MAKEUP ARTIST

Although you certainly need artistic talent more than you need a college education for a career in makeup, you will have to take a few classes and read plenty of books and practice, practice, practice if you want a career in this field. Work in the theater department of your high school and do some community theater. Work with as many theatrical productions as you can. The more different types of makeup you have to do, the more you will learn. Work on shows that require you to learn old-age makeup, animal faces, and special effects.

It is important to note, however, that there is a big difference between the makeup techniques used for the stage and makeup used for film. It will be necessary for you to not only know the difference, but also to know how to do both kinds of makeup.