Have you ever wondered how to become a professional makeup artist? To start off with, a good makeup artist is more than just someone who applies makeup on people every day. Anyone could do that, right? Below I have included the typical requirements, guidelines, and skills required to become one.
How to Become A Makeup Artist Today
Put down that brush, aspiring artists, and pay attention. Professionals were gracious enough to offer some insightful career guidance. So you need to begin with:
- Constant practice
- Examine the work of makeup artist who came before you
- Pursue former education
- Advertise yourself online
- Never go overboard with your fangirling
- Accept any job you can and show up with a positive attitude
- Enjoy your work
- Put on flat shoes
- Look for a mentor
1. Practice, then continue to practice
As we all know, perfecting a skill takes practice, and makeup artistry is no different. The more you experiment with different looks on yourself or your friends, the better you’ll get at it.
“The secret,” adds Josephine, “is practice. Making practicing a regular part of your routine is equally vital to become a truly great artist as learning from professionals”.
John advises gaining practical experience by working at a makeup counter at your neighbourhood shopping centre or beauty supply store. There, he claims, “you’ll find a changing variety of personalities, skin colours, ages, you name it.”
People look to counter artists as their go-to specialists when they need beauty advice. The counter is the greatest spot to gain the most exposure and experience in customer service, which is a crucial component of makeup services.
“Find your areas of strength and where you need more practice” suggests Katey..”Try the product on as many different skin tones, forms of facial features, and age ranges as you can!”
2. Examine the work of makeup artists who came before you.
Spend some time identifying the looks that appeal to you and the makeup artists that inspire you. Study the people who came before you, advises Katey, and figure out what appeals to you in their work.
Discover the fashion trends that most appeal to you. You might Start by exploring books, publications, websites, beauty vlogs, and pictures of famous people.
3. Pursue Formal Education
Going to school is a fantastic alternative to think about if you’re serious about becoming a professional makeup artist. There are numerous distinct programmes offered throughout the nation; do your research to choose one that is ideal for you.
Another option is to enrol in a local community college and earn an associate of arts in cosmetology. Whether you enrol in a standard college or a beauty school, they can aid you in getting ready for any licensing tests or regulations your state may have.
4. Advertise yourself online.
The beauty industry has seen a significant transformation as a result of the internet: to succeed, you need to have a strong online presence.
According to John, social media has had a significant influence on makeup artists. “Consider all the popular accounts on YouTube and Instagram! The fact that there is a completely new method to perceive ideas is incredible.”
“The more you promote your work and are exposed to others, the more you’ll evolve,” says Simone, who also believes that social media may help artists stay relevant.
Katey has firsthand experience with how crucial it may be for your career. “Before my then-agent gave me a stern chat, I didn’t believe it.” she says “Soon after, I started my blog and got a piece about my favourite goods published on Vogue.com.
The importance of building your brand in this market and maintaining a regular presence on social media became clear to me at that point.”
5. Never go overboard with your fangirling.
Working with celebrities is the ultimate ambition for many makeup artists who wish to pursue a career in this field. If you’re fortunate enough to obtain a top client, Katey emphasises that you must maintain your professionalism.
“Remember that your goal is to provide a service, not to become friends with people you’ve only seen in movies,” she advises. “It’s lovely if a connection develops, but your responsibility is to ensure that your client is as at ease as possible.
This frequently entails having an instinctive sense of when to speak and when to be silent and let the other person be alone with their thoughts, phone, or music.”
6. Accept any job you can and show up with a positive attitude.
Take any job you can to get experience as you advance, even if it doesn’t pay. “No task is ever too small; nothing is ever beneath you.
Treat everyone the way you’d like to be treated since you never know who you’ll run into or where they’ll end up next”, advises Katey.
7. Enjoy your work.
Never let go of the passion for cosmetics and artistry that initially inspired you to pursue a career in beauty! “Enthusiasm is crucial.
I have been with J.M.K for eighteen years, and my enthusiasm is just as great today as it was on my first day. It inspires me to be different and use makeup to express myself”, adds John.
8. Put on flats shoes
Long days on your feet are necessary for makeup artist work. Simone gives a straightforward but crucial piece of advice: “Never wear high heels to work.”
