Jumpstart your makeup career: training, side hustles and funding

Does a career in makeup make you feel like a kid in a candy store? Imagine starting your day with a latte in one hand and a makeup brush in the other, ready to transform clients from simple to stunning. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, it’s totally within reach!

“Get Ready With Me” (GRWM) videos are taking over social media, and makeup artistry is the hot ticket right now. Everyone’s sharing their looks, tips and tricks, proving that makeup is more than just a hobby – it’s a booming industry.

Whether you’re a total newbie or a seasoned pro wanting to upskill, this guide is for you. We’ve got the lowdown to help you make the next step towards your makeup career.

Beauty industry stats and trends you need to know

The beauty industry is booming in Australia and we’re only just getting started. Beauty is projected to grow even further in the coming years, which makes now the best time to secure your credentials and get your foot in the salon door. 

The opportunities for makeup artists are expanding. Eco-friendly products are trending, and the need for special effects (SPFX) techniques is on the rise. Influencer marketing is taking over our social media platforms and the demand for qualified makeup artists on media shoots is growing. At Demi, we love being at the forefront of innovation and evolving trends, giving you greater exposure to the dynamic beauty industry and a solid foundation to grow your career.

A day in the life of a makeup artist

Ever wondered what a typical day for a makeup artist looks like? It’s a mix of creativity, precision and a whole lot of fun! Here’s a peek into their world:

• Consult with clients to nail down their makeup preferences.
• Create stunning designs for weddings, fashion shows and movie shoots.
• Master your craft using a variety of makeup products and tools.
• Collaborate with creatives to keep projects on track.
• Keep your workspace spotless for efficiency.
• Stay updated on the latest trends and techniques. #MakeupTrends
• Snap photos of your work for your portfolio and social media.
• Work with photographers, fashion designers and event managers.
• Build relationships with clients and network.
• Handle the business side with bookings, invoices and marketing

The life of a makeup artist is dynamic and fulfilling. Ready to jump in?

What career options do makeup artists have?

The beauty industry is thriving across Australia, with demand for makeup artists projected to grow by 12.2% in the next five years. As far as job security goes, there’s plenty of work to go around. 

The world of makeup artistry is packed with exciting opportunities. Imagine working in one of these fields:

• Special events: Create stunning looks for weddings, formals and other special occasions.
• Theatre and performance: Apply makeup for live performances and theatre productions.
• Film and TV: Work on set to create character looks for movies and television.
• Special effects (SPFX): Design and apply prosthetics and special effects makeup.
• Cosmetic brand representation: Promote and demonstrate products for a makeup brand.
• Fashion: Create makeup looks for runway shows and fashion shoots.
• Freelance: Work independently and build your own client base.
• Social media: Use your skills to promote products and looks on social media.
• Consulting: Offer personalised makeup services for individuals.

The beauty of makeup (pun intended!) is that your skills will be transferable, so you can work in one or many career avenues. You may choose to work for yourself as a freelancer, build your own team or join a an established team of makeup experts.

How to become a professional makeup artist

You don’t need formal qualifications to work as a makeup artist (MUA) in Australia. However, studying with a reputable training organisation will set you up for success across a broad range of industry roles and niche areas.

Start by thinking about your career goals and what lights your fire. Are you a creative person who loves to work in a fast-paced, action-packed environment? A career in the media industry might suit you best. If you prefer a more intimate setting, working as a makeup artist for weddings and other special occasions might be a better fit. 

To get the most from your studies, choose a course that includes hands-on training in foundation makeup design—both theoretical and practical—and special event makeup training. If you find a course that covers these aspects and offers skills training in your area of interest, you’re on the right track.

Do you dream of working with celebrities in film and theatre?
Choose a course that offers special effects (SPFX) training. Learn to work with prosthetics, create wounds and scars and enhance facial features.

Is the runway calling you?
To break into the fashion industry, find a course that provides a solid understanding of makeup design and application for professional photography.

