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How a makeup artist (theatrical and performance) can use AI, task by task

O*NET 39-5091.00: Makeup Artists, Theatrical and PerformanceMedian pay $97,150/year (BLS, May 2025)22 tasksJob Zone 3: Medium preparation

Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

Your job title Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Commercial Makeup Artist (Commercial MUA), Hair and Makeup Designer, Makeup Artist (MUA), Prosthetic Makeup Designer, Special Effects Makeup Artist (Special Effects MUA), Special Makeup Effects Artist, TV and Film Makeup Artist (Television and Film Makeup Artist).

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 5%AI-assist 41%Stays human 54%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 1 AI-ready, 11 AI-assist and 10 human-led tasks out of 22. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork

Thinking & planning

People & communication

Leading & teaching

Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

Analyze a script, noting events that affect each character's appearance, so that plans can be made for each scene.Read & digest · Weekly
Confer with stage or motion picture officials and performers to determine desired effects.Coordinate & message · Daily
Write makeup sheets and take photos to document specific looks and the products used to achieve the looks.Write it up · Daily

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

Clean supplies such as makeup brushes.Hands-on work · Several times a day
Apply makeup to enhance or alter the appearance of people appearing in productions such as movies.Hands-on care · Daily
Alter or maintain makeup during productions as necessary to compensate for lighting changes or to achieve continuity of effect.Hands-on care · Daily

Skills to build & where you could move ↓

AI can draft these 1

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Write makeup sheets and take photos to document specific looks and the products used to achieve the looks.

Daily

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a makeup artist (theatrical and performance). Part of my job is to write makeup sheets and take photos to document specific looks and the products used to achieve the looks.

Report: [institutional data, project documents]
Data: [paste]

Draft the report with summary and tables. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Operational report

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you write makeup sheets (today).

Step 2Fill in [Report] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare operational reports or records..

AI can help you prep these 11

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Analyze a script, noting events that affect each character's appearance, so that plans can be made for each scene.

Weekly

AI gives you a first-pass summary; you still read the key parts.

Show prompt & steps

AI can pull out the key points and questions to look for. Use it as a first pass, then look closely yourself.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a makeup artist (theatrical and performance). Part of my job is to analyze a script, noting events that affect each character's appearance, so that plans can be made for each scene.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Production details: [paste the script pages, scene list or brief: period, setting, characters]
Constraints: [budget, quick changes, performer needs]

List every character with the costume and makeup looks they need, scene by scene. Flag quick changes, period details to research and anything the script implies but doesn't say.

10-minute exercise: Pull costume and makeup needs from a production

Step 1Take the script or scene list for your current or next production.

Step 2Paste it into [Production details] and add real limits in [Constraints].

Step 3Check the list against one scene you know well. Did it catch the quick changes and period details?

Remove names and private details before pasting, and check your employer's rules on what you can share with AI tools.

Importance 4.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Review production information to determine costume or makeup requirements..

Confer with stage or motion picture officials and performers to determine desired effects.

Daily

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a makeup artist (theatrical and performance). Part of my job is to confer with stage or motion picture officials and performers to determine desired effects.

Context: We use Twitter.
Production: [show, film]
Departments: [costume, makeup, design]

Draft questions and decisions to agree. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Production details meeting

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you confer with stage or motion picture officials and performers (today).

Step 2Fill in [Production] and [Departments] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with others to determine production details..

Study production information, such as character descriptions, period settings, and situations, to determine makeup requirements.

Daily

AI gives you a first-pass summary; you still read the key parts.

Show prompt & steps

AI can pull out the key points and questions to look for. Use it as a first pass, then look closely yourself.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a makeup artist (theatrical and performance). Part of my job is to study production information, such as character descriptions, period settings, and situations, to determine makeup requirements.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Production details: [paste the script pages, scene list or brief: period, setting, characters]
Constraints: [budget, quick changes, performer needs]

List every character with the costume and makeup looks they need, scene by scene. Flag quick changes, period details to research and anything the script implies but doesn't say.

10-minute exercise: Pull costume and makeup needs from a production

Step 1Take the script or scene list for your current or next production.

