Special effects makeup artists transform actors’ appearances in productions by researching, sketching, applying makeup and accessories, taking pictures, and removing makeup. A degree in cosmetology is not necessary, and training with professionals is common.
Working as a special effects makeup artist is often suitable for someone with excellent artistic skills and a love of film or theater. These individuals are responsible for choosing the makeup and other accessories needed to transform the actors’ looks in a production. While a degree in cosmetology is ideal, it is generally not necessary to obtain a position in this field. In fact, many people train with other professionals and work towards becoming a special effects makeup artist. Some of the main responsibilities of this job include researching the character’s appearance, doing sketches, applying makeup, taking pictures of the actors afterward, and removing makeup.
For most productions, a special effects makeup artist will first research each character’s appearance. As part of this assignment, he will try to gain a clear understanding of each character’s appearance and makeup. Doing this is essential to effectively creating an appropriate look for each actor. To do this, he can read a script or communicate with a director or other people in charge of the production.
Once he has an idea of what each character should look like, a special effects makeup artist will usually do a few sketches of each character. At this point, he will make an approximate drawing of how he imagines a character should be. He can also make notes of additional accessories that can be added. As he progresses, he will often edit his notes on a character’s appearance until he is satisfied with the overall appearance.
Once he has a final sketch, an individual will apply makeup and accessories to each character prior to filming or the play. The complexity and amount of makeup can vary from character to character, but can involve adding wigs, making characters look aged, and adding blood or wounds. In some cases, this can involve serious makeup additions for actors playing roles such as zombies or aliens, and can take hours.
Often, an individual will also take pictures of each actor after applying makeup. This is done to capture an actor’s exact appearance so that it can be replicated later. This makes it easier for a special effects makeup artist to remember what each character looks like and creates continuity.
Along with that, it’s the job of a special effects makeup artist to remove each character’s makeup at the end of each day. This includes taking off wigs, facial makeup, and any other accessories an actor is wearing. He may also need to wash an actor’s skin to avoid irritation from chemicals in makeup.
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