This feature was produced in collaboration between Vox Creative and BP. Vox Media editorial staff was not involved in the creation or production of this content.

Makeup artists work on fashion shoots and runway shows, but they also create some of the most iconic movie and TV characters. So, what inspires a great movie makeup artist?

The answer is: great movie makeup of the past. It’s an art form with a long history, and convincing movie makeup — including prosthetics and hair and character shading — turns an actor into his/her character, in a way that CGI simply can’t.