Tips for Becoming a Makeup Artist
If the fast pace and exciting career of makeup artistry is calling your name, you may be wondering just how to go about working in the beauty industry. The following tips will give you a bit of information on what is needed to become a successful makeup artist in today’s world.
Education
Attending a well-respected beauty school is the first serious step to becoming a professional makeup artist that will be taken seriously in the industry. Choose a school that has the program that works best for your needs. Make sure the school is accredited with the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Beauty schools like Marinello Henderson contain accredited programs in various niches of the beauty industry so you are sure to find the classes that fit your desired career path.
Tools
While you don’t need piles upon piles of expensive makeup, you should invest in a wide variety of high-quality brushes and makeup primers. The brush you use determines the type of look you are trying to achieve. And since brushes are a common tool of the trade, you must use quality products that won’t fall apart or leave bristles behind.
Practice
No matter what experience level you are at, you should never stop practicing. The most important preparation you can do to become and continue on as a makeup artist is to always work on improving skills. Furthermore, you must practice on various people with different eye shapes, skin colors, eye colors, ages and face shapes. The old saying ‘practice makes perfect’ is true, and it doesn’t matter how much education you have, if you don’t have the skills needed you won’t be able to get or keep a job as a makeup artist. A great way to perfect your craft is to work as a makeup assistant. This will give you firsthand experience.
Portfolio
A portfolio is a must, especially once you are out there on your own trying to obtain clients. You should have two types of portfolios: a print version and a digital online version. Your printed portfolio should contain pictures of your work that measure 9×12 or 11×14, and kept in a professional leather binder portfolio. Avoid taking the photos for your portfolio yourself or hiring an amateur. These photos are what you will present to potential clients so you should invest a bit of money and hire a professional photographer with years of experience working on makeup artist portfolios. Furthermore, only choose the best photos to feature in your portfolio. You may be tempted to put all your documented past work in your portfolio, but this is a big no no. Instead, only choose your best work to showcase to potential clients.
