Make-up artist

A make-up artist, also called a makeup artist, and often shortened to MUA, is an artist whose medium is the human body, applying makeup and prosthetics on others for theatre, television, film, fashion, magazines and other similar productions including all aspects of the modeling industry. Awards given for this profession in the entertainment industry include the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and entertainment industry awards such as the Emmy Awards, and the Golden Globes. In some countries professional licenses are required by agencies in order for them to hire the MUA. Bigger production companies have in-house makeup artists on their payroll, although most MUAs are generally freelance and their schedules remain flexible depending on the project. Over time, makeup enthusiasts have made up a large part of make-up artists. These self-taught artists use themselves as their own canvas or work freelance within their community, often in areas that may not have access to renowned make-up artists. Many have found their way into the industry through this enthusiasm.