Makeup Artists: Don’t Accept the Job Unless You Check 2 of These 4 Boxes

If you've been working as a makeup artist for 3+ years, you’ve probably learned that not every job or collaboration is a good fit. By now, you’ve built up some experience and skills, so it’s important to be strategic about the inquiries you take. While it can be tempting to say "yes" to every opportunity, not all of them will help you grow or advance your career. To avoid wasting time and energy, it's essential to evaluate each job based on four key factors: Connections, Portfolio, Payment and Enjoyment. Before accepting any gig, make sure it checks off at least two of these boxes to ensure it's worth your time.

1. Connections: Building Your Network

Connections are one of the most valuable assets you can have as a makeup artist. Whether you’re doing a celebrity’s makeup or working on a local photoshoot, the people you meet along the way can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations. Building relationships with photographers, planners, models, influencers, and other industry professionals can lead to future bookings, referrals, and exposure. These connections not only enhance your visibility but also help you stay updated on industry trends and insider knowledge. Over time, the people you work with will become part of your professional network. You never know where the person next to you will be a couple of years from the moment you meet them.

Takeaway: If the job gives you the opportunity to connect with cool people that aligns with your market, it’s worth considering, even if the other factors (portfolio and payment) aren’t perfect.

2. Portfolio: Showcasing Your Talent

Your portfolio is what represents you. It’s what potential clients and employers will look at when deciding whether they want to work with you. Whether it’s Fashion, bridal makeup, editorial, or theatrical transformations, a strong portfolio demonstrates your skills. Building a strong portfolio is essential. It’s not just about the number of photos, but the quality and direction it showcases. If a job offers you the chance to work on something unique that either elevates or aligns with your niche in the industry, that’s a significant plus.

Takeaway: If a job helps you add something valuable to your portfolio, even if it’s not the highest-paying gig, it can pay off in the long run.

3. Payment: Valuing Your Work

At the end of the day, your time and talent are worth something. Payment is a straightforward yet important factor when deciding whether to accept a job. While passion and experience are important, it’s also crucial to ensure you’re being compensated fairly for your skill set. Aspiring makeup artists may feel tempted to work for little to no pay in exchange for exposure, but the reality is that undervaluing your work early on can create a pattern that's difficult to break. Ideally, a job should offer compensation that reflects the time, effort, and expertise required, based on your skill level and the area that you're in.

Takeaway: If the job offers good pay, that’s a definite plus. But if payment is low or non-existent, consider whether the opportunity provides a good trade-off in terms of connections or portfolio growth.

4. Enjoyment: Loving What You Do

Enjoyment is often overlooked but is just as crucial as the other factors. A job that excites you or aligns with your passions can provide much more than just a paycheck—it can spark your creativity and inspire you to keep growing. Working on projects you genuinely enjoy can keep you motivated and energized. If a job brings joy and fulfills your creative drive, it can be an invaluable experience, even if the payment isn’t great or the connections are limited.

Takeaway: If the job excites you and brings joy, it’s worth considering, even if the pay and connections aren’t ideal. Passion and enjoyment can help sustain you in the long run.

What If You’re Just Starting Out?

When you’re just starting out, checking off two boxes might be challenging. In these cases, focusing on one box, whether it’s building your portfolio with interesting work, making valuable connections, or taking on jobs that you genuinely enjoy—could be a better approach. As you gain experience and build your reputation, you’ll be in a stronger position to prioritize payment while still growing your network, portfolio, and passion for the craft.

Takeaway: As a newbie, focus on either portfolio, connections or enjoyment; whichever will help you most at that stage of your career. Don’t feel pressured to accept poorly paid jobs that don’t help you grow in one of these areas.

Conclusion:

In the world of makeup artistry, opportunities are abundant, but not all of them are the right fit for your growth. Before accepting a job, ask yourself: Does this job help me build connections? Does it add to my portfolio? Is the payment fair for my time and skills? Does it excite me and bring me joy? Ideally, you should aim to check off two of these boxes, but as a beginner, prioritizing one—whether it’s gaining experience, building relationships, enjoying the work, or earning decent pay—will set you up for a stronger future. Remember, every gig is an opportunity to grow. Choose wisely, and make sure the jobs you take help you move forward, not backward. Stay focused on your goals, and you’ll build a successful makeup artistry career in no time.

If there are any topics you would like me to write about, submit your suggestion to hello@akccreativestudio.com

A Beginner's Guide to Setting Your Rates as a Makeup Artist

As a makeup artist, determining your rates is not just about picking a number or what others are charging; it's a strategic process that reflects your skill, experience, and the value you bring to your clients. Here are a few essential components of setting your rates, taking into account your experience, social media presence, location, field of specialization, as well as the critical considerations of travel, products, time and labor.

