We surveyed 1,355 make-up artists to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical make-up artist. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a make-up artist?
Low
High
Working as a make-up artist typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.
Can I learn to become a make-up artist?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a make-up artist typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a make-up artist?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a make-up artist. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for make-up artists.
Do make-up artists work full-time or part-time?
35% of make-up artists work in full-time roles while 65% work part-time.
Is being a make-up artist stressful?
Low
High
Make-Up artists tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.
Is being organized important as a make-up artist?
Low
High
Some level of organization is generally required to be a make-up artist.
How competitive is the workplace for make-up artists?
Low
High
Make-Up artists tend to see lots of competition in the workplace, with desire to get ahead of co-workers being common.
Does being a make-up artist require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Make-Up artists will have to sometimes face time pressure on the job.
Are make-up artists allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Creativity is intrinsic to being a make-up artist, and a highly valuable part of the career.
Do make-up artists have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
Make-Up artists have high flexibility in the direction of their work, allowing them a lot of freedom in how they accomplish their goals.
Is being a make-up artist physically demanding?
Low
High
Being a make-up artist may occasionally require demanding physical activity, which may make it not a suitable career choice for everyone.
Are make-up artists exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
While sometimes repetitive, make-up artists tend to have opportunities for variety in their work.
Does being a make-up artist require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail is a vital skill for make-up artists, as small mistakes can make or break one's ability to succeed in the career.
Does being a good make-up artist require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
Being compassionate and empathetic is considered helpful to those looking to pursue careers as make-up artists.