How to get started as a makeup artist
From bridal to fashion shoots, a makeup artist has a fun and creative title to live up to. It's a rewarding job with a lot of benefits, but getting started isn't always easy, and often takes a lot of hard work, time, and effort. Surely, if you have a passion for beauty and makeup, becoming a makeup artist may just be the career for you.
Getting Started...
Growing your reputation and booking clients in the beauty industry can and will take time. You most likely won't be able to go straight into a full time job as a makeup artist, but you should start by doing side jobs for events or brides on the weekends.
1. Practice
Practice makes perfect; and it's the best way to figure out if you truly have a passion for the industry. Ask some of your friends or family to be a model while you try out different looks on them. It is important to practice on lots of several people as you will need to know all the different types of faces, eyes, skin and eye colors. Your skills whether you teach yourself or choose to take a makeup artistry course will be what sets you apart, and it all starts with practice.
2. Build your Portfolio
While you are practicing on your friends and family, don't forget to take photos of your work. Your portfolio will grow with time, but you will need to start somewhere to show case your skills. There are two types of portfolios - print portfolios and a web-based one. It is good to have both, but online has the potential to reach more people.
3. Get on Social Media
There is no better way to connect with local businesses and potential clients than through social media. You can either choose to post on your personal pages, or make a separate page dedicated to your makeup looks. You don't have to be on all social media outlets, but it's best to share your work on Instagram and Facebook using lots of relevant hashtags.
4. Find your style
There is no doubt that there is competition in the beauty industry. It's best you find your creative style and niche and go for it. There are several options for makeup artists in the industry, and your path may just be bridal or theatrical makeup. Once you find your style, your brand should focus on that and that will help you stand out.
5. Volunteer
There are always available opportunities to volunteer as a makeup artist for theaters, events and fundraising fashion shows. Getting involved in community events is the perfect way to practice makeup and build your portfolio on models. When you are volunteering, you are also directly connecting with people in the industry (models, photographers, hairstylists), all while contributing to a good cause.
What you'll need...
There is no need to have an overly expensive kit to get started and be successful as a makeup artist. It is important that you have the basics in your kit. Listed below are some of the essentials to carry with you to a booking:
Face - Foundation, Concealer, Primer, Face Moisturizer, Blush, Bronzer and Highlighter, Setting Powder
Eyes - Eye shadow, Eyeliner, Eyebrow Pencil, Eye Primer, Eyelashes, Eye Glue
Brushes - Face, Eyes and Lips
Lips - Lipstick, Liquid Lipsticks, Lip Gloss, Lip Liners, Chapstick
Sanitary Items - Makeup Wipes, Brush Cleanser, Q-Tips Tweezers and Scissors
If you have a love for beauty, fashion, or makeup, try channeling your inner creativity along with the tips shared to help get you started. If you work hard and stay dedicated, you can be very successful in starting your career as a makeup artist. If you are interested in learning how to become a makeup artist, click here to contact us for one-on-one training courses in makeup artistry.
