Becoming a mortuary makeup artist is a specialized field that requires both experience and training. This is because the job involves preparing the deceased for their final resting place by enhancing their looks for an open casket funeral.
If you have interest in exploring this career path, read on to learn about the skills, education and steps you need to take to become a skilled mortuary makeup artist.
What Does A Mortuary Makeup Artist Do?
Mortuary makeup artists are responsible for ensuring that the deceased look presentable during an open-casket ceremony or viewing. The aim of their work is to make individuals appear as natural as possible which can include smoothing out lines and wrinkles, highlighting facial features, applying foundation over discoloration from embalming fluid. They may also apply special effects make-up such as injuries or wrinkles into these appearances.
Skills Required by Mortuary Makeup Artists
To succeed in this line of work, there are several key skill sets required:
Patience & Precision – Attention to detail is critical when working with clients who cannot move or speak. You will need patience in order to carefully analyze every aspect of your client’s face so that they end up looking just like themselves.
Empathy – In this position dealing with grieving families will be common so empathy towards them and being able to support them during difficult times can result in successful relationship building with both families and coworkers .
Creativity – While it would not be acceptableto use creative techniques on someone’s appearance while alive , but creatively bringing forth calmness via grooming&make up for funerals etc., can help relieve stress at least slightly.
Technical Skills – Applying cosmetics effectively requires knowledge of product application, color theory & basic skin care concepts including sanitation procedures . So before entering into this profession getting comfortable using different types of brushes around false lashes etc. is important.
Education Requirements
Traditionally Associate degree programs in cosmetology offer courses focused solely on mortuary makeup artistry or the funeral service profession. Such an education can help a prospective candidate polish their skills in blending creams and powders, application of cosmetics by studying body composition after embalming,i.e.,post-mortem which is slightly different than live skin.
Hands-On Experience Requirements
The most important experience requirement for a mortuary makeup artist begins with one’s willingness to work along skilled professional Makeup Artists who are already employed as licensed morticians, funeral directors etc. Mentorship under experienced professionals not only helps you get intimate course insights but may also give lead to future employment opportunities.
Entry-level positions such as apprenticeships, however differing regionally or locally within individual funeral homes offer aspirants the chance to learn & upskill on protocols unique to different homes that range from washing bodies post mortem & preparing vigils before funerals.
Getting Certification As A Mortuary Makeup Artist
All states do not require certifications for individuals interested in working as a mortuary makeup artist. However it proves useful in terms of demonstrating that you’ve received a certain level of recognized professionalism indicating an awareness towards Safe Funeral Practices knowledge and Standards,giving valuable industry connections which will increase chances at being hired somewhere.Places offering certification programs include The American Institute Of Funeral Service Education (AIFSE) which has been accrediting institutes since 1942.While personal recommendations matter more than just certificates incase any associations vouches positively for your skill level it will definitely become job game changer .
Compensation For Mortuary Makeup artists
Job earnings by Mortuary Makeup artists varies according to location where they serve ,a city paying higher rates compared ot small town . Additional training courses taken or years put into jobs also effects salaries.Most MMUA’s start around $17-$18 an hour while experienced ones earn upto $30 per hour .In some cases,independent freelance contractors could be making six-figure incomes if good business practices are maintained.
Overall, becoming a mortuary makeup artist is a unique and specialized path, but can be a rewarding journey for individuals who have an interest in fulfilling this important aspect of working with the deceased. The career’s average pay, chance to uphold family dignity during distressing times alongside the opportunity to put creativity within limits will help you continue pursuing it as well .
Becoming a mortuary makeup artist is a specialized field that requires both experience and training. This is because the job involves preparing the deceased for their final resting place by enhancing their looks for an open casket funeral.
Mortuary makeup artists are responsible for ensuring that the deceased look presentable during an open-casket ceremony or viewing. The aim of their work is to make individuals appear as natural as possible which can include smoothing out lines and wrinkles, highlighting facial features, applying foundation over discoloration from embalming fluid. They may also apply special effects make-up such as injuries or wrinkles into these appearances.
To succeed in this line of work, there are several key skill sets required:
Patience & Precision – Attention to detail is critical when working with clients who cannot move or speak. You will need patience in order to carefully analyze every aspect of your client’s face so that they end up looking just like themselves.
Empathy – In this position dealing with grieving families will be common so empathy towards them and being able to support them during difficult times can result in successful relationship building with both families and coworkers .
Creativity – While it would not be acceptableto use creative techniques on someone’s appearance while alive , but creatively bringing forth calmness via grooming&make up for funerals etc., can help relieve stress at least slightly.
Technical Skills – Applying cosmetics effectively requires knowledge of product application, color theory & basic skin care concepts including sanitation procedures . So before entering into this profession getting comfortable using different types of brushes around false lashes etc. is important.
Traditionally Associate degree programs in cosmetology offer courses focused solely on mortuary makeup artistry or the funeral service profession along with hands-on practicum under experienced professionals currently employed within career path one wishes to pursue given time real-world learning happens from interactions,services provided pro actively based on situations & problem-solving .
All states do not require certifications for individuals interested in working as a mortuary makeup artist. However it proves useful in terms of demonstrating that you’ve received a certain level of recognized professionalism indicating an awareness towards Safe Funeral Practices knowledge and Standards,giving valuable industry connections which will increase chances at being hired somewhere.Places offering certification programs include The American Institute Of Funeral Service Education (AIFSE) which has been accrediting institutes since 1942.While personal recommendations matter more than just certificates incase any associations vouches positively for your skill level it will definitely become job game changer .
Most MMUA’s start around $17-$18 an hour while experienced ones earn upto $30 per hour .In some cases,independent freelance contractors could be making six-figure incomes if good business practices are maintained.
Overall, becoming a mortuary makeup artist is a unique and specialized path, but can be a rewarding journey for individuals who have an interest in fulfilling this important aspect of working with the deceased. The career’s average pay, chance to uphold family dignity during distressing times alongside the opportunity to put creativity within limits will help you continue pursuing it as well .”