Makeup artists can work in fashion, retail, film, print, television and theater. Each area requires a slightly different skill set and personality type.
As in all art forms, makeup artists must be be familiar with the basic principles and fundamentals as well as the products they use.
Several accredited makeup schools have degree programs. Seminars, workshops, books and other publications are also ways to learn current industry tricks and tips.
Your portfolio is how people will judge your work's quality before they hire you. If you network with other professionals and build a strong portfolio, you should earn paying gigs relatively quickly.
Your job requires that you have very close contact with other people. Please keep in mind personal hygiene, proper sanitation procedures and industry professionalism.