9. Look for a mentor
Find a makeup artist who will allow you to accompany them on their jobs. Even better if you can serve as their assistant or intern! When you first start, having a mentor who can teach you the ropes is crucial. Simone adds, “And one day, pay it back.”
Understanding the makeup Artist Field
Everyone loves to look good. It’s a universal thing that everyone loves to feel good about themselves. Some things will help us achieve our goals faster than others, but most of the time it takes proper training and practice. We do many crazy things to feel better about ourselves including getting our hair and nails done, going to the gym, or splurging on skincare products or makeup.
But if you are looking to make a career out of doing someone else’s makeup, there is a lot more to it than just buying a few products and slathering them on your face. Makeup artistry is a niche industry and once you are good at it, people will patronize you. It is also one of the profitable daily income businesses in Nigeria.
5 Tips to Become a Professional Makeup Artist
In learning how to become a professional makeup artist, there are steps you need to follow and they are:
- Join a Makeup Program at a Cosmetology School
- Create a portfolio using makeup photos and other visuals
- Maintain a social relationship with clients and hair stylists
- Connect with makeup industry professionals
- Become familiar with the latest makeup styles and trends.
Top Dos & Don’ts every Professional Artist lives By
DOs:
- Your homework: Potential makeup artists have a variety of different training and educational options, and every state has its own criteria. Deciding on what you want to do after receiving makeup training is the first thing you must do. Would you like to apply makeup for celebrities? Do you desire a position with a beauty parlour? Working in this field presents you with a wide range of chances, so you’ll need to decide which one you want to pursue.
- Let others in on your secrets: Don’t you want them to tell you about their secrets? And is it really a secret, when you think about it? Are there really any new makeup secrets today when professional makeup artists have been applying makeup and using unique application techniques for years? Finding a unique approach to applying makeup is more important, and you should always share it with your (trusted) peers.
- Recognize the trends: You must be willing to try out the most recent makeup application techniques that are being utilised and/or evaluated.
- Promote yourself on social media: One of the very greatest methods to demonstrate to others who you are as a makeup artist is through this. Do not forget to act professionally!
- Always test the colour of your foundation on the side of your neck rather than the inside of your wrist. You’ll get far if you learn this kind of cosmetics advice.
- Be approachable and friendly: Yes, even if you’re having a less than stellar day. It’s important for you to maintain your professionalism while working, which includes being approachable and kind.
- Trust your instincts:Your instincts for applying cosmetics will get better with practice. Never be afraid to ask someone with extensive expertise applying makeup if you have any questions.
- Maintain a network of contacts:You’ll be in a better position to identify who is who the more contacts you can add to your list. Making new contacts should constantly be on your to-do list if you’re a freelance makeup artist because you never know where your next job will come from.
- Make a comprehensive portfolio of cosmetics: This ought to showcase the diversity of your work so that people may fully grasp who you are as a seasoned makeup artist.
DON’Ts:
- Apply cosmetics in dimly lit areas: Even while the majority of cosmetic professionals concur that using natural light is best, it’s not always possible. Using white natural light is a wise decision, even though LED lights have grown in popularity recently. Also, keep in mind that all overhead illumination is bad! Instead, direct the light so that it is level with the client.
- Be dismal: Negativity has no place in the workplace because it is a huge time waster.
- Don’t put off getting ready for a new job till the last minute: The last thing you want to happen is to show up at your new job unprepared on your first day.
- Utilize beauty items of inferior grade: Your choice of a brand of cosmetics from the “beauty” category will directly reflect who you are as a professional makeup artist. You won’t be able to land the high-end positions that makeup artists are looking for these days if you choose to use lower-quality beauty products.
- Lies: Once you’ve lied, it will be exceedingly challenging for you to win back anyone’s trust.
- Adopt shortcuts: Neither the time nor the money is worthwhile.
- Ignore any beauty-related events that might be going on nearby: You can increase the number of industry contacts on your contact list by going to beauty events.
- Buy any makeup until you’ve done your research.
