Hired work in the film, television, or theatre industry for 60 days within 3 individual years over the course of the last 5 years Some of these requirements are:įOR INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE ROSTER MEMBERSHIP For example, the most widely recognized Union, Local 706, based in Los Angeles, California ( ) requires a few specific steps after establishing yourself as a professional Makeup Artist to gain membership into their Union. Union Membership requirements will vary from Union to Union. Though of course, please keep in mind that this is not required, and you are able to work in the entertainment industry, on set for editorial, film, and television without Union Membership as well, it is all dependent upon the specific requirements of the employer that hires you for each individual project. Many times these are opportunities specifically unique to Union Members, so it is beneficial if you are looking to work in the television and entertainment realm to consider a Union Membership to make the most of your hiring abilities.
Union Membership provides you with opportunities for employment and casting for television and film projects. What is Union Membership and what are the benefits of joining a Makeup Artist’s Union? If you are looking to break into the television, film, and theatre world, a Union Membership is something to most definitely consider as you build your professional portfolio and launch your career as a Makeup Artist. Salons typically require a Cosmetology or Esthetician license as you will be working with clients beyond makeup application (including skincare and additional beauty applications) in a licensed salon environment. In most states, you are not required to have a license to work as a freelance independent Makeup Artist (specifically in the fashion, film, television, and entertainment industry). We highly recommend that you contact your State Board directly, as each state will have their own individual exemptions by their Cosmetology board, and to receive the most updated information that may apply to the career path you are looking to take as you educate yourself and expand your creative talents to become a successful professional Makeup Artist in the beauty industry! If you desire to work in a salon environment, you will likely need to possess a license (though there are exceptions in many states if you are only applying makeup in the salon and/or selling cosmetic product).īelow, you will find a list of individual state requirements and the links to their State Board of Cosmetology. Additionally, in most cases you do not require a license to apply makeup professionally to sell a cosmetic product (for example working at a makeup counter, or as an independent sales consultant). In general, if you are looking to work in the freelance field, most states will not require a license, due to the non-specific terms for applying only makeup on a professional level, and will allow you to work as a professional (freelance) Makeup Artist in the film, television, entertainment, or private client track as an independent business. While other states will require a license as a Cosmetologist or Esthetician, even if you only want to practice makeup artistry (and not skin or haircare). Several states will vary, without clear or concise regulations for applying makeup professionally, and not requiring any form of license to work as a professional Makeup Artist.
Louisiana is the only state that is an exception, actually offering a direct license to work professionally as a Makeup Artist. The Board of Cosmetology (which varies state by state) generally only covers the specific licensing requirements for Cosmetologists and Estheticians, who again, practice both the treatment of skincare and haircare, and do not specifically work as a Makeup Artist. However, as mentioned above, this is not written in black and white and can easily be confusing as you try to navigate your way in the industry and establish your business and yourself as a professional Makeup Artist.
Now that we’ve covered all of the general bases of the different career paths and schooling that the beauty world has to offer, let’s get down to business and talk about the all-important question: Do I have to be licensed to become a professional Makeup Artist?