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Ausbildung career

Make-up Artist (Stage, Film, TV) Ausbildung in Germany

German name: Maskenbildner/in

Make-up Artist is a recognized three-year vocational training program in the field of stage, film, and television. This training prepares you to design and transform characters through make-up, hairstyles, and special effects to credibly portray their roles.

What you do

  • Developing make-up and hairstyle concepts for characters in consultation with directors and costume designers
  • Applying make-up, cosmetics, and hairstyling for performers on stage, in front of the camera, or at events
  • Creating and applying special effects make-up such as wounds, scars, aging, or fantasy creatures
  • Maintaining and caring for wigs, hairpieces, and make-up artist tools
  • Ensuring hygiene at the workplace and when applying products
  • Researching historical or specific stylistic periods for authentic portrayals
  • Adjusting make-up and hairstyles during production or performance

Requirements

  • Creativity and artistic talent, especially in make-up and hair design
  • A sense for colors, shapes, and aesthetics
  • Manual dexterity and fine motor skills
  • Resilience and flexibility, as working hours are often irregular and work is performed under pressure
  • Teamwork skills and good communication abilities
  • Interest in film, theater, fashion, and art
  • A secondary school leaving certificate (e.g., Realschulabschluss) is often preferred

Career prospects

  1. 1Specialization in specific areas such as special effects, prosthetics, or beauty make-up
  2. 2Working as a freelance make-up artist for various productions or clients
  3. 3Advancement to Head Make-up Artist (Maskenbildnerische Leitung) in theater, film, or television
  4. 4Working as a trainer or lecturer at a make-up artist school
  5. 5Self-employment with your own studio or as a mobile service

Open positions

There are no open positions in this career right now. New positions come in several times a day.

Browse all positions

Frequently asked questions

Answers from our data on salary, length, German level and open positions.

How much do you earn in a Make-up Artist (Stage, Film, TV) Ausbildung in Germany?

Usually 800 to 1,100 € a month. Pay rises with each year of training; the company sets the exact amount.

What German level do I need for a Make-up Artist (Stage, Film, TV) Ausbildung?

Usually B2 German is enough. It is a guideline: some companies ask for more, some accept less.

What are the requirements for a Make-up Artist (Stage, Film, TV) Ausbildung?

Creativity and artistic talent, especially in make-up and hair design; A sense for colors, shapes, and aesthetics; Manual dexterity and fine motor skills; Resilience and flexibility, as working hours are often irregular and work is performed under pressure.

Where can I find open Make-up Artist (Stage, Film, TV) Ausbildung positions?

There are no open positions right now. New positions come in several times a day.

How to apply as a Make-up Artist (Stage, Film, TV)

Create your German CV, no account needed. Then apply to one of the open positions.

Career information is based on BERUFENET by the Federal Employment Agency.