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How do I become a make-up effects artist for movies or tv shows?

I love the movies and I've always been fascinated by the artistry it takes to create special make-up effects for movies. enjoy films that have aliens and monsters in them and I thought it would be an interesting career to work in this field. #career #makeup #creatureeffects #specialeffects #practicaleffects

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Julie’s Answer


Hi John,

I agree working in special effects make-up would be really cool. Here's my advice:

Start by following artists and designers you admire on social media so you can start to familiarize yourself with the industry. You can find the names of makeup artists and special effects designers credited on IMDB. Search movies that inspire you and then find those people on social media and see what they are up to, who they follow etc. Surrounding yourself with these creatives (even digitally) will give you insight into the industry.

Next, special effects can be broadly lumped into two categories - tactile (hands-on) and digital (computer-based). Think about what lights you up? Is it working with your hands, transforming physical things and creating something out of nothing? Then you might be interested in Make-Up Visual Effects. Or are you skilled on the computer and spend most of your time coding or manipulating photos? Then you might be interested in VFX (Visual Effects). Start with free classes that catch your interest and do projects with what you have available to you. Even a simple newspaper can be transformed into a paper mâché prosthetic! This is the time to get curious and creative. I've included some thought starters for each category.

Make-up
- Sci-Fi Makeup tutorials
- Art classes (painting / camouflage / animal textures)
- Halloween makeup tutorials
- Prosthetic makeup tutorials (application)
- Prosthetic Sculpting

Digital
- VFX - Visual Effects Courses
- How to work with a "Green Screen" or "Blue Screen"
- After Effects
- Graphic Animation (Autodesk Maya)
- 3D Modeling
- How to create & render Smoke & Texture effects
- CG scenery

Clarity will follow action, so find something that inspires you and start by trying things out. Start a journal, blog, YouTube channel, instagram or podcast to document your progress/curiosities and hold you accountable. It doesn't have to be perfect or public. The point is to document the tutorials and experiments along the way so that you have something to reference and look back on. An added benefit is that you can use it as a portfolio or conversation starter later on. The simple act of documenting will give you valuable insights on what you like and don't like. For instance - maybe you like talking about effects more than creating them? Perhaps a podcast is more suitable! A good goal is to try to engage with the industry in some way daily. Look at a video, read an article or book that will get you one baby step closer to your goal. Go for one hands-on (digital or physical) project / tutorial a week related to the industry. Then bump it up to 2-3 times a week. Remember progress over perfection!
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Casey’s Answer

Hi John,

Sounds like an interesting and cool potential career. I've had the opportunity to work with some of the largest studios in the US (WB, HBO, etc.) and there are some truly amazing talents out there. I graduated with a Radio/TV/Film major too - I wanted to work on the production side of movies, but ended up in media sales and now sell technology (software). So here is basic advice I'd give anyone wanting to work on the creative side of the business...

Move to where the action is. You can get formal training likely a lot of places, but nothing beats practical experience and getting to know people in the field. LA is the best place to do that. I always recommend you get a college degree or a trade school if that's not for you, but have a fall back plan. They creative/production side of the business is a hands on learning environment, you can't "study" it in books, you have to literally do it and learn from the people who are good at it. Best of all luck!

Casey recommends the following next steps:

Find someone already do it and talk to them about what it takes to be successful
Be prepared to move to LA/NYC if you want lots of opportunity
Follow your dream, but get a degree so you always have options.
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