Prefer freelance life? 
If you want to freelance, business planning is essential. Successful freelancers are skilled in their craft and savvy business owners who spend time on business development and marketing.

How to choose a makeup artistry course

With so many makeup courses available across Australia, how do you choose the right one?

A comprehensive course, like the Demi International CUA51020 Diploma of Screen and Media, will give you a broad set of makeup skills to pursue a career in film, TV, theatre or fashion and teach you how to thrive as a freelance makeup artist. Tuition fees include a range of professional makeup kits and products to practise your new skills, plus the chance to build your portfolio during quarterly fun-filled, professional photo shoots.

This course will give you practical skills and knowledge across key areas of makeup artistry, including:

• Makeup fundamentals.
• Makeup design and planning for weddings, formals and special events.
• Special effects makeup (SPFX) for film and TV – exploring wounds, scars, facial features and prosthetics.
• Creative hair and makeup for performances and productions from traditional to modern-day styling.
• Makeup design for professional photography. 
• Design brief creation, collaboration and application.
• Freelance makeup artist business planning and marketing. 

If you’re unsure exactly what to study and want to keep your options open, consider a dual qualification like the Certificate III Beauty Services with Makeup Speciality. This course will teach you the foundations of makeup artistry and beauty therapy so you can offer a diverse range of services, including makeup, tanning and other beauty treatments.  

How long does it take to become a makeup artist?

The time required to become a professional makeup artist depends on where you choose to study. Some courses can be completed in as little as 12 weeks, while more comprehensive options may take up to 12 months, including practical placement or on-the-job training. 

At Demi International, you can fast-track your career by completing your
CUA51020 Diploma of Screen and Media (Specialist Makeup) in just one year. This course is available at all six Demi campuses and requires students to be on campus one day per week, with an additional 12 hours per week of online, self-supported study. Plus, we’re Australia’s Small Training Provider of the Year 2023, so you know you’re in good hands. 

Pathways to higher learning

The CUA51020 Diploma of Screen and Media (Specialist Makeup) unlocks credits and pathways to higher learning, including a Bachelor of Business. Add a Certificate III in Hairdressing for a power-packed dual qualification.

Finding a job in makeup artistry

Once you’re qualified, a whole world of makeup opportunities is open to you. Check popular career platforms like Seek and Indeed for current openings, reach out to your network or consider starting your own business if you prefer to work independently. 

If you’ve studied through us at Demi International, we’ll help you explore potential employment prospects through industry guest presentations and our academy job board.

Why choose Demi International?

At Demi International, we stand out for our comprehensive training and support. With Queensland’s highest graduate success rate and award-winning achievements.

Makeup artist salary

The average salary for a makeup artist in Australia is around $97,000 annually or approximately $49.99 per hour. However, this can vary depending on your education level, experience and area of work. High-demand roles and specialised fields can offer annual salaries exceeding $100,000. 

Makeup artist skills 

To be successful as a makeup artist, you’ll need a range of skills, including:

• Creativity and artistic ability.
• Theoretical knowledge and understanding.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Time management and organisational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Business acumen.

Tips for aspiring makeup artists 

Before embarking on your journey to becoming a makeup artist, keep these tips in mind:

• To build your portfolio, keep it current and showcase a variety of looks. 
• Regular hands-on training is essential; practice frequently to hone your skills. 
• Be prepared for demanding work, as long hours and unpredictable schedules are common. 
• Seeking mentorship from experienced professionals can provide valuable insights and guidance. 
• Staying reliable, with punctuality and professionalism, is key to building a good reputation. 
• Know your value by setting your prices confidently and promoting your services effectively.

Start your makeup career training with Demi

Embarking on a career as a makeup artist can be incredibly rewarding. With the right training, skills, and mindset, you can turn your passion into a thriving profession. Chat with one of our friendly Course Advisors to explore courses, start dates, payment options and enrolment eligibility.