Study the script and have everything planned out before you step on set. Once production starts, your responsibility is to get the actors in their makeup and keep them looking good all day.
You can attend a makeup school, participate in workshops, apprentice with another artist or study Web videos, books or magazines.
Initially, you may have to volunteer for a few gigs in order to start building your portfolio and resume. Once you have a portfolio to show people, you should be able to find more work.
You have to provide all the makeup and materials necessary for your job. Your kit will be your biggest investment and should include a variety of products to suit different people and characters.
Movie makeup artists typically work on a day rate, which can range from $200 to $2,000 per day. You should also request a kit fee in addition to your day rate, typically $25 to $75 per day, to replace the materials you used.