South Carolina offers one of the best rebate programs for film and television production companies in the nation, out of recognition of the economic boost this industry can bring to the state. Whether you are interested in pursing your artistic dreams as the go-to makeup artist for film production companies, performing arts troupes, or clients in beauty salons, South Carolina has a venue for you. In fact, Charleston plays host to America’s premier performing arts festival, lasting over 17 days and featuring more than 100 performances.
In addition to the exciting makeup artistry opportunities that are currently available across South Carolina, you can start your career in this state with confidence knowing that business leaders and government officials are continuing to make a commitment to attracting arts and entertainment – two key industries for makeup artists.
To work as a makeup artist in South Carolina you will need to become licensed by the state’s Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation in conjunction with the South Carolina Board of Cosmetology. Once you have earned your license, sky’s the limit as you start off in your new career.
Qualifying to Become a Makeup Artist in South Carolina
You will need to obtain either of the following licenses to become a makeup artist in South Carolina:
- Esthetician license – requires an approved course of study that is at least 450 hours
- Cosmetologist License – requires an approved course of study that is at least 1,500 hours
As an esthetician you can provide services that relate to the application of makeup and skin care. As a cosmetologist you can provide multiple cosmetology services, such as those provided by an esthetician as well as a nail technician, hairdresser, and hairstylist.
Therefore the educational training you receive that pertains to makeup will be similar, and include classes that cover topics like:
- Eyelash and eyebrow makeup
- Blushes and foundational makeup
- Makeup application techniques and strategies
- Correctional makeup
- Lipsticks and lip glosses
- Sanitation, cleanliness, hygiene, and infection control
You must complete your makeup artist school program to qualify for an esthetician or cosmetologist license. The school you attend must be approved by the state’s Board of Cosmetology. Once you have earned one of these licenses you will be prepared to begin your new career as a makeup artist.
Career Opportunities as a Makeup Artist in South Carolina
As a makeup artist in South Carolina you will find many opportunities to excel in your craft and expand your clientele.
Beauty Salons in South Carolina
You may find your calling as a makeup artist to be in one of the state’s beauty salons or spas. This field is one of the largest providers of makeup artist jobs in South Carolina. In this capacity you can work for an employer or branch out on your own by submitting a Salon License Application with the state’s Board of Cosmetology. Once your salon license is granted you can work as an independent business owner inside an existing facility, or open your own establishment.
If you work in this field you will no doubt be familiar with some of the state’s best-known spas and beauty salons:
- Seven Doors Salon in Columbia
- Travis Bernard Douglas Salon in Columbia
- Tillman Salon in Columbia
- Strawberry Blonde Salon and Boutique in Charleston and Mount Pleasant
- Vanity Salon in Mount Pleasant
- Movay Salon and Spa in Rock Hill
South Carolina’s Film Industry
The film industry is one of the top employers of makeup artists in the nation. South Carolina has a long history of film appearances, with some of the more recognizable features including:
- Deliverance
- Lolita
- Sleeping with the Enemy
- Die Hard with a Vengeance
- Forrest Gump
- GI Jane
- Rules of Engagement
- The Prince of Tides
In support of its film and television industry, South Carolina offers one of the best incentive rebate programs in the nation. You may want to consider checking on job opportunities with any of the state’s locally-based production studios:
- Photoelectric in Greenville
- Enigma Film Production in Greenwood
- Familiar Faces in Mount Pleasant
- Genesis Studios in Cayce near Columbia
- Studio Charleston
Performance and Stage Arts
As a makeup artist you may also be interested in pursuing employment with some of the state’s leading performing arts companies, including dance troupes and theatre guilds. South Carolina is home to a disproportionately high number of these professional groups:
- South Carolina Shakespeare Company in Columbia
- Workshop Theatre of South Carolina in Columbia
- Columbia City Ballet
- Columbia City Jazz Dance Company
- Palmetto Opera in Columbia
- Columbia Choral Society
- Alternacirque in Columbia
- Dock Street Theatre, home of the Charleston Stage Company
- Woolfe Street Playhouse, home of the Village Repertory Company
- Footlight Players in Charleston
- Theatre 99 in Charleston
- Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre in Charleston
Promoting the Arts in South Carolina
In addition to permanent beauty salons, spas, dance companies, theatre troupes, and media production companies, South Carolina also does its parts to support the performing, film, and theatre arts by hosting annual festivals. As a makeup artist, you can benefit from gigs at these festivals as well as additional business that is attracted to settle in the state.
- Indie Grits Festival in Columbia – originally a film festival, now attracts a wider artistic audience
- Eau Claire Renaissance Faire – taking place in Colubia’s trendy Eau Claire neighborhood, costumes and makeup artistry play a key role in this event
- Spoleto Festival USA in Charletston – a 17-day performing arts festival that is recognized as one of America’s top festivals of its kind
- Charleston Fashion Week – a key event, especially for makeup artists in the greater Charleston area
- Charleston International Film Festival
- Underexposed Film Festival YC in Rock Hill
- Lowcountry Indie Shorts Festival in North Charleston