When you enrol for a course, the number one question is always what can you do once you have finished the course? What types of work can you expect after investing time, money and effort in your studies? Working as a freelance makeup artist can be frightening, as freelance means you will need to find clients. But have you really thought about all the career opportunities a diploma of screen and media can open to you?
I often do an exercise in the classroom with the students to list all the work opportunities you can have as a makeup artist. In big cities like Sydney or Melbourne, you can work for a range of industries and your days will never look the same. Here is a list of work you can do after graduating with a diploma of screen and media: Makeup artist for film, tv, fashion, photography, corporate headshot, bridal, private events, performances, dedicated artists for singers and musicians, makeup trainer, working for a brand, body painter, working for a special effects workshop, working as a prosthetic artist, hairstylist, create and style wigs, working for ballet and operas, working for advertising agencies…
And the list goes on! Let’s have a bit more focus on the industries you can work for:
Film and TV: With an active network of study in the main cities of Australia, Tv and the film industry can offer you regular and rewarding work. To start working in film or TV you will most likely start as an assistant and be part of the makeup team. Your job title and work opportunities will grow with your experience. In the past few years, new international studios have opened in Australia increasing the opportunities of work for makeup artists. On TV, You can work for news and live TV shows, create some beautiful makeup for variety tv shows such as The Voice, travel through Australia or even internationally do makeup on TV presenters. In the film industry, you can excel delivering a range of designs from SPFX, prosthetics, hair, wigs, and beauty makeup applications. A diploma of screen and media will teach you the skills to create all these specific looks.
Productions, opera, ballets: Wigs and makeup are going to be involved! Working for shows is extremely exciting and creative! Imagine working with the makeup team for the Lion King or Cats productions?! You become part of a family of artists when you work in big shows and the work behind the designs involving wigs and makeup work is fascinating!
A show will go on for a few months and you can also get the opportunity to tour with a crew of artists.
Fashion: Runway, editorial photography, campaigns advertising! Sydney is the fashion capital of Australia and choosing a career as a fashion makeup artist will certainly provide you with regular work opportunities once you have made a name for yourself. Assisting again is a good way to start. You will also need to build a folio. It is pretty easy to find photographers and models wanting to build their folio and participate in projects, Facebook groups and social media will help you build your network. You can also find photography students who are looking to build their folio with you too.
Trainer for brands or academy: You will need a minimum of 5 years experience to envisage a teaching position. Being a trainer for brands or academies is an exciting career opportunity that will keep your creativity open and get you to always create new connections with the students. It is also a very rewarding career as you can contribute to someone else’s success.
Private clients: Working for brides and private clients is an excellent way to make a regular and good income. The wedding industry is booming in Australia and with a good marketing strategy, you should find your first clients easily.
The great thing to consider with all these career opportunities is the fact that you do not need to choose one or the other. You can actually work in all these different industries simultaneously. With a diploma of screen and media in Sydney, you will learn a range of skills that will lead you to interesting career opportunities. There won’t be any day which looks the same. The beauty industry is constantly changing and as a makeup artist, you will have the opportunity to travel, create and meet different clients every day!
Leave a Reply