Photoshoot and screen make-up artist

Work on set for photographers, brands, local productions and film students who book make-up by the day.

A make-up artist applying foundation to a model's face before a photoshoot.
Startup costA$1k to A$5k
Monthly revenueA$400 to A$3.5k
Time needed6+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • A$1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

You do make-up on location or in studios for fashion and product shoots, short films, music videos and corporate video, keeping looks consistent across a shoot day.

Your first three steps

  1. Collaborate on unpaid or low-paid test shoots with local photographers to build a strong portfolio
  2. Create a short rate card and portfolio website, and join local creative and film crew groups online
  3. Contact production companies, student film groups and agencies, and offer to be added to their crew lists
Who pays

Photographers, small brands, production companies, film students and agencies, usually paying per shoot or per day.

How it makes money

A half-day or day rate, sometimes plus a kit fee, with repeat work from producers and photographers who like working with you.

Skills that help
  • Make-up that works under studio lights and on camera
  • Quick touch-ups and staying organised on set
  • Reliable, professional approach when working with crews
Watch out for
  • Public liability insurance, since some productions will ask for proof of cover
  • Irregular work and long days, so it suits a side hustle at first
  • Get a written agreement on rates, hours and cancellations, and check for any unpaid-work risks
  • Check whether you need a Working with Children Check if shoots involve young people, which varies by state
  • Check GST registration once your turnover reaches the threshold

Deep research report · Australia

Everything you need to start: photoshoot and screen make-up artist

Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

  • Startup costs with real prices
  • Licences, registration and rules
  • Pricing: what others charge
  • Break-even example
  • Finding your first customers
  • 30-day launch plan
  • Risks and how to reduce them
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start as a photoshoot and film make-up artist?

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the kit and range of products you need for on-camera work. These are estimates, so budget for your kit and insurance before you start.

How much can a screen make-up artist earn?

Monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $3,500, depending on how many shoots and days you book. Work is irregular with long days, so it can suit a side hustle at first. These are estimates only.

What should I check before taking on shoots and productions?

Check public liability insurance, since some productions ask for proof of cover. Get a written agreement on rates, hours and cancellations, and watch for unpaid-work risks. Check Working with Children Check rules, which vary by state, and GST registration.

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