Anyone can be their own Makeup Artist, but not everyone can turn it into a career.Throughout my eight year career as a professional Makeup Artist, I’ve been asked this question umpteen times: “How do I become a Makeup Artist?”
As I always try to encourage makeup artists, especially in Guyana, I end up sharing and helping as much as I can. Although makeup artistry as a profession is very rewarding, it’s also a very hard industry to break into. You can’t just obtain a degree or certificate, and automatically you’re a makeup artist.
You have to earn your professional status through diligent extensive work. Your portfolio, time management skills, and talent must all be of the highest standards.
Connections and work affiliations must be made at all times. Networking and developing standards for yourself is important, and it’s imperative to show up for all bookings and always perform your best.
Despite popular belief, makeup isn’t like hair. Clients aren’t going to show up every week just to get their makeup done, but they might go to a salon every week to just wash their hair.
Your clients are rare and sparse. Establishing contracts, and appropriate prices for your service is of the utmost importance.
Consider your expertise, and especially your makeup kit.
I was on the phone for over two hours a couple days ago, assisting and encouraging an aspiring Makeup Artist, when she asked me if it were economical to purchase the high end brand foundations for her makeup kit. Yikes!
It’s imperative to think like a business person while pursuing your dreams. You have to know your market and the economy. You also have to be wise with your investment. The market always dictates prices, and I’ve said before that no makeup artist should charge less than US$40.
Everyone will try to beat your price down to the ground; ask any independent contractor. You have to be steadfast, and always act wisely.
Just the other day, I had a young client who asked my price, someone who because of affiliation, I foolishly assumed she’d know, even though it was the first time we worked together. It wasn’t until after the work was done, that she popped the question like any new client. She then proceeded to fret about cost. I apologized for my ignorance. However, in less than 15 seconds, she paid the exact amount in cold hard cash. Don’t let people make a mockery of you and your work. For someone who claimed to not have it, it somehow magically appeared. There are many different conclusions that can be drawn from that scenario, but I’ll let your artistic juices flow.
Being a makeup artist is no easy task. Like any other profession, you must be realistic, understand your value, and be industrious. Clients don’t fall from the sky, but you also can’t please everyone.
As a makeup artist, you should constantly and consistently educate yourself, beyond YouTube videos. You’re learning as a professional, there is hardly, if any, free education for professional makeup artists. There are many self-training information and makeup tips available to help the average woman apply it on themselves. But if you want to learn to apply makeup on someone else, solve problems, as well as develop versatility, you have to study it. Buy books, attend workshops, and take counsel from other professionals.
Not all professional makeup artists attended a makeup or beauty school, but they all have one common denominator – ART! It’s important to study the background and know where most celebrity, industry professionals got their start. From Pat McGrath to Joyce Bonelli, Mario Dedivanovic to Sam Fine, Arlene Villarule to Kerry Woolford, all calibre have either been artists, have studied art, and grew up in an artistic environment.
Therefore, who really decides whether a girl or boy applying makeup is indeed a professional, without a certificate? There are boards, companies, executives, who determine whether you qualify. Once they have acknowledged your dedication and commitment, you’re in! It goes beyond that supportive friend or family, popularity, talent and a certificate. All of those things are key factors in getting you underway. However it’s not the deciding factor.
Faith has worked wonders for my endeavours, and there are many goals still left to accomplish.
If it’s truly a passion of yours to become a makeup artist, Godspeed!