Your Locations

Geographic location plays a pivotal role in determining your rates. Please refrain from solely relying on social media and asking people from all over the world how much they charge, thinking you can just adopt those rates. Firstly, it's crucial to conduct research on the average rates in your specific area, taking into account the local cost of living. If you are located in NYC or California, naturally, your rates will be higher than in smaller towns. However, if you are an established artist, your approach might differ; you can set a standard rate applicable to any location, leaving it to the client to decide if it aligns with their budget.

Your Experiences:

In the initial two years of my career as a Makeup Artist, I undertook numerous unpaid jobs to gain experience, initially thinking $50-$80 was a substantial amount until the reality hit that it posed challenges in covering essential expenses like rent, food, and basic needs. Your level of expertise plays a pivotal role in determining your rates. Reflect on the years dedicated to improving your craft, the training you've invested in, and the skills acquired through continuous learning. For those just starting, it's acceptable to charge lower rates, ensuring it covers your supplies. As you evolve as an artist, your rates should gradually adjust. Established artists with experience can command higher rates, mirroring the true value of their expertise.

Your Social Presences:

In 2024, simply doing makeup alone is no longer sufficient. Whether you agree or disagree, the reality of the current time emphasizes the importance of growing your social media presence. In this age of digital influence, your standing on social media can profoundly affect your market value. A larger following, increased engagement, and a robust online presence can make a substantial impact on your professional reach. This element can empower you to set higher rates even if you operate in a smaller town, showcasing the influence of a strong online presence in shaping your market value.

Your Makeup Niche

Within the makeup industry, various fields, including fashion, bridal, union, theater, salon, and more, they all have different elements to determine each rates. It’s crucial  to research and educate yourself across these diverse fields to establish a foundational understanding of their differences. By deciding the direction in which you want to grow, you can effectively determine the rates you should charge, considering the unique demands of each field and what elements should be accounted for within your rates. This strategic approach ensures that your pricing aligns with the specific requirements of your chosen makeup path.

Your Expenses

When establishing your rates as a makeup artist, it's vital to recognize that you're not solely charging for the makeup service itself. Consider the time invested in preparation, travel, and the costs associated with quality products, and factor these into your rates. Just because you can complete a full makeup application in 45 minutes, charging $50-$80 doesn't equate to keeping 100% of that fee. Numerous factors need to be considered. Your rates should reflect not only your artistic skill but also the time and effort invested in delivering exceptional results. It's crucial to dedicate time to educate yourself and devise a realistic pricing strategy that not only supports your career but aligns with your chosen lifestyle.

A Formula for intermediate Artists

I've developed a simple formula that has provided me with guidance when determining rates. For example, if I charge $100 for an on-location makeup service, and the entire process – including preparation, travel, setup, service, and cleanup – takes 3 hours, the calculated hourly rate is $33. This makes it easier to adjust the hourly rate as I grow as an artist, using the formula as a guide (bearing in mind that it doesn't include the cost of products used on the job, making the actual hourly rate even lower).

To illustrate, if I charge $33/hr, someone wanting to book me for 4 hours would result in a half-day rate of $130, and 10 hours would lead to a full-day rate of $330. This prompts me to evaluate if the hourly rate works for me and make adjustments accordingly.

Extending this formula to rates like $100/hr, $120/hr, and $150/hr allows for flexibility. While this is not a definitive system, it serves as a general guide to jumpstart your thinking if you're unsure where to begin. People may have differing opinions on this, but this approach has proven effective for me, and I'm sharing it with you. Ultimately, clients will decide whether to book you based on your rates, experience, and social presence.

In conclusion, setting your rates is a multi-faceted process that involves careful consideration of your experience, online presence, location, specialization, travel, product costs, and the value of your time and labor. By evaluating each aspect, you can confidently establish rates that not only reflect your worth but also ensure a sustainable and successful makeup artistry career.

It takes a lot of time to keep this blog active. If you find this read helpful and would like to donate a coffee Venmo @vanktr | Zelle vanktr@gmail.com

10 Essential Steps To Improve your Career as a Makeup Artist in 2025

As we enter 2024, being a successful makeup artist is about more than just being creative. This article breaks down 10 important steps to improve your career in makeup. From learning new skills to organizing your kit and being active online, these steps are meant to help both new and experienced artists navigate the changing beauty industry.

1. Understanding basic photography, video & lighting

Having basic understanding of photography, video and lighting is indispensable for Makeup Artists. We are in a time where being an artist is just not enough; content creation and having a social presence are significant parts of this career, whether you like it or not. No matter how incredible your makeup is, if it’s not captured and presented correctly, your work will not reflect you as an artist. We are living in a time where knowledge is free and we can build an entire brand with a single mobile device in the comfort of your home. Most importantly having these basic knowledge can allow you to communicate with other creatives when you are on set and understanding why sometime images or video does not translate on the monitor versus in real life.

