Artistic

Make-up artists have a broad and creative field of work in which they (re)design faces, bodies and hair. They apply make-up to faces and bodies, design hairstyles and create masks, body hair and physiognomic special effects.

It is important to differentiate exactly for which requirement profile the mask is to be created: Dancers or singers have different needs when performing on stage. The make-up artist's work thus supports and completes the appearance of the performers. Analytical reading of plays, a comprehensive cultural education and knowledge of current aesthetic discourse are just as much a part of the required skills as the development of possibilities for realising the agreed character concept. Creative and functional solutions must be found under practical conditions.  

An important prerequisite for make-up artists is a keen interest in theatre and the stage. Creativity and aesthetics, artistic persuasiveness and expressiveness as well as manual skills are also required. The ability to socialise and adapt and a sensitive approach to artists make the work easier.

Physical resilience, flexibility in working hours (working evenings, weekends and public holidays) and the ability to work in a team are also important. A differentiated aesthetic perception and the ability to express oneself artistically and technically are required for the profession.

Make-up artists must be proficient in all job-related tasks and have in-depth knowledge of hair design, make-up techniques and make-up construction. In this way, it is possible to develop a comprehensive make-up character design. In order to be able to realise the character concept agreed with the production team, creative solutions are required under conditions suitable for the stage.

There are various ways to gain a professional qualification in the field of make-up artistry. The profession of make-up artist has been state-recognised since 2002; previously, only a degree course was possible. As part of a three-year apprenticeship, training takes place at theatres under the umbrella of the IHK (Chamber of Industry and Commerce), with the theoretical training taking place at a vocational college in Hamburg or Berlin, for example.