Make-up Designer

The Make-up Designer is the head of department for Make-up. Designs the make-up look for every named character, leads the team, and coordinates with Hair Designer and Costume Designer on the overall character look. Distinct from prosthetic + SFX make-up which is its own specialism.

What the role does

• Designs character make-up concepts in collaboration with the director + production designer
• Coordinates with Hair Designer and Costume Designer on character continuity triangle
• Leads the on-set Make-up team — Key Make-up Artist, Make-up Artist, Crowd Make-up Supervisor, Junior Make-up Artist, Make-up Trainee
• Manages the Make-up budget in coordination with Line Producer
• Briefs the team on each character + scene's make-up requirements

Position

Reports to producer + director on creative. Supervises the Make-up team.

Career progression

SI Competency Framework Level 5 — HoD. Path: Make-up Trainee → Junior Make-up Artist → Make-up Artist → Key Make-up Artist → Make-up Designer.

Working pattern + guild

Freelance, prep + shoot. SGI Hair and Make-up recognition.