Over the years, I have received a lot of e-mail from people asking about how to get into the make-up field for film and television. I decided to add this
page to my web site to give my comments on this subject. Please read it thoroughly before e-mailing me with questions.
Each make-up artist in the business has their own story on how they got into the business. For me, I was taught basic stage make-up by my father, who had been in Vaudeville when I was a young girl. I started in this business as a performer. When I made the decision to become a full-time make-up artist, I began reading books such as " Stage Make-up" by Richard Corson , "Techniques of the Professional Make-up Artist" by Vincent Kehoe and apprenticing under other make-up artists. There are many other books out there,but these two give you the basics. Another good source about the business of Make-up is Make Up Artist Magazine. They have a book and video section that you can purchase the two books I have mentioned here,plus many other wonderful sources of information about the craft including links to other make-up artists,make-up suppliers and schools for make-up. On the main page of my site is the link to other crafts people in the industry,check those out as well.Here is another link that you should check out for good professional make-up information at Makeup411.com
To get into this business, there are several things to remember. There are no guarantees, no steady paychecks, its either feast or famine and sometimes its not what you know but who you know. There are many schools out there. You must research them carefully. Always check credentials.
Never go on just what they tell you. No school should guarantee you employment. They can only teach you the skills to get you started to seek your own
employment. Sometimes colleges and universities have master classes and symposiums. Check your local papers for their class schedules.
If you live in a large city like L.A. or New York, you have an advantage because there are many more resources and other make-up artists to apprentice
under. Take advantage of these resources and count yourself lucky to have access to them! If you live in Australia, Melborne has grown as a film
community. The United Kingdom, London has a large industry. Canada, Vancouver and Toronto is bursting with film and TV activity.
To get into the union? Well that depends on where you live geographically. Each local has their own criteria to enter. All require a lot of professional
experience(three to five years on legit projects) and testing to enter. There is an example of the testing requirements in the back of the Vincent Kehoe
book. The skills required for the test are skills that every make-up artist should know and have.
To conclude, you better really love this business and be prepared to not have job security. Get the books and read them. Continue to take classes. Practice on your friends. Learn the craft. As I said before there are no guarantees in this business and always have some sort of other skill to fall back on during the lean times.
Blessings to you all. Sara Seidman Vance
