Nearly 30% of make-up artists are concerned about job displacement from AI
New research from Online Makeup Academy has revealed how make-up artists feel about artificial intelligence (AI), with 29.6% stating they feel concerns about job displacement and loss of personalisation.
The research, which surveyed 46,384 makeup professionals, has shown a mixed sentiment among make-up artists, as, despite 29.6% being open about their concerns, 39.7% expressed optimism about AI as a tool for efficiency and creativity.
A smaller percentage (9.7%) remains neutral or undecided, indicating the need for further research and exploration.
Perhaps surprisingly, a significant proportion (59.9%) actively monitor AI and economic developments, highlighting the importance of staying informed and adaptable in this evolving landscape.
When it comes to the best strategies for adapting to AI, 49.6% of respondents have honed their specialised skills and personalised services to differentiate themselves from AI-driven alternatives.
Additionally, 29.8% have broadened their skills into editorial and fashion consulting, catering to specific niche markets.
Just under half (44.9%) of makeup artists recognise that AI still cannot reproduce the creativity and artistry required in their profession, enabling them to leverage their unique strengths and provide a human touch that AI cannot replicate.
The research also touched on economic challenges make-up artists are facing, with 59.8% experiencing a downturn in service demand, and 44.6% having to reduce prices in an effort to bring in more clients.
Interestingly, a small percentage (5.3%) of makeup artists have increased their rates, possibly to position themselves as high-end providers and target a niche market.
The findings emphasize the importance of adaptation, differentiation, continuous learning, and technology adoption for MUAs, as make-up artists can use these insights to refine their business strategies, enhance their offerings, and position themselves as valuable experts in the face of economic challenges and AI disruptions.