2. Re-evaluate your Makeup Kit

Reevaluate your makeup kit by laying out the entire contents and dedicating time to assess the tools and products you carry. Each item you choose should serve a purpose, avoiding inclusion 'just in case.' A well-curated makeup kit enables you to work faster and more efficiently, crucial in various career stages, locations, and fields. There will be times when you won't have a dedicated table or ample setup and breakdown time—having a condensed kit allows you to adapt to any situation. Building a kit is both expensive and time-consuming. My advice is to invest time in planning and researching, considering your needs and actual usage, before diving into this task to prevent frequent changes in your setup

3. Embrace Social Media: Share your Journey

Be active on social media and share your authentic self to leverage the power of personal branding. Showcase your work, behind-the-scenes moments, and your genuine self to connect with your audience on a deeper level. Trust me when I say, social media is not just a fun thing; it's part of my job. No one wants to work a 10-14 hour day on set, only to come home and deal with editing content, posting it, and receiving 12 views and 2 likes. It takes time and consistency to see results. Saying 'I don't understand it' or 'I don't like social media' can have a significant impact on your career. Remember, there was a time when people had to walk to work before cars were invented or mail a letter to communicate with others. Times have changed, and it's your choice to embrace these technologies or not.

4. Create content outside of work

Make time to create content outside of work. Beyond your paid assignments, it's essential to motivate yourself to practice, try new things, step out of your comfort zone, and continuously enhance your content while building your personal brand. As a Makeup Artist, you know that most of the time, you can't even post content from paid work until it's launched. Additionally, not all paid assignments align with your artistic style. It's crucial to curate a body of work that represents you as an artist and appeals to potential clients.

5. Find Inspiration beyond social media

If you only consume content on social media, your work will often reflect what is currently trending, making it more challenging to develop your own unique style. I believe it's important to visit museums, travel, and seek inspiration beyond the realm of makeup. I recall the first time I saw the work of Makeup Artist Terry Barber - it was a photo of burnt toast, next to which was a beautiful smokey eye inspired by the burnt toast. It might sound silly, but I still remember that today, and that was 6 years ago

6. Have a proper headshot

Have a proper headshot. Your headshot is often the first impression you make. It's important to invest in a professional headshot that reflects your style and personality, serving as a visual representation of your brand. Trust me, there will be a time and place when it will come in handy.

7. Build your portfolio around the market you want to be in

Think about the market you want to be in and build your book around it. This is something I wish someone told me when I first started. Building a book takes a long time and costs money. If you know you want to be a bridal Makeup Artist, curate your book around that before you start doing triple liners with a black lip. By following this advice, you can ensure that the end results can help you attract potential clients.

8. Use Social Media as a tool

Use social media as a tool. I know we've already spoken about this, but it's probably one of the most important things on this list. Social media is a tool—a very powerful one if you leverage it. Ninety-five percent of my paid work comes from my Instagram. Times have changed, and we need to keep up with them, or you can potentially miss out on many opportunities. I built an entire brand, Artist Kit Company, with just Instagram. I used to sleep on people's couches when I moved to NYC, and now I have a beautiful office and apartment in the heart of the city. I say this not to brag, but because I am 36 and have many friends who think social media is just a joke and look down on it. When I look at them, I see so many wasted opportunities. It's okay to feel confused, lost, and not understand something, but it's important to be open-minded, especially if you want to be a Makeup Artist in this current time.

9. Continue learning to grow

Continue to learn and educate yourself. The industry is constantly changing, and we, as artists, need to adapt to those changes. There is so much free knowledge on the market, and as individuals, we can decide if we want to continue learning. Every successful Makeup Artist I've ever met has told me the same thing: If you think you know everything, your career will stop there.

10. Write down your goals and a checklist of steps to achieve them

Transform your aspirations into reality by setting clear and realistic goals. Create a detailed checklist outlining the steps required to achieve these goals, providing a roadmap for your career progression. If you want to make $100,000/year, instead of looking at that single number, break it down to your rate per client and calculate how many clients you need in a year to hit that goal. Go even further by calculating how many clients per week can get you to that goal. Honestly, one of the best things I did was to start writing down goals with a checklist and put it in a place where I can see it every day to keep me on track.

In conclusion, the makeup industry will continue to change, and these are the 10 things that I believe can be helpful to anyone trying to navigate through the industry. I hope you find something helpful in the article because these are the things I wish someone told me when I first started out. If you feel lost and want some advice or guidance, feel free to book a Virtual Consultation

It takes a lot of time to keep this blog active. If you find this read helpful and would like to donate a coffee Venmo @vanktr | Zelle vanktr@gmail.com

Getting Into NYFW As A Makeup Artist: A How-To Guide

When I first started my career as a makeup artist in 2014, my biggest goal was to get booked at New York Fashion Week. As we enter 2019, I’ve now worked over 100+ shows as a professional in the industry, including NYFW. While I may not have a vast knowledge of designers, I do know that Fashion Week can be a dream job in this industry. Before we continue, I’d like to clarify something: I can’t guarantee that these tips will get you a spot in NYFW. These steps are a short list of things that I’ve learned through my own journey to Fashion Week. My goal here is to give some insight into the process.

