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How exposed to AI is a Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance?

Of the 21 tasks O*NET lists for makeup artists, theatrical and performance, 1 could be done in half the time with a chat window today. 12 cannot be sped up at all. Here is which.

Exposure means published research judged an AI could halve the time a task takes, at the same quality. It does not mean the task stops needing a person. How to read this

Also called
Commercial Makeup Artist (Commercial MUA)Hair and Makeup DesignerMakeup Artist (MUA)Prosthetic Makeup DesignerSpecial Effects Makeup Artist (Special Effects MUA)Special Makeup Effects ArtistTV and Film Makeup Artist (Television and Film Makeup Artist)
Reachable today Needs software built first Cannot be sped up
21
tasks rated for this occupation
14%
hold a degree, from a survey of 21
2k
people do this job in the US
7 of 31
least protected in personal care

Every task, and what AI can do with it

These are O*NET's task statements for this occupation, exactly as written, sorted into the three bands by the ratings behind this report. Nothing has been reworded.

Reachable with a chat window today

1
  • Demonstrate products to clients, and provide instruction in makeup application

Only with software built on top

8
  • Study production information, such as character descriptions, period settings, and situations, to determine makeup requirements
  • Analyze a script, noting events that affect each character's appearance, so that plans can be made for each scene
  • Establish budgets, and work within budgetary limits
  • Write makeup sheets and take photos to document specific looks and the products used to achieve the looks
  • Evaluate environmental characteristics, such as venue size and lighting plans, to determine makeup requirements
  • Examine sketches, photographs, and plaster models to obtain desired character image depiction
  • Advise hairdressers on the hairstyles required for character parts
  • Create character drawings or models, based upon independent research, to augment period production files

Cannot be sped up

12
  • Apply makeup to enhance or alter the appearance of people appearing in productions such as movies
  • Select desired makeup shades from stock, or mix oil, grease, and coloring to achieve specific color effects
  • Duplicate work precisely to replicate characters' appearances on a daily basis
  • Cleanse and tone the skin to prepare it for makeup application
  • Assess performers' skin type to ensure that makeup will not cause break-outs or skin irritations
  • Alter or maintain makeup during productions as necessary to compensate for lighting changes or to achieve continuity of effect
  • Confer with stage or motion picture officials and performers to determine desired effects
  • Provide performers with makeup removal assistance after performances have been completed
  • Requisition or acquire needed materials for special effects, including wigs, beards, and special cosmetics
  • Attach prostheses to performers and apply makeup to create special features or effects, such as scars, aging, or illness
  • Design rubber or plastic prostheses that can be used to change performers' appearances
  • Wash and reset wigs
What this does not say

This is not a prediction about your job

Nobody surveyed an employer. Tasks are counted equally, so a percentage here is a share of the list rather than a share of your week. And the ratings were made in 2023, which makes every figure a floor rather than a ceiling.

It must never be used to select anyone for redundancy. The full limits are here.

Where to go next

This is the standard task list for the title. The useful next question is which of the tasks you actually do should go near AI, and which should not.

Sort your own tasks Read the full report

Exposure ratings from Eloundou, Manning, Mishkin and Rock, GPTs are GPTs: Labor market impact potential of LLMs, Science 384, 1306–1308, 2024, used under the MIT licence. This page includes information from the O*NET Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. People Team AI has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Employment figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.