Look for job postings at funeral homes to find a career in mortuary makeup.If you talk to the funeral home director about the posting, you'll be on the same page about expectations, pay, and time commitment.If you plan on applying for the position, you need to meet the basic requirements.If you want to increase your chances of getting the job, you should get as much experience and mortuary skills as you can.
Step 1: Get the word out about your services.
If you don't have a mortuary makeup artist on staff, leave your business cards at a salon that does.Making connections within the community can lead to referrals, individual jobs, or a full-time position.In highly populated areas, there will be more opportunities for mortuary makeup artist jobs.
Step 2: Reach out to the funeral homes in your area.
Ask your local funeral home director if they need a makeup artist.Job postings are listed on many funeral homes' websites.Ask the funeral home director if they can put you on their list of makeup artists.
Step 3: There is a job posting.
If you want to apply for a mortuary makeup artist job, you have to fill out an online application or go to the funeral home.Attach your contact information, job experience, and references to the application.You have to give the director a copy of your license and show them a portfolio of work.
Step 4: Discuss terms of the job.
If you're interested in the job, you should find out if it's full-time or not.You can be offered contracts on an individual basis.Discuss pay and job expectations with the director.If you're just starting out, the job may start as a contract position.You might be able to negotiate your position once you have a bigger portfolio.
Step 5: Either get your GED or graduate from high school.
Continuation of your education as a mortuary makeup artist is dependent on graduating high school.If you want to apply to mortuary science school, you need to have a high school diploma or GED.You can take science classes such as biology, chemistry or physics.
Step 6: You have to complete your associate's degree.
If you don't want to become a funeral director or embalmer, you'll have to get a degree in beauty therapy.You must complete 1,000 to 1,500 hours of training in makeup, hair, and nails to get your degree.There are courses in desairology.The general courses are for your associate degree.
Step 7: You have to get a state license to work as a hairdresser.
To become licensed in your state, check with it.You'll have to take a licensing examination which includes a written test and a practical test where you can style someone's hair and makeup.Some states have separate exam and license application fees.If you don't pass the exam the first time, you should check with your state to see how many times you can take the test.You can find your state's requirements by checking the American Association of Cosmetology School website.
Step 8: A portfolio is a way to show off your work.
Clear, well-lit pictures of different makeup looks that you have completed, along with some before and after pictures, should be included.Potential employers can still see your skills and strengths, even if you only include pictures of living clients in your portfolio.Your portfolio can either be online or in a physical binder, with the pages tucked into transparent sleeves.
Step 9: In one place, keep all of your paperwork.
Store your application materials in a single place to make it easier to apply for jobs.You should keep a copy of your mortuary science license, paperwork showing immunizations are up-to-date, and your work portfolio.You should bring your file of paperwork with you to any job interviews.
Step 10: Gain experience by volunteering your services.
If you're having a hard time getting a job because of your lack of experience, please tell your friends and family.You can practice your skills if you offer to do their funeral makeup for free.Pick a reference photo and arrange everything with the client.If you already have a lot of experience, you can continue to do this type of work as a way to make money.
Step 11: The mortuary science school has an emphasis on funeral home work.
If you want to increase your chances of getting a mortuary makeup artist job, you should get mortuary qualifications.You can qualify for more mortuary positions by training across a wide range of mortuary skills.Training in multiple mortuary fields will make you a more attractive job candidate at smaller funeral homes where they may not be able to hire a large staff.
Step 12: You can ask to be a mortuary makeup artist.
Since it may be difficult to get experience without landing a job first, contact local mortuary makeup artists and ask if you can learn from them.Most apprenticeships are paid.You'll probably be working with dead bodies if you don't have a license.
Step 13: You have to get on the job training.
Don't worry, you can find a way to get lots of experience.After getting their first job, many mortuary makeup artists have their initial experience.You can still be considered for a mortuary makeup artist position if you have your training and license.Many funeral homes want to train you according to their preferred practices.