Step 2Paste it into [Production details] and add real limits in [Constraints].

Step 3Check the list against one scene you know well. Did it catch the quick changes and period details?

Remove names and private details before pasting, and check your employer's rules on what you can share with AI tools.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Review production information to determine costume or makeup requirements..

Evaluate environmental characteristics, such as venue size and lighting plans, to determine makeup requirements.

Weekly

AI gives you a first-pass summary; you still read the key parts.

Show prompt & steps

AI can pull out the key points and questions to look for. Use it as a first pass, then look closely yourself.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a makeup artist (theatrical and performance). Part of my job is to evaluate environmental characteristics, such as venue size and lighting plans, to determine makeup requirements.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Production details: [paste the script pages, scene list or brief: period, setting, characters]
Constraints: [budget, quick changes, performer needs]

List every character with the costume and makeup looks they need, scene by scene. Flag quick changes, period details to research and anything the script implies but doesn't say.

10-minute exercise: Pull costume and makeup needs from a production

Step 1Take the script or scene list for your current or next production.

Step 2Paste it into [Production details] and add real limits in [Constraints].

Step 3Check the list against one scene you know well. Did it catch the quick changes and period details?

Remove names and private details before pasting, and check your employer's rules on what you can share with AI tools.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Review production information to determine costume or makeup requirements..

Establish budgets, and work within budgetary limits.

Weekly

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a makeup artist (theatrical and performance). Part of my job is to establish budgets, and work within budgetary limits.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and Clear Books; the work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Business: [spa, venue, operation]
Figures: [paste revenue, expenses, targets]

Build a budget with targets and variance formulas. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Service business budget

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you establish budgets (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Business] and [Figures] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest. Recompute every total yourself.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Manage budgets for personal services operations..

Examine sketches, photographs, and plaster models to obtain desired character image depiction.

Weekly

AI gives you a first-pass summary; you still read the key parts.

Show prompt & steps

AI can pull out the key points and questions to look for. Use it as a first pass, then look closely yourself.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a makeup artist (theatrical and performance). Part of my job is to examine sketches, photographs, and plaster models to obtain desired character image depiction.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Production details: [paste the script pages, scene list or brief: period, setting, characters]
Constraints: [budget, quick changes, performer needs]

List every character with the costume and makeup looks they need, scene by scene. Flag quick changes, period details to research and anything the script implies but doesn't say.

10-minute exercise: Pull costume and makeup needs from a production

Step 1Take the script or scene list for your current or next production.

Step 2Paste it into [Production details] and add real limits in [Constraints].

Step 3Check the list against one scene you know well. Did it catch the quick changes and period details?

Remove names and private details before pasting, and check your employer's rules on what you can share with AI tools.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Review production information to determine costume or makeup requirements..

Requisition or acquire needed materials for special effects, including wigs, beards, and special cosmetics.

Weekly

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a makeup artist (theatrical and performance). Part of my job is to requisition or acquire needed materials for special effects, including wigs, beards, and special cosmetics.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and Clear Books.
What I need: [parts, lab supplies, materials]
Stock and usage: [current levels, how fast we use them]
Suppliers: [who we buy from]

Make an order list with quantities, a reorder-point table and a requisition template. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Ordering supplies

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you requisition or acquire needed materials (this week).

Step 2Fill in [What I need], [Stock and usage] and [Suppliers] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check part numbers and approvals before placing the order.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Order materials, supplies, or equipment..

Demonstrate products to clients, and provide instruction in makeup application.

Daily

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a makeup artist (theatrical and performance). Part of my job is to demonstrate products to clients, and provide instruction in makeup application.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Technique or equipment: [describe]
Audience: [describe]

Plan a demonstration and practice. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Demonstrate a technique

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you demonstrate products (today). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Technique or equipment] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 3.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Demonstrate activity techniques or equipment use.. Also involves: Teach health or hygiene practices..

Design rubber or plastic prostheses that can be used to change performers' appearances.

