How Much Time Does it Take to Become a Makeup Artist?

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 States may require makeup artists to complete several hundred hours of training to get a license. You could become a makeup artist in less than a year, but the time it takes to begin your career depends on your state's licensing laws. States have education, training and examination requirements that makeup artists must complete to acquire a license. Furthermore, salons usually hire only makeup artists, stylists and others in related fields who are licensed.

All states require makeup artists and other personal appearance workers to have a license, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, you may have to get a cosmetology or esthetician license because your state may not issue a license specifically for makeup artists. States generally require that personal appearance workers graduate from a state-licensed cosmetology or barber school to receive a license, according to the BLS. Your local board of cosmetology will have information on licensing requirements for makeup artists in your state.
Makeup application is one of the skills taught in cosmetology and esthetics programs, along with other methods for enhancing the skin. You can choose to specialize in makeup artistry after completing a program to fulfill any licensing requirements. The BLS indicates that full-time cosmetology programs typically last at least nine months, and some programs lead to an associate degree. However, your state may have specific training requirements. For example, the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists requires license applicants to show that they have completed 1,500 hours of training at a cosmetology school. Applicants also may obtain a license if they have worked for two years as a registered apprentice at a licensed beauty salon.
Some makeup artists work with film, television and stage performers, so they specialize in theatrical and performance makeup artistry. Training for this specialty may take up to a year at a cosmetology school or performance institute, according to the BLS. State licensing exams for this specialty and related careers usually include a written test, but some states also may require license applicants to demonstrate makeup application and related skills in a practical exam before they receive a license.
The BLS predicts future job opportunities will likely be best for makeup artists and other personal appearance workers who can provide a broad range of services. For example, some makeup artists also do facials and style their clients' hair. Expect stiff competition for jobs at higher-paying salons, where the BLS indicates there are few positions sought by large numbers of licensed and experienced cosmetologists.

Tag : Artist, Become, Makeup