Description
Design, fabricate, and apply prosthetic appliances and special-effects makeup to transform performers in line with character, period, setting, and production requirements.
- • Confer with directors, designers, and performers to define prosthetic and special-effects makeup goals.
- • Analyze scripts and breakdowns to plan prosthetic needs and continuity for each scene.
- • Design characters and prosthetic concepts through sketches, maquettes, or digital models.
- • Create lifecasts of performers to ensure accurate fit of appliances.
- • Sculpt, mold, and cast prosthetic appliances in materials such as silicone, foam latex, or gelatin.
- • Select and mix pigments, encapsulators, and adhesives to achieve specific color and edge effects.
- • Paint and finish prosthetics to match skin tones, textures, and lighting conditions.
- • Apply and blend prosthetic pieces on set, securing seamless transitions with makeup.
- • Attach facial hair, dentures, contact lenses, or other effects elements as part of prosthetic looks.
- • Duplicate looks precisely and maintain detailed continuity notes, face charts, and reference photos.
- • Maintain, repair, and reset prosthetics during shoots to compensate for wear, sweat, and lighting changes.
- • Prep skin safely and perform patch tests to prevent irritation or allergic reactions.
- • Provide safe removal of prosthetics and post-removal skin care for performers.
- • Evaluate venue size, camera formats, and lighting plans to determine durability and detail requirements.
- • Establish budgets and schedules, and manage materials and shop inventory within constraints.
- • Requisition and source specialty materials, hair goods, and special cosmetics for builds.
- • Coordinate designs with hair, costume, stunts, SFX, and VFX to ensure seamless integration.
- • Document builds with makeup sheets, process photos, and mold/appliance labeling for archiving.
- • Train and supervise assistants and set technicians in application, hygiene, and safety protocols.
- • Test and present prototype makeups in fittings and camera tests for director and cinematographer approval.
Related specializations
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Healthcare & Human Services
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
