Even beyond the salon and wedding industries, where makeup artists are most often found, there are plenty of reasons why it makes sense for makeup artists to pick up their brushes and color palette and head to D.C.
The Office of Motion Picture and Television Development (also known as the DC Film Office) said that Washington D.C. is the “venue of choice” for motion picture and television production, thanks to its “instantly recognizable landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, cultural amenities, and first-class accommodations.” The DC Film Office reports that our nation’s capital continues to draw a variety of projects, from independent and feature films to documentary films and commercials.
In fact, makeup artists here have no shortage of opportunities to work on a wide array of high-profile productions. In 2014 alone, Washington D.C. was the site of many popular television and film productions, such as: “VEEP” (HBO), “Madame Secretary” (CBS), “The Biggest Loser” (NBC), and “The Runner” (Paper Street Films and Back Lot Pictures), just to name a few.
Makeup artists must be licensed as estheticians in Washington D.C through the District of Columbia Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
How to Become a Makeup Artist in Washington D.C
Earning licensure as an esthetician in Washington D.C. allows you to perform a number of skincare therapies and techniques on your clients – a great addition to any makeup artist’s repertoire.
To qualify, you must complete a program in esthetics that is at least 600 clock-hours in duration. In addition to consisting of at least 600 practice hours, the Board approves only programs that include the following classes:
- Advanced topics and treatments
- Basic chemistry and cosmetic ingredients
- Basic facials
- Electricity and facial machines
- Facial massage
- Hair and its growth cycle
- Infection control
- Makeup
- Methods of hair removal
- Physiology and anatomy
- Scope of practice and regulatory rules
- Skin diseases and disorders
- Skin histology
Upon successfully completing an approved program of esthetics, which may be found through a cosmetology school or dedicated school of esthetics, you must apply for licensure and take and pass a written and practical examination, both of which are done through Pearson VUE.
Your esthetician license in Washington D.C. must be maintained in order to continue to practice makeup artistry here. Renewal for esthetician licenses occurs biennially upon the completion of at least 6 continuing education credits.
Master Esthetician Manager License Option
Washington D.C. has a two-tier licensing system for estheticians: a basic esthetician license and a master esthetician manager license. If you want to hold a license as a master esthetician manager in D.C., you must complete another 600 practice hours of training/education through a Board-approved school that offers a master esthetician manager program.
In addition to advanced study in skincare and the sciences, you can expect to receive additional study in makeup machines and learn advanced makeup techniques, body treatments, facials, and facial massages.
Careers in Makeup Artistry in Washington D.C.
In addition to being a hotspot for high-end salons and spas, our nation’s capital is home to a number of production companies that support the growing television and film industries here.
As a makeup artist in D.C., you may choose to focus your talents on the freelance business, where you can offer special event makeup services, or you may choose to settle in and work out of a salon or spa as an employee or independent contractor. You may also choose to focus on theatrical or performance makeup or even start your own makeup artistry business in Washington D.C.
From DuPont Circle and Downtown to Georgetown and beyond, just a few of your options for exploring exciting jobs in makeup artistry in Washington D.C. include:
Esthetics/Makeup Salons and Spas
- Andre Chreky Salon
- The Fountains Day Spa
- George at the Four Seasons Salon
- Hela Spa
- Ilo Day Spa
- Four Seasons Hotel Spa
- Nusta Spa
- Violet Salon
- Isabelle’s Okyo
- Nectar Skin Bar
- Primp Beauty Bar
- Skintelligence
- Bliss Spa at W
- The Spa at the Sports Club L.A.
- Sugar House Day Spa
Production Companies
- Eidolon Films
- 3 Roads Communications
- Maslow Media Group, Inc.
- 522 Productions
- Rock Creek
- Braun Film & Video
- RaffertyWeiss
- Foundation Digital Media