Being a Freelance Makeup Artist
Fashion and make up have always gone hand in hand. Being the person behind the beautiful transformation of another human being can be a uniquely rewarding experience. Yet as with any skill, the application of makeup takes time, effort and education.
- Know what you want. There are a great many aspects to make up artistry and knowing where you fit in terms of enjoyment, satisfaction, pay and market saturation is important. Creating looks for photographic shoots, working with bridal parties or creating special effects and providing services to those in front of the television camera are just a few of the choices. Think about the kind of people you want to work with and the environment you’d be most happy in and pursue your education with that course in mind.
- Get educated. There are a number of fashion and makeup artistry education options open to you. University’s offer the most comprehensive programs backed with solid training and a BA degree that guarantees a foot in the door and that people will take you seriously. Additionally, universities often work in partnerships with large industry standard makeup companies like MAC and can provide master classes on how to develop your skills using leading industry products. Additionally, you can follow up your college education by attending continuing education training events to learn the latest tips, tricks and trends.
- Invest in the right tools. You get what you pay for. Shelling out the money for industry standard equipment can be an expensive process as you will need makeup, primers, foundations, brushes and so forth and can take time. However, save up and spend your money wisely where it counts. Brushes are the heart and soul of a makeup artist’s toolbox. Get sets that are high in quality and that with proper care, will last you a couple of years.
- Build your portfolio. Let no face or look you design be wasted. Always photograph a successful project to remind yourself how you did it. Later, when you have the opportunity to work with photographers, recreate that look for their shoot and request head shot prints of your work as part of your compensation. When you first start out, working for free is fairly common and teaming up with photographers’ means you will have professional looking head shots to fill your makeup portfolio. Your portfolio is what ultimately brings in your paying customers so having a professional look is vital to your interests.
- Find your spot. Styling salons are always a great place for new makeup artists to get their foot in the door. Remember to bring your portfolio with you when approaching a salon so that the proprietor can get a good idea of whom they will be bringing on. Expect to pay for your chair in the salon and to work at least an eight-hour day. These hours will lengthen when working with bridal parties and prom goers or when special events take place.
- Get publicity. Find out when local beauty pageants are taking place and volunteer your services in exchange for publicity and credits. This is a win/win scenario as pageant officials appreciate the air of professionalism that you’ll bring and you get personal one on one time with a host of potential future clients as well as the additional bonus of getting your name mentioned in any media coverage.
- Expand your horizons. Once you’ve gained experience in working with people, creating looks and dealing with media coverage you have the option of opening your own studio, working at a high end spa or sending your resume and portfolio out to local and national venues. If you’re thinking about trying your hand in the movie industry, locate an agent to represent your interests and send them a copy of your portfolio and list of credited education received and experience earned along with any awards, citations or previous media coverage information to ensure you are accurately represented.