If you’ve ever wanted to turn your interest in makeup into a career, that goal is certainly attainable. Makeup artists turn Hollywood actors into monsters, clowns, dolls, old women, zombies, and more. The career is a cross between a special effects artist and a cosmetics expert, and if you’re interested in pursuing this goal, then consider the following tips from Hollywood Makeup artist Andrew Clement, who has done special effects makeup for movies such as Thor, Cloverfield, Star Trek, and A Nightmare on Elm Street, among other films.

Practice Makes Perfect

“To become a top makeup artist, you must practice every day,” Clement says. “It must be your first love. You should always be sculpting, drawing, and driving your friends and family crazy, asking them to be your test subjects over and over. It is an extremely competitive field, but if you can make it- it’s the best job in the world.”

In addition to performing professional makeup for motion pictures, Clement also teaches at the Dick Smith Course, which he recommends for aspiring makeup artists. “It’s the only formal makeup training I ever had, and it has been all I have needed,” he says. “It is comprehensive, and inexpensive enough that you can spend more money where you really need it, in equipment and supplies.”

Besides education and practice, Clement adds, “You must also network like crazy. Be outgoing and make friends with anyone and everyone you can in the industry. Be kind and helpful, keep your ego in check, go the extra mile in everything you are asked to do and you can go far.”

Patience Is A Virtue

Even if you consider yourself a makeup pro, you probably won’t succeed as a special effects makeup artist unless you have an abundance of patience.

Creating the makeup for a great character can take weeks of preparation, followed by hours of having the actor in the makeup chair, so be ready to sit still when necessary. Although being a makeup artist offers you flexibility in your work schedule and a range of work locations, it is hard work that requires the utmost professionalism.