Previous Article

How to Start an Artist Collection

Next Article

How to Train to Become a Professional Make-Up Artist

How to Start a Make-Up Artist Career

A make-up artist position is a high demand career that is competitive yet extremely lucrative. Depending on his or her geographical area and given industry, make-up artists earn an average of $80,000 each year. It is vital to your career to learn the proper way to start your make-up artist venture. 


  1. Enroll into an esthetics or cosmetology degree program at your local community or technical college. This program generally takes up to two years to complete. Once you reach your senior year, ensure that you select a specialization in make-up. Some community or technical colleges offer additional certifications within these degree programs. 

  2. Register to take your esthetics or cosmetology licensing examination. If you are required to take certification examinations for your specialization, you should register for these exams at this time. 

  3. Apply for jobs within spas and salons to build up your clientele. You need this experience to also build your credibility in the field. 

  4. Enroll into continuing education courses to learn new and advanced techniques in make-up application and trends. Staying up to date on the latest trends and styles will aid you in keeping your style fresh and even open you up to a wider clientele. 

  5. Build a portfolio of your work. Take photographs of clients after a make-up application. You should include at least 20 photographs with different styles of make-up applications. The more innovative you are the more likely you will impress professional make-up studios.

  6. Apply for job positions within professional make-up studios.