Performing arts and audiovisual make-up artist and hairdresser
Make-up artist and hairdresser for television, cinema, fashion, theatre, etc.

This is the professional specialist in make-up and hairdressing applied to audiovisual productions and events, such as television programmes or series, films, advertisements, videoclips, fashion photoshoots, theatre, dance, etc.

Their main function is to interpret the make-up and hairdressing requirements and to achieve an adequate visual representation, adapting to the needs of production, actors and actresses, director, etc. These professionals ensure the good image for everyone who appears on camera or stage, and for the characterisation of characters following the script.

Their duties include styling hair and applying make-up for television presenters and guests, assisting in the characterisation of cinema fiction, advertising or theatre, and meticulously styling their hair and applying their make-up for photoshoots and fashion shows. These professionals usually work closely with other stylists to polish the final image to be transmitted.

• Read and study the script of the project and discuss it with the direction and production teams to exchange impressions, define the image criteria of the characters and try to adapt the make-up and hairdressing work to the artistic requirements of the script, in a manner which is either creative or realistic, depending on the case.
• 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.
• Pay attention to the number of people that these professionals have to apply their make-up, style their hair and characterise in order to assess the adequacy of the budget, the work time, equipment and professional support.
• Prepare all the material, acquiring the tools and products that are necessary for the project. May occasionally need to design and produce some characterisation items such as wigs, hairpieces, prostheses, etc.

• Perform previously defined make-up, hairdressing and characterisation work with agility and good response to prevent unexpected events (such as bad weather conditions).
• In coordination with the director of photography, determine the best lighting conditions to proceed to the audiovisual recording of make-up and hairdressing work.
• Watch the connection of the different scenes, guaranteeing the continuity and coherence of the hairstyles and make-up. To do this, they must know how the plans and the order of shooting will be.
• Touch up hairstyle and make-up on film sets, television sets, during the course of a play, a photo shoot, etc., to ensure it is properly maintained.

• Create and keep updated a compilation of their work which should include photographs or videos of all their works, to be used as a cover letter when looking for new projects.
• Keep in constant contact with producers in order to be able to apply for new projects.
• If working on a freelance basis, keep track of expenses and issue the relevant invoices.
  

Regulated training and graduates

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

Complementary training

Specialised on-set, film and television hairstyling and make-up specialisation courses.
Characterisation, prosthetic and special effects courses.
Wig-making and history of hairstyling courses.
Knowledge of film and fashion history.

Other specific skills

Basic knowledge of audiovisual communication and production and lighting.
Perfect knowledge of on-set jargon, given that this is the physical location they will most often operate in.
Good command of characterisation techniques.
Knowledge of English, for international productions.
The ability to work relatively fast and under pressure.

The prior experience and career path of the professional is valued when assigning a make-up and hairdressing project. A project portfolio and even a practical demonstration of their skills is always requested for the assignment of projects.

Previous experience as a make-up artist or salon hairdresser is valued and recommendable, so as to acquire a wealth of knowledge in this field and in customer care. The number of years of experience and command of all techniques facilitates transition into more specialised services, such as on-set ones, with a very specific set of objectives.

Flexibility and change management: Level 2

Orientation within reach: Level 3

Customer orientation: Level 3

Concern for order and quality: Level 2

Planning and organisation: Level 2

Team work and cooperation: Level 1

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.

Beautician

Special Effects Makeup Artist

Hairdresser

Mobile Hairdresser

Specialist in post-traumatic and reparatory aesthetics

• Work hours

  The working day is variable, since it depends a lot on the type of show for which this professional works.

• Salary

  The base salary of this professional when working for a TV network or production company ranges between 20,000 and 25,000 euros, depending on longevity, specialisation, etc. Availability supplements must be added to this: availability complements, shift flexibility, overtime, on call, etc.
  
  In other types of companies, pertinent collective agreements set salaries.
  

• Other features

  Productions tend to allocate a certain budget to make-up, hairstyling and characterisation, which professionals must work with, previously calculating the expenses involved, etc. In many cases, these professionals have to travel to go to shootings and productions, according to the needs agreed in the hiring. In this sense, it is necessary to negotiate whether the cost of materials will be covered by the worker or the contracting company, as well as transport, catering and accommodation costs, if necessary.
  
  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 continuously with a client portfolio including film, video and theatre producers, etc., to ensure an acceptable workload. In the same way, it is essential to always keep up to date with the latest make-up and hairdressing techniques and trends.
  

• Professional category

  Specialist staff

This is the most common type, given that it works for specific projects.

• Human resources and equipment

  Although these professional services can be satisfactorily covered by one single person, it is worth working with other partners for jobs requiring more time and effort.
  
  With regard to material resources, it is worth achieving optimal mobility for work equipment.
  
  The make-up and hairdressing work is usually carried out on set or in dressing rooms prepared by the production or event organisation team.
  
  Must have a mobile phone and a private vehicle.
  

• Initial investments

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