Make-up artists can be well-paying occupations, especially in the modeling and photography world, when one has garnered a sufficient reputation. This is due to the ability to display a face to its full potential as well as establish a working relationship with the actor, photographer or person being worked on. Make-up artists can receive their training in several different ways; they can intern at a theater, they can assist a working make-up artist, or they can attend a school dedicated to make-up artistry. Make-up artists are primarily self-employed (freelancers), but they may also be represented by an agency, or employed by a production company.

However, it must be mentioned that Make-up Artists in general upon starting out spend several years working for limited pay, TFCD/TF or "testing" to build a network of contacts that will assist in securing future work.