Makeup Artist
19AI USED FOR19%moving to64%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSC
STARTING PAY£18,000 - £24,000
PHYSICAL MOATThe work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM CREATIVE ARTS AND DESIGN →
Makeup Artist
Unleash your creativity and transform faces into stunning works of art as a Makeup Artist! Whether you're working on fashion shoots, weddings, or special effects for films, this career lets you express your unique style while making others feel beautiful and confident.
THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years
This job holds up well against AI
AI is used for very little of what this job actually involves today, and the work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior Makeup ArtistAt this stage, you’ll assist senior artists, learn essential techniques, and build your portfolio while working on various projects, from photoshoots to events.£18,000 - £24,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEFreelance Makeup ArtistAs a mid-career artist, you’ll have your own clients, work independently, and may collaborate with photographers and stylists on larger projects, showcasing your unique style.£25,000 - £35,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Makeup ArtistAt the peak of your career, you’ll lead major projects, mentor junior artists, and may even work with celebrities or on high-profile fashion shows, making a name for yourself in the industry.£40,000+
The degree route
Real courses in this career's subject, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Performance (Acting)Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts Limited · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£31,500 median
🎓Production ArtsGuildhall School of Music & Drama · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£30,000 median
🎓Theatre and Performance StudiesUniversity of Bristol · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£30,000 median
🎓Game Design and DevelopmentLondon South Bank University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£28,500 median
🎓Fashion Communication with Business StudiesUniversity of Brighton · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£27,000 median
🎓Music, Multimedia and ElectronicsThe University of Leeds · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£26,000 median
All Creative Arts and Design courses as cards →
There is more than one way in
You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is an apprenticeship route into this career. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely. Some employers will take you on here with no formal qualifications at all, if you can show you can do the work.
Recommended UK degrees
Real courses that qualify you for this career, from the same register that priced the degree above.
Performance (Acting)Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts Limited · DegreeProduction ArtsGuildhall School of Music & Drama · DegreeTheatre and Performance StudiesUniversity of Bristol · DegreeGame Design and DevelopmentLondon South Bank University · DegreeFashion Communication with Business StudiesUniversity of Brighton · DegreeMusic, Multimedia and ElectronicsThe University of Leeds · Degree