter, actor preferences, etc.
• Prepare all of the materials required to execute the work in question, ensuring the availability of the necessary tools and products.
• May occasionally need to design and produce some characterisation items: wigs, hairpieces, etc.
• Once the project starts, he/she must carry out the previously defined make-up and characterisation work, adjusting to pre-established calendars and schedules.
• On set, must touch-up the work done and ensure its preservation and maintenance. Pay special attention to outdoor meteorological conditions.
• Pay attention to make-up related aspects of link-shots and continuity, taking notes, photographs, etc.
• In coordination with the director of photography and the lighting team, he/she must determine the best lighting conditions proceed to the audiovisual recording of make-up work.
• Draw up a portfolio and keep it up-to-date, preferably with photographs of all previous projects, in order to be able to use it as a business card when searching for new work projects.

Regulated training and graduates

• Professionalism Certificate: Aesthetic hygiene, hair removal and make-up services (Level 2)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Imatge personal: Bronzejat, maquillatge i depilació avançada (Nivell 3)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Imatge personal: Caracterització de personatges (Nivell 3)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Imatge personal: Maquillatge integral (Nivell 3)
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Personal Image - Intermediate Level: Aesthetics and beauty
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Personal Image - Advanced Level: Professional makeup and characterization

Complementary training

Other specific skills

Orientation within reach: Level 3

Initiative: Level 3

Concern for order and quality: Level 2

Customer orientation: Level 3

Flexibility and change management: Level 2

Planning and organisation: Level 2

Artistic

People who show an interest in the artistic field enjoy expressing ideas and feelings through the language of art A creative spirit and the motivation to convey concepts or emotions are inherent to this interest. This field includes all the activities that are oriented towards creating artistic products in their various forms: works that are musical, cinematographic or visual in nature, as well as dance and related arts.

Physical well-being and personal image

People related to the field of physical well-being and personal image are interested in carrying out activities aimed at the care, maintenance and improvement of one's image and physical condition. These activities entail personal contact with the client, offering a service that takes into account their needs, as well as their tastes and preferences. Activities that represent this field include advising and the application of aesthetic, cosmetic and physical treatments.

Special Effects Make-up Artist

Mortuary Make-up Art Specialist

Hair removal specialist

On-set Hairdresser

Specialist in male aesthetics

• Other features

  Make-up artists of this kind are sometimes required to travel according to what is agreed at the time of hiring. Schedules must be previously agreed upon, given that a day's shooting can last between 8 and 11 hours, with a 12 hour break between each working day. Any overtime is paid extra, as is any work done on public holidays. It is advisable to work with a portfolio of clients including film, video, theatre producers, etc, and on an ongoing basis in order to ensure an acceptable workload. It can be difficult to keep up with the work pace whilst also increasing the professional level of projects. Similarly, it is essential to keep up to date with latest make-up trends and techniques.

• Human resources and equipment

  This occupation is exercised either alone or in association with other workers, depending on the magnitude of the project. The make-up artist and the production company jointly agree on the budget to be allocated to make-up. The artist then purchases and brings his/her own work material, staying within said budget.

• Initial investments

  Initial investments can be of two types. Oriented towards specific training in make-up or basic materials, so as to be able to start working on a self-employed basis.