Body make-up artists use oils, watercolours and other materials to paint people's bodies. They are usually classified as commercial artists, rather than fine artists, because they do not choose their own theme or subject matter in most cases.
Body painting dates back many years to when the Indians and other tribes used paint on their bodies and horses when preparing for battle. Today, body painting is done for various purposes, such as advertising or for museums.
For wax museums, body make-up artists make wax statues which look as much like living human beings as possible. These artists use line, colour, space and other elements to obtain the desired effects.
Body make-up artists need to have good business management skills if they intend to support themselves financially. Most body artists work part-time and have an additional source of income, such as teaching art in their own studios or doing graphic design work on a free-lance basis.
Satisfying Aspects
- creating something that becomes popular and so expands your business
- being creative all the time
- making your own decisions
- working at your own pace and being your own boss
Demanding aspects
- difficult to make a living doing this work full-time
- sometimes dealing with impatient and difficult clients
- working in an uncomfortable position for long periods
Requirements
- artistically inclined
- accurate, with an eye for detail
- enjoy creating new designs
- enjoy working with people
- good eye for colours
- good business sense
School Subjects
No special schooling required
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Visual Arts
Training
In service training is usually provided under the supervision of an experienced body make-up artist
Employer
- art museums
- wax museums
- self-employment
Contact
Artslink.co.za
Tel: 082 230 CALL
Tel: 082 230 2255
Fax: (011) 388-1045
E-mail: info@artslink.co.za
www.artslink.co.za