makeup artist

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

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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 2024

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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

10 Ways To Prevent Future Back Problems As Makeup Artists

In the world of Makeup Artists, there’s a challenge rarely talked about; the toll it takes on your body. During my first visit to a chiropractor, I learned that Makeup Artists and Hair Stylists frequently battle persistent back pain. It wasn’t until my seventh year in the field that I truly absorbed this fact, as discomfort settled into my neck, upper back & lower back. Turns out, the cervical spine, where your neck meets your shoulders, holds a lot of power. It’s the central of your spinal system where all your nerves meets. If any of the nerves are obstructed, it can cause muscle weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, vision problems, headache & migraines. I am not a medical expert, but discussions with doctors and specialists, it gave me a lot of insights. What peculiar about back pain is how it can ambush you, one day you’re fine, the next day can lead to chronic back issues. That’s why being aware of your posture and movements is absolutely key. Here are 10 tips that I learned that can help you avoid back issues as Makeup Artists & Hair Stylists.

1. CONDENSE YOUR KIT

Be mindful of the weight you carry in your makeup kit. Consider condensing your kit to reduce the strain on your back for the long run. You can still have everything you want but in a smaller size. This not only helps in preventing back issues but also enhances your workflow allowing you to work faster and more efficient. It’s an investment of your money and time, but much cheaper than seeing specialist in the future.

2. OPTIMAL SEATING

Ensure your client’s chair is at eye level to yours. This is crucial for maintaining excellent posture throughout your work day.

3. PRE AND POST WORK STRETCHES

Incorporate simple stretches before and after your workday to counteract the strain from prolonged uncomfortable positions that we put our body in to alleviate back tensions

4. LOOK UP

We spend a lot of time on our phone, laptop & other electronic devices. Instead of looking down, raise your devices to eye level. This relieves stress on your neck and shoulder muscles caused by the weight of your head.

5. COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR CLIENT

Most of us try to accommodate our client and put our body in the most awkward positions. Don’t hesitate to discuss your comfort needs with your clients. Ensure your work environment accommodates good posture. Request higher chairs for longer sessions or adapt to the situation by lowering yourself to your client’s eye level.

6. STANDING MAT & FOOTWEAR

For long period of standing, request a standing mat on bigger jobs or consider using one in your home studio. Wear well-padded, comfortable footwear to ease the strain of extended standing.

7. SLEEPING POSITIONS & PILLOWS

Adjust your sleeping position to avoid spin misalignment and breathing issues. Sleeping on your stomach is the worst position you can put your body through during 8+ hours of rest. Choose a neck supportive pillow and place another under your knees to maintain a straight spine and prevent lower back discomfrot. I know it could look silly but if I knew this beforehand, I rather look silly now than having chronic back pain and waking up up like someone beat me up the day before.

8. LIFT SMART

Learn proper lifting techniques, especially if you ave a heavy makeup kit. Elevate with your knees to protect your back during tasks like moving your kit up stairs or in and out of vehicles.

9. LIGHTING

Ensure your workspace is well-lit to prevent leaning or hunching over to see your work. Adequate lighting reduces the strain on your neck and back.

10. CORE STRENGHTENING

Research on which muscles that you often use as Makeup Artist, learn a few simple exercises that target those muscles in order to strengthen them.

In conclusion, there may be instances in this profession where fulfilling all ten points might be challenging, but strive to stay conscious of your posture. Once chronic back pain sets in, fixing it isn’t as simple. Preventing through lifestyle adjustments becomes the key. It’s far more challenging to make these chances once the issue has developed. This is a subject I wish I had been informed about when I began my journey as a Makeup Artist, so I genuinly hope you give it serious consideration, even if you currently feel perfectly fine and invincible. If you find this read valuable, please share it with your friends and colleagues.

If you enjoyed the read and like to donate a coffee, Zelle vanktr@gmail.com & Venmo @vanktr

5 Reasons Why I Don’t Display Branding In My Makeup Kit

As a Makeup Artist, my journey in the beauty industry has been filled with both fascinating and unique experiences. I remember being on set for an Adidas campaign in NYC, as I set up my makeup kit, the production manager noticed I was wearing shoes from a different brand. To my surprise, they had a runner buy me a pair of Adidas shoes. It was a strange experience, but it made me rethink my approach to my makeup kit. Since then, I decided to remove all branding from my kit. Let me tell you my 5 reasons why I don’t display branding in my kit.

1. Versatility and Ease of Work

In the fast-paced world of makeup artistry, I work with a diverse array of cosmetic brands on various sets. With cameras constantly rolling behind the scenes, keeping brand labels concealed makes my life as an artist a whole lot easier. I can seamlessly transition between products, adapt to the specific needs of each project, and focus solely on creating stunning looks without unnecessary distractions.

2. Personalized Care for Clients

Every individual's skin is unique, and so are their preferences. Some clients may claim to be allergic to certain brands, but it's often specific ingredients that trigger sensitivities. By avoiding visible brand labels, I can concentrate on understanding the individual’s concerns and customizing makeup choices to suit their needs while being able to use proper products for the best results. This ensures a safe and tailored makeup experience for everyone.

3. Emphasizing Skill and Personality

One important thing I value is building connections based on talent and personality, rather than brand affiliations. I take pride in working with clients who appreciate my skills and unique approach to artistry. By not relying on brand endorsements, I can establish genuine connections with clients who choose me for who I am as an artist.

4. Authenticity and Product Evaluation

In an era dominated by social media, authenticity is key. I believe in staying true to myself and my craft, and that includes promoting only the products I genuinely use and believe in. By avoiding brand displays, I can freely experiment with new products on set, ensuring that I only endorse items that I truly love.

5. Honesty and Integrity

As a makeup artist, I understand the power of influence. Rather than endorsing products solely for financial gain, I prioritize honesty and transparency with my audience and clients. By concealing brands in my kit, I maintain the integrity of my recommendations and ensure that they stem from authentic experiences, fostering a sense of trust between myself and those who rely on my expertise.

In Conclusion

My decision to not display branding in my makeup kit helps me build genuine connections with my clients and audience. With this approach, it allows me to focus on what matters: creating, ensuring client satisfaction, and sharing only the best and most reliable products with my audience. As I continue to grow as an artist, I remain committed to staying true to my craft and being authentic.

Disclaimer: Just because something cost a lot and considered “luxury” it does not mean it works or good for all clients and vice versa. This is my personal opinion and my experience as an artist. you can do whatever you want, carry whatever you like, if it works for you by carrying products with all branding, then do you. Also, if you work for a cosmetic brand then it’s normal to carry that particular brand in your kit.

If you enjoyed the read and like to donate a coffee, Zelle vanktr@gmail.com & Venmo @vanktr

Lighting & Modifiers for Makeup Artists

In today's beauty industry, where social media plays a huge role in our career, it is crucial for Makeup Artists to understand how to properly capture their work. Often, we blame the camera equipment’s while overlooking the essential role of lighting. This article aims to provide Makeup Artists with some basic knowledge of the different types of lighting & modifiers. By understanding these aspects, artists can have better knowledge to capture their makeup looks, wether using a phone or camera, and deliver high quality photos and videos that truly represent their work.

Before we start, I want to highlight that I will always choose natural window light first for capturing content and doing makeup if it’s available. Why? Because it accurately shows what things really look like in real life. Another great thing is that it doesn't cost a thing, so you don't have to spend money on extra stuff. If this is not an option, here are 3 types of lights you can choose from.

 

  1. 18” Ring Light:

Ring light have become a popular tool used by Makeup Artists, although their intended purpose is often misunderstood. These lights are specifically designed to capture straight on headshot from the neck up, offering high contrast and a distinct circular reflection in the subject’s eyes making the overall feel less natural. One area where ring lights tend to fall short is when it comes to lighting your subject during makeup application. Due to their size & single point illumination, they can create uneven lighting, resulting in one side appearing darker than the other.

Pros:

-Affordable ($50+)

-Small and compact

-Capturing close up contents (Neck up & Macro shots)

Cons:

-Using it to illuminate your subject during application

-Unnatural circular reflection in the subject’s eyes

 

2. LED Panel

LED panels also gained popularity among Makeup Artists as a lighting option. They are lightweight, affordable, easy to set up, and often offer the convenience of battery power. However, the LED light share a similar weakness to ring lights. Their light source is relatively small, resulting in potential uneven lighting when used for makeup application or content creation. To mitigate this, setting up two panels, one on each side of the subject is often necessary. However this setup can create harsh lighting, emphasizing textures and shines on the subject. Additionally, LED light panels require the subject to be in close proximity to achieve desired lighting effects.

Pros:

-Affordable ($50+)

-Small and compact

-Using it to selfie & capturing close up shots from Neck up

Cons:

-Using it to illuminate your subject during application

-Harsh light that can emphasize textures and shine

 

3. LED Continuous Light

LED continuous lights are a favorite among many due to their versatility, interchangeable modifiers, powerful output, and reasonable pricing. The key advantage of these lights lies in their ability to utilize modifiers, allowing for customization of lighting styles such as harsh light, soft light, and a wide light source. When used without modifiers, these lights typically come with a small silver reflector. By positioning it high on a stand, around 6-10 feet behind you, it can mimic the effect of direct sunlight on the face, evenly illuminating your subject whether slightly to the left or right. This lighting setup can be ideal for makeup application as it highlights every detail and shine, providing a clear view of the finished look. However, it's important to note that without a modifier, the bright light shining directly into the client's eyes can be uncomfortable. Therefore, it is recommended to position the light source higher, shining down on the subject rather than straight on and directly into their eyes. This ensures a more comfortable experience for the client while maintaining the desired lighting effect.

Pros:

-Reasonably priced ($130+)

-Brighter output

-Versatile

-Allows interchangeable modifiers

Cons:

-Bigger, heavier & less compact

-Higher price point

Now, let’s talk about light modifiers. They are essential accessories for LED continuous lights. It's important to note that each light has its own specific type of mount for modifiers to attach to. For example, the Godox SL60W uses the "Bowens Mount" system. When choosing modifiers online, ensure they are compatible