Monthly

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a makeup artist (theatrical and performance). Part of my job is to design rubber or plastic prostheses that can be used to change performers' appearances.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Autodesk Maya; the work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Character or client: [describe]
Requirements: [period, style, budget]

Generate design concepts with materials and references. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Costume or look concepts

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you design rubber or plastic prostheses.

Step 2Fill in [Character or client] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Design costumes or cosmetic effects for characters..

Create character drawings or models, based upon independent research, to augment period production files.

Monthly

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a makeup artist (theatrical and performance). Part of my job is to create character drawings or models, based upon independent research, to augment period production files.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Autodesk Maya; the work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Character or client: [describe]
Requirements: [period, style, budget]

Generate design concepts with materials and references. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Costume or look concepts

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you create character drawings or models and based upon independent.

Step 2Fill in [Character or client] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Design costumes or cosmetic effects for characters..

Advise hairdressers on the hairstyles required for character parts.

Monthly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a makeup artist (theatrical and performance). Part of my job is to advise hairdressers on the hairstyles required for character parts.

Context: We use Twitter.
Production: [show, film]
Departments: [costume, makeup, design]

Draft questions and decisions to agree. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Production details meeting

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you advise hairdressers.

Step 2Fill in [Production] and [Departments] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 3.2/5 · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with others to determine production details..

These stay human 10

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Physical closeness to others: very close (near touching) · Face-to-face discussions: every day · Contact with others: constant contact with others · Using hands on tools and objects: more than half the time

Clean supplies such as makeup brushes.

Several times a day

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a makeup artist (theatrical and performance). Part of my job is to clean supplies such as makeup brushes.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Equipment: [rides, gym, supplies]
Disinfectant: [product]

List steps, contact times and PPE. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Equipment cleaning and disinfecting

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you clean supplies.

Step 2Fill in [Equipment] and [Disinfectant] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 5.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Clean equipment or supplies.. Also involves: Clean tools or equipment..

Apply makeup to enhance or alter the appearance of people appearing in productions such as movies.

Daily

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can help around the care: plain-language explanations for patients, study and revision, checklists and paperwork drafts. Use only tools your employer has approved for health information.

Prep prompt

I work as a makeup artist (theatrical and performance). Part of my job is to apply makeup to enhance or alter the appearance of people appearing in productions such as movies.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Look: [natural, event, restorative]
Skin factors: [tone, condition]

List products, sequence and techniques. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Makeup application plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you apply makeup (today).

Step 2Fill in [Look] and [Skin factors] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Apply makeup to alter or enhance appearance..

Alter or maintain makeup during productions as necessary to compensate for lighting changes or to achieve continuity of effect.

Daily

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as a makeup artist (theatrical and performance). Part of my job is to alter or maintain makeup during productions as necessary to compensate for lighting changes or to achieve continuity of effect.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Look: [natural, event, restorative]
Skin factors: [tone, condition]

List products, sequence and techniques. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Makeup application plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you alter or maintain makeup (today).

Step 2Fill in [Look] and [Skin factors] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Apply makeup to alter or enhance appearance..

Select desired makeup shades from stock, or mix oil, grease, and coloring to achieve specific color effects.

Daily

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as a makeup artist (theatrical and performance). Part of my job is to select desired makeup shades from stock, or mix oil, grease, and coloring to achieve specific color effects.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Look: [natural, event, restorative]
Skin factors: [tone, condition]

List products, sequence and techniques. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Makeup application plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you select desired makeup shades (today).

Step 2Fill in [Look] and [Skin factors] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Apply makeup to alter or enhance appearance..

Duplicate work precisely to replicate characters' appearances on a daily basis.

Daily

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as a makeup artist (theatrical and performance). Part of my job is to duplicate work precisely to replicate characters' appearances on a daily basis.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Look: [natural, event, restorative]
Skin factors: [tone, condition]

List products, sequence and techniques. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Makeup application plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you duplicate work precisely (today).

Step 2Fill in [Look] and [Skin factors] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Apply makeup to alter or enhance appearance..

Assess performers' skin type to ensure that makeup will not cause break-outs or skin irritations.