Lists of Makeup Tools
The makeup tools to start with are:
- Makeup Brushes
- Brush Cleaners
- Powder Puffs
- Palette Set with Spatula
- Eyelash Curlers
- Cotton Pads
- Swab Rods
- Tweezers
- Eyebrow Razors and Scissors
- Packing Accessories/ makeup kit
- Sharpeners
- Mirrors
21 Other Makeup Products Items
- Toner
- Primer
- Foundation
- Eyeliner
- Lipstick
- Brushes
- Cleanser
- Bronzer
- Eye shadow
- Mascara
- Concealer
- Nail polish
- Cream
- Lip Gloss
- Lip Liner
- Brightener
- Tanning lotion
- Sponge
- Facial Spray
- Hand cream
- Lip pencil.
Pro Tips From Professional Artists
How does one transform from a lipstick junkie to a true Professional Makeup Artist?
Experts in the field offer Pro-tips on how to become a professional makeup artist
Meet Josphine Stapleton:
He has been employed by M.A.C. Cosmetics for 18 years. He has traversed the world as a senior artist for the company, discovering (and implementing!) new trends in countries like Brazil, Lebanon, and Japan.
Tips: Constant practice is key to becoming a professional makeup artist.
Meet Katey Denno:
A former social worker who has built a name for herself as a makeup artist by working with models, famous people, and well-known photographers.
Tips: Examining the work of makeup artists who came before you and getting a mentor will make you a professional makeup artist.
Meet Chika Louise:
The vice president of education and artistry at Makeup For Ever, should also not be overlooked.
She has created techniques utilised by Makeup For Ever educators as well as a curriculum for Sephora throughout her more than 25 years in the beauty industry.
Tips: Pursue former education and continue to advertise yourself online. With these, you will grow as a professional makeup artist.
How do I start my career in Makeup?
Sometimes people ask how do I start my career in makeup? What if I have no experience? Well, if you have no formal education in makeup there are companies out there who will give you a chance. Of course, representation is the key to starting a career in the makeup world. This can come from:
- Going to school for cosmetology (which is makeup) or getting an apprenticeship at a place that does makeup for photoshoots and commercials.
- Make sure you research any company you work for and make sure they are good at representing their employees. There are definitely companies out there who will pay huge amounts of money to agencies for unfamiliar faces, but not always with the same compensation to the talent. You want to avoid being a commodity that is paid pennies on the dollar.
What skills and qualifications do you need to be a makeup artist?
The skills, competencies, and qualifications you need to become a makeup artist are:
- Knowledge of design
- Good hand-eye coordination
- Artistic ability
- Creative Skill
- Good teamwork skills
- The ability to pay close attention to details
- Adaptability and openness to change
- Strong verbal communication skills
- Utilization of your initiative
How to become a makeup artist without going to school
To become a makeup artist, you don’t need to go back to school. However, if you really enjoy learning from others and doing the hands-on approach, you can still enroll and take some classes on the basics of makeup application at an accredited school. Having a great basic foundation is going to set you apart from the others who don’t have it. But if you prefer to learn by yourself or just try it without going back to school, you can do so.
How do I start off as a makeup artist?
In starting off as a makeup artist, follow the procedure below:
- Form a habit of Practicing consistently
- Learn from the makeup professionals who have come before you
- Get an Education (formal education)
- Promote yourself online
- Keep it in check, whatever you do, don’t go overboard with your design
- Bring your best attitude to every job you can
- Take pride in your work
Freelance Makeup Artist
A freelance makeup artist is an individual who works independently for different clients. Your clients may be clients who have a special event coming up, actors who create plays or films, or models preparing for fashion shows or photoshoots.
Can you be a self taught makeup artist?
Yes, you can. Although makeup artistry is a talent, one can still learn it. Several makeup artists are self-trained and are highly skilled in makeup.
How long does it take to become a successful makeup artist?
Depending on the type of program, becoming a licensed makeup artist can take anywhere from two months to two years.
Related searches- 15 Lucrative small business ideas in Nigeria.
Sample of Flier for a Makeup Artist
Another way of advertising your skill as a makeup artist apart from Social media and your presence online is by designing a flier. You can design a catchy flier that has your image doing your work or an image of some of your tools. This will help tell people what you do and how to locate you.
Conclusion
This article has explored all you need to know about becoming a makeup artist. You can learn by teaching yourself or getting a formal education. You can enroll in makeup schools and learn directly from professionals.
However, the best way to be an expert in makeup artistry is by constant practice. Never joke while practicing every day.
