Key Make-up Artist

The Key Make-up Artist is the senior on-set make-up artist — typically responsible for the principal cast and coordinating the day-to-day execution of the look designed by the Make-up Designer.

What the role does

• Applies + maintains make-up on principal cast
• Executes the Make-up Designer's character looks shot-by-shot
• Manages continuity of make-up across the shoot day
• Supervises Make-up Artist and Junior Make-up Artist on the team
• Coordinates specialist make-up (e.g. ageing, injury) where the production uses a specialist

Position

Reports to Make-up Designer. Supervises Make-up Artist and below.

Career progression

SI Competency Framework Level 4 — Expert. Path: Make-up Trainee → Junior Make-up Artist → Make-up Artist → Key Make-up Artist → Make-up Designer.

Working pattern

Freelance, shoot-heavy.