Daily

Your accountable call. Use AI as a sounding board beforehand.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI as a sounding board before you decide. Ask it to argue the other side, list what you might be overlooking, or organize the evidence.

Prep prompt

I work as a makeup artist (theatrical and performance). Part of my job is to assess performers' skin type to ensure that makeup will not cause break-outs or skin irritations.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Setting: [salon, surgical, clinic]
What I assess: [skin integrity, hair type, scalp]

List what to look for, contraindications, and how to explain findings to clients. Argue the strongest case against my current view and list what extra information would change the decision. I make the final call.

10-minute exercise: Skin or hair assessment guide

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you assess performers' skin type (today).

Step 2Fill in [Setting] and [What I assess] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Use the explanation with your next client.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Assess skin or hair conditions..

Cleanse and tone the skin to prepare it for makeup application.

Daily

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as a makeup artist (theatrical and performance). Part of my job is to cleanse and tone the skin to prepare it for makeup application.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Service: [shampoo, cleansing]
Client factors: [hair or skin type, sensitivities]

List products, technique and comfort checks. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Wash and condition routine

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you cleanse tone the skin (today).

Step 2Fill in [Service] and [Client factors] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check product suitability and allergies with the client.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Apply cleansing or conditioning agents to client hair, scalp, or skin..

Provide performers with makeup removal assistance after performances have been completed.

Daily

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as a makeup artist (theatrical and performance). Part of my job is to provide performers with makeup removal assistance after performances have been completed.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Look: [natural, event, restorative]
Skin factors: [tone, condition]

List products, sequence and techniques. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Makeup application plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you provide performers (today).

Step 2Fill in [Look] and [Skin factors] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Apply makeup to alter or enhance appearance..

Attach prostheses to performers and apply makeup to create special features or effects, such as scars, aging, or illness.

Weekly

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as a makeup artist (theatrical and performance). Part of my job is to attach prostheses to performers and apply makeup to create special features or effects, such as scars, aging, or illness.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Look: [natural, event, restorative]
Skin factors: [tone, condition]

List products, sequence and techniques. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Makeup application plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you attach prostheses (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Look] and [Skin factors] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Apply makeup to alter or enhance appearance..

Wash and reset wigs.

Monthly

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as a makeup artist (theatrical and performance). Part of my job is to wash and reset wigs.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Piece: [wig, hairpiece]
Style: [client request]

List cutting, setting and finishing steps. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Wig or hairpiece styling

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you wash and reset wigs.

Step 2Fill in [Piece] and [Style] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Confirm the look with the client before the final cut.

Importance 3.0/5 · O*NET work activity: Groom wigs or hairpieces..

Get the full prompt pack for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

Every task, prompt and 10-minute exercise on this page in one PDF, formatted to print or keep on your desktop. Free.

Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

Active Listeningimportance 3.5/5
Used in: Getting Information
Critical Thinkingimportance 3.2/5
Used in: Getting Information
Reading Comprehensionimportance 3.6/5
Used in: Getting Information
Writingimportance 2.9/5
Used in: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Where you could move

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New tasks appearing in this job

O*NET has started tracking 1 new or updated task here: 0 AI-ready, 0 AI-assist, 1 stays human. They have no worker ratings yet, so they aren't counted in the bar above.

Clean and sanitize supplies, such as makeup brushes.

New in O*NET

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a makeup artist (theatrical and performance). Part of my job is to clean and sanitize supplies, such as makeup brushes.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Equipment: [rides, gym, supplies]
Disinfectant: [product]

List steps, contact times and PPE. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Equipment cleaning and disinfecting

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you clean and sanitize supplies.

Step 2Fill in [Equipment] and [Disinfectant] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Updated O*NET task (08/2025), replacing: “Clean supplies such as makeup brushes.”. O*NET work activity: Clean equipment or supplies.. Also involves: Clean tools or equipment..

Getting into this job

High school diploma is most common (33% of workers)

High school or less 43%
Certificate or some college 38%
Associate's 5%
Bachelor's 10%
Graduate degree 5%

On-the-job training: up to 1 month
Related experience: 1–2 years

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

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