Beyond Bridal: The Many Faces of a Makeup Career

Let me set the record straight: I am a successful makeup artist, and I don’t do bridal. There, I said it! And guess what? I’ve built an incredible career without having to wake up at 4am, drive 3 hours into the countryside and blindly enter the chaos. While bridal makeup is a fantastic career path for many, and a lot of makeup artists’ “bread and butter”, makeup artistry is so much bigger than wedding bells and ‘I dos.’

With 12 years in the industry, multiple awards, and a thriving makeup studio in the heart of Paddington, Brisbane, I’ve dipped my brushes into nearly every facet of makeup artistry. And let me tell you—there’s a whole world out there beyond bridal. If you’re an aspiring makeup artist, an established pro looking to switch things up, or interested in learning something new, here’s a little insider look at the many paths this incredible industry has to offer.

One piece of advice that has been given to me many times, and never felt right to me, is to ‘find your niche’ and stick to it. But my question is, with such a diverse and wonderful industry, why do I only have to stick to one niche thing? Why can’t I develop my skills and become the best I can in all aspects of makeup? The answer is simple. You can! If you have a spicy brain like me, and love doing something different every single day, then makeup artistry is for you.

Fashion & Editorial: Where Art Meets Avant-Garde

One of my all-time favourite parts of my industry is working in fashion. If you love bold, boundary-pushing looks and the fast-paced energy of runways, fashion makeup is your playground. I’ve worked at Australian Fashion Week, Melbourne fashion week, and on countless fashion photoshoots throughout my career. One minute, you’re painting neon streaks across a model’s face for a high-fashion concept, and the next, you’re creating the ultimate ‘no-makeup makeup’ for a catwalk. Fashion is exciting, creative, and full of high-pressure moments—perfect for artists who love the adrenaline rush.

E-Commerce: The Secret Behind Those Flawless Photos

Online shopping is huge, and every product image you see has a team of professionals behind it—including a makeup artist. E-commerce makeup might not sound as flashy as a magazine cover, but it requires precision. Skin needs to look real, products need to be showcased properly, and everything has to be consistent across hundreds of images. It’s a great way to build steady, well-paying work in the industry while mastering the art of subtle perfection.

Events & Celebrity: Red Carpets and Private Clients

From music videos to VIP events, working with celebrities and private clients is an entirely different ball game. There’s no room for mistakes when someone’s about to step in front of thousands of flashing cameras. I’ve had the pleasure of working with high-profile clients who need to look flawless under every possible lighting condition. The best part? The stories! (But, of course, what happens in the chair stays in the chair!)

Film & TV: Making Magic on Screen

Ever wondered why actors look effortlessly perfect on screen? That’s the work of a skilled makeup artist. Film and TV makeup is all about longevity, HD perfection, and continuity. You might spend hours crafting the same look every single day for weeks. And let’s not forget special effects—making someone look bruised, aged, or even like a creature from another world. It’s a mix of artistry, patience, and technical skill.

Creative & SFX: The Playground for Imagination

Now, this is where my heart truly lies! From avant-garde beauty to out-of-this-world character creations, creative makeup allows for full artistic expression. I’ve painted models from head to toe, created fantasy creatures, and pushed the limits of what’s possible with makeup. Whether it’s for music videos, stage performances, or content creation, this field is for those who love transforming people into living pieces of art.

Body Painting: When Skin Becomes the Canvas

Speaking of transformation—body painting is an art form in itself. I’ve worked on projects where models are turned into living illusions, walking optical tricks, or even painted to blend into landscapes. It takes patience, skill, and an understanding of anatomy, but the final result is always jaw-dropping. If you love the idea of turning people into something extraordinary, body painting is a path worth exploring.

Making It as a Makeup Artist: Choose Your Own Adventure

The beauty of this career is that you don’t have to fit into one box. You can be a hybrid artist, picking and choosing what excites you. One day you’re on set for a fashion shoot, the next, you’re creating a wild body-painting masterpiece, and the day after that, you’re perfecting a celebrity’s glam before a red-carpet event. The possibilities are endless.

If you’re dreaming of a career in makeup artistry, know that there are so many avenues beyond the traditional paths. Follow your passion, experiment, and don’t be afraid to carve out your own unique space in this industry. And remember—you don’t have to do bridal if you don’t want to!

Thanks so much Mocha Beauty readers for listening in, and if you’ve enjoyed this article introducing you to my world, then stay tuned for the next issue as I’ll be diving headfirst into the world of makeup artistry.

@jabbasmakeup