Thanks to a number of incentives recently passed in Arkansas it’s easy to see why makeup artists here are enjoying a host of professional opportunities – from salon services and wedding makeup, to performing arts and even within healthcare settings.
The performing arts are a particularly exciting area in which to work as a makeup artist in Arkansas – from the Broadway series of the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville to the community theater groups in Springdale, Rogers, and Siloam Springs. Add to that the film industry in Arkansas, which, according to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, is “in a good position to attract and develop more movie projects.”
One of the newest blockbusters to come out of Arkansas, Mud, which was written and directed by Arkansas native Jeff Nichols, earned more than $8.5 million at the box office in its first few weeks. With this increase in national attention, Arkansas and the individuals employed in the creative industries, such as makeup artists, are enjoying the economic perks of a flourishing film industry.
Because makeup application falls under the professional field of aesthetics, you must be licensed as an aesthetician through the Arkansas Department of Health’s Cosmetology Section in order to become a makeup artist in Arkansas.
Qualifying to Become a Makeup Artist in Arkansas
An aesthetician is defined by the Department of Health as a professional who engages in the practice of beautifying the body using the hands, devices, apparatus, or appliances with or without the use of cosmetic preparations, tonics, lotions, creams, and antiseptics.
This means that as a licensed aesthetician, you will be able to legally perform makeup artistry services for your clients, as well as a host of other skincare services.
The first step to an aesthetician license in Arkansas is the completion of a comprehensive course of aesthetics through an approved school of aesthetics or cosmetology. The Department of Health requires a program of at least 600 practice hours.
An approved program of aesthetics must include at least 50 hours of makeup artistry, which includes covers:
- Cosmetic color theory
- Warm and cool colors
- Different cosmetics and uses
- Makeup products
Upon completing an aesthetics program, you must apply for licensure with the Arkansas Department of Health and take and pass both a practical and written examination. To qualify for an aesthetics license in Arkansas, you must be at least 16 years old and have completed the 10th grade.
You can read more about the application and examination process for aesthetician licensure in Arkansas here.
Once you have earned an aesthetician license in Arkansas so as to practice makeup artistry, you must maintain it by renewing it on your birthday every other year.
Professional Opportunities for Makeup Artists in Arkansas
Most makeup artists in Arkansas work as freelancers (independent contractors), which allows them to serve clients in the fashion, television and film production, salon and spa, theater, and even medical industries.
You may choose to focus your career on a specific area, such as wedding and special event makeup or theatrical/special effects/3D makeup, or you may choose to keep your options open and market yourself as a general makeup artist.
Many makeup artists also choose to pursue jobs in the retail field in salons, spas, or department stores, while others advance their careers by working for makeup manufacturers or distributors.
Film and Television Production Companies
- Shadowbox Video Productions, Little Rock
- CWP Productions, Little Rock
- B Low Production, Maumelle
- 360˚ Filmworks, Little Rock
Salons and Spas
- Accents Salon Spa, Bentonville
- Brieshi Salon and Spa, Rogers
- Pure, the Salon and Spa, Bentonville
- New Moon Spa and Salon, Eureka Springs
- Ablution Day Spa and Salon, Hot Springs
Theater Production Companies
- Arkansas Repertory Theater, Little Rock
- Arkansas Shakespeare Theater, Conway
- TheatreSquared, Fayetteville