1. Location, Location

   -This is a huge factor. Sometimes, your goals and passions require you to make some sacrifices. Though it’s not impossible, the chances of getting booked for NYFW as an artist that lives outside of NYC are slim. This is simply because the city is saturated with incredible artists, there’s no need for a brand to outsource their artists.

2. Work For A Brand 

   -I got onto my first NYFW show after working for MAC, a brand that has supported Fashion Week for years. I highly recommend doing your research and finding out which brands are most commonly involved with NYFW. While this can be a long and sometimes tedious process, it’s also something that can help you work towards achieving your goal. And although this was something that helped me, it wasn’t without its obstacles. For example, MAC requires artists to pass through five levels of certifications before reaching “Fashion Show Certification”. Even passing this, there’s no guarantee you’ll get booked. Staying motivated and working hard through this process will help to show your dedication.

3. Assist Artists That Key NYFW Shows

   -Key artists typically bring other MUA’s that they’ve worked with in the past to their NWFW team. This means you should always keep an open mind to assisting other artists and building up your relationships in the industry. This includes taking the time to reach out to agencies to be placed on their assistant list. Doing this early on in my career opened a lot of opportunities.

4. Work Hard & Be Kind 

   - “Be kind”, the tattoo on my left hand, is a perfect reminder. You never know who you may work with or run into on the street, especially living in NYC. This means that a single interaction could help make your career. With this in mind, always remember to work hard on every job you get, paid or not. Just remember that having a negative attitude at a job won’t get you very far. Hustle, do good work, and be a nice person.

5. Get on Unofficial NYFW shows 

   -Follow the official NYFW calendar on www.nyfw.com. This showcases all of the official designers and shows during Fashion Week. In that time, there are hundreds of other unofficial/smaller events that are worth keeping an eye on. Keep in mind that these may be easier to get involved in when you’re just starting out. They can be small, sometimes a bit under-organized, and some even use false advertisement calling it “NYFW” to get creatives to support the event for free. but they’re a great way of introducing yourself to the fast pace of Fashion Week.

6. Make Sure Your Portfolio Is Always Ready 

   -If you’ve kept up with my articles, you’ll be familiar with my belief that Instagram is one of the most powerful platform for the makeup industry; who needs a website they pay for, or a printed portfolio that needs carrying around, when you can use a streamlined social media platform to showcase all of your work. This doesn’t mean that you have to post every day or every look you create. Think of Instagram as your book; the first 6 photos are your first impression. A quick glance at your page should represent and showcase you as an artist. Remember: quality over quantity.

7. Being In The Right Place At the Right Time 

   -Honestly, this play a huge roll in our industry. From my experience, at least. You have to be flexible and available. There was a time, a week prior to New York Fashion Week. I remember constantly checking my email hoping to get book on any shows (Paid or Non-Paid), it never came. One morning I received a call from a close friend asking if I was available that very moment to support an event. Her flight got delayed and was not going to make it. Turns out it was for NYFW. I grab my kit, jumped in a car and that was that. 

All in all, staying motivated and doing your own research will always give you a clearer insight on what steps you need to take in order to reach your goals. If someone had told me five years ago that I’d be working NYFW or the Victoria’s Secret runway show, I would have laughed them off. Now, I anticipate having a full schedule for NYFW without having to worry about it. Each season it gets easier, and each season you gain more experience to help you in the future. If you made it this far, thank you so much for reading. I’d love to stay in touch, so don’t forget to drop your Instagram handle when you leave me feedback! @vanmakeupartistry

IMPORTANT:

NO ARTISTS SHOULD PAY TO WORK FOR NYFW. YOU CAN WORK FOR FREE IF YOU CHOOSE TO BUT DO YOUR RESEARCH TO SEE IF THE EVENT IS ON THE OFFICIAL NYFW CALENDAR. IF IT’S NOT AND IT’S BEING PROMOTED AS NYFW, YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT BEFORE AGREEING. ANYONE CAN DECIDE TO CREATE AN EVENT DURING NYFW AND CALL IT NYFW, SO PLEASE DON’T FALL FOR IT. THERE ARE ALOT OF BAD PEOPLE WITHIN THE INDUSTRY TAKING ADVANTAGE OF NEW ARTISTS FROM OUT OF TOWN AND THE LIST OF NAMES I GATHERED IS GETTING LONGER AND LONGER.

Thanks to my amazing friends Jenn Marasca & Courtney Musick for helping me proof read!

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