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