Does the glamorous world of entertainment and show business excite you? Does nothing make you happier than a good make-over which transforms an ordinary person into a beautiful superstar? Are fashion and beauty two of your greatest loves?

If so then a career as a professional make-up artist could be the ideal job for you! And with South Africa’s fashion, film and television industries booming there are plenty of opportunities for talented make-up artists on local shores.

Read on for advice about how to enter this glamorous profession from Quinton Meiring, career guidance counsellor from INTEC College.

Are You Suited to a Career In Make-Up Artistry?

Take a look at these questions. If you answer ’yes’ more often than ‘no’ this means you could well have what it takes to be a successful make-up artist!

Are you creative and artistic with a steady hand and an eye for detail? Do you enjoy working closely with people? Do you work well under pressure? Are you able to work irregular hours when the need arises? Are you patient, tactful and tolerant of other people’s mood swings? Do you have good interpersonal and supervisory skills? Do you have a passion for beauty and fashion trends? Are you interested in media and photography?

Y / N Y / N Y / N Y / N Y / N Y / N Y / N Y / N

Which Avenues are Available to me as a Make-Up Artist?

Professional make-up artists are in great demand and can work in a number of industries. For example, if you qualify as a make-up professional you could find work on photographic shoots for fashion magazines or advertising agencies or as a personal artist to a television presenter or celebrity. You could also assist on both television or film shoots, work with stage make-up, or as a special effects artist.

Another route to take is to join a professional make-up artist agency which will contract you out for jobs such as modelling shoots or television adverts. Freelancing is a wonderful route to take if you prefer to be your own boss but to ensure a steady income you need to work hard to build up a name for yourself. Whichever route you choose to go, a career as a make-up artist will allow you to meet exciting people and keep you on the pulse of the fashion and beauty scene.

Where Can You Study Make-Up Artistry?

INTEC College is one of the recommended South African institutions where you can study for your Certificate in Make-Up Artistry. This distance learning course will allow you to study while you continue to work in your current position. Perhaps you could even look into becoming an intern in the industry. This way you can gain valuable hands-on experience while completing your studies!

What Subjects Will You Take?

The Certificate in Make-Up Artistry covers areas such as:

• The history of make-up
• Theory of colour and lighting as well as their importance and effects in make-up application
• Tools required for make-up application
• Hygiene and maintenance of tools
• Make-up products
• Skin types
• Face and eye shapes
• Setting up a workstation – what does this mean?
• Consultation
• Application of day, evening, bridal and photographic make-up
• Promoting make-up services

Click here for more information and to enrol for this exciting course.