What does an editorial makeup artist do?

What is an Editorial Makeup Artist?

Editorial makeup artists create makeup looks for editorial content such as magazine spreads, fashion shoots, advertisements, music videos, and other visual media. Unlike everyday makeup, editorial makeup is often bolder and more artistic. The work of the editorial makeup artist, therefore, might involve creating avant-garde looks, experimenting with colors and textures, and pushing the boundaries of traditional beauty standards.

Collaborating with photographers, stylists, and creative directors, these visual storytellers combine technical expertise with ingenuity and inventiveness to bring diverse concepts and visions to life.

What does an Editorial Makeup Artist do?

The primary responsibilities of an editorial makeup artist include:

• Conceptualization – collaborating with the creative team to understand the theme and vision of the project and coming up with makeup ideas that align with the overall concept
• Makeup Application – applying makeup to models or subjects according to the project's requirements, which could involve creating intricate designs, bold color combinations, and other artistic effects; implementing advanced techniques, such as contouring, highlighting, and blending
• Adaptability – being adaptable and creative in response to changes in lighting conditions and camera angles, location, wardrobe, and other factors that can affect the overall look
• Collaboration – working closely with photographers, stylists, models, and other team members to ensure that the makeup complements the overall visual aesthetics
• Attention to Detail – paying close attention to details like skin tone, texture, and features to tailor makeup to individuals and create a seamless and visually appealing makeup look both in person and on camera
• Knowledge of Trends – staying up to date with current makeup trends, techniques, and products to bring fresh and innovative ideas to projects
• Time Management – being able to work efficiently within time constraints, as editorial shoots often have tight schedules
• Portfolio Development – building a strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of makeup looks that demonstrate versatility and creativity

Now that we have a sense of a typical day in the life of an editorial makeup artist, let’s look at some specialists in the field, or different types of editorial makeup artists:

• Fashion Editorial Makeup Artist – These artists work primarily in the fashion industry, collaborating with fashion photographers, designers, and stylists to create makeup looks that align with the aesthetic of fashion spreads and editorial shoots. They might work on runway shows, fashion magazine editorials, and lookbooks – collections of photographs compiled to show off a model, photographer, style, stylist, or clothing line.
• Beauty Editorial Makeup Artist – Beauty editorial makeup artists focus on creating makeup looks that emphasize beauty and skincare products. They work on beauty magazine features, advertisements for cosmetic brands, and skincare campaigns, often highlighting specific products and trends.
• Avant-Garde Editorial Makeup Artist – These artists specialize in creating bold, avant-garde, and unconventional makeup looks for editorial content. They push creative boundaries, experimenting with colors, textures, and shapes to create visually striking and artistic makeup statements.
• High-Fashion Editorial Makeup Artist – Working closely with high-fashion brands and photographers, these artists create makeup looks that complement the overall high-fashion aesthetic. Their work is often characterized by a blend of sophistication, glamour, and elegance.
• Celebrity Editorial Makeup Artist – These artists work with celebrities and public figures for editorial shoots, red-carpet events, and magazine covers. They must adapt their makeup techniques to suit the specific preferences and public personas of their clients.
• Editorial Beauty Journalist – While not traditional makeup artists, editorial beauty journalists contribute to the makeup industry by covering trends, techniques, and product reviews in written or visual form for magazines, blogs, and online publications.
• Music and Entertainment Editorial Makeup Artist – Working on music videos, album covers, and entertainment-related editorial content, these artists create makeup looks that align with the mood and themes of the music or entertainment project.
• Runway and Fashion Show Makeup Artist – While closely related to fashion editorial work, these artists specialize in creating makeup looks specifically for runway shows and fashion presentations, adapting their work to the fast-paced nature of live events.
• Editorial Bridal Makeup Specialist – Concentrating on bridal editorial content, these specialists create makeup looks for bridal magazines and wedding-themed shoots. They must understand the nuances of bridal makeup, which often requires longevity, natural beauty enhancement, and adaptability to various lighting conditions.
• Fantasy and Sci-Fi Editorial Makeup Specialist – These artists collaborate on editorial projects that involve creating otherworldly characters and creatures, specializing in makeup looks for fantasy, science fiction, and other imaginative themes.
• Cultural and Diversity Editorial Makeup Specialist – Focused on working with diverse models and subjects, these specialists excel at creating makeup looks that celebrate various ethnicities, skin tones, and cultural backgrounds. They play a crucial role in promoting inclusivity and representation in editorial content.
• Editorial Makeup Educator – Some makeup artists focus on educating others about editorial makeup techniques. They might offer workshops, online courses, or tutorials to aspiring makeup artists interested in entering the editorial field.

It is important to note that the roles described above can overlap or be tailored to specific niches within the industry. Regardless of the specialization, editorial makeup artists are known for their creativity, adaptability, and ability to bring artistic visions to life through makeup.

What is the workplace of an Editorial Makeup Artist like?

Editorial makeup artists can work for a variety of entities and individuals involved in the fields of fashion, media, entertainment, and beauty. These are among their most common employers:

• Fashion Magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle
• Advertising Agencies – to work on campaigns for fashion brands, beauty products, and other consumer goods; these campaigns can include print advertisements, billboards, online ads, and commercials
• Fashion Designers Brands – to work on their runway shows, lookbooks, and promotional materials
• Photographers – to contribute to the overall mood and storytelling of the photographs
• Celebrities and Public Figures – to enhance and maintain their public image
• Film Television Productions – to create makeup looks for characters, actors, and performers in various projects
• Music Video and Entertainment Productions – to create looks that fit the theme and mood of music videos and other entertainment content
• Event Planners and Organizers – to ensure that attendees and participants look their best for media coverage
• Beauty Brands – to create makeup looks for promotional materials, product launches, and advertising campaigns
• Online and Print Publications – including fashion and lifestyle magazines, beauty blogs, and digital platforms
• Modeling Agencies – to create makeup looks for models' portfolios, headshots, and other promotional materials

In addition to working for these potential employers, many editorial makeup artists work as freelancers, taking on a variety of projects and clients independently. They might be contracted directly by photographers, models, designers, or other individuals in need of their services.

The workplace of these artists can vary widely depending on the nature of their projects. Here is a snapshot of some of the settings in which they often find themselves:

• Studios and Film and Television Sets – These settings provide a controlled environment with proper lighting and equipment for creating makeup looks and collaborating with photographers and models.
• On-Location – On-location and outdoor work can present dynamic challenges and the need to adapt to varying conditions.
• Backstage at Runway Shows and Red-Carpet Events – This environment is fast-paced and requires quick and efficient makeup application.
• Makeup Counters – Editorial makeup artists who work for beauty brands might spend some time at makeup counters in department stores or cosmetic boutiques, providing makeup consultations and application services to customers.
• Travel – Depending on the scope of their projects, some editorial makeup artists may need to travel to other cities or countries for photoshoots, fashion events, and other assignments.
• Online Presence – Editorial makeup artists often maintain an online presence through social media platforms, where they share behind-the-scenes glimpses of their work, showcase their portfolio, and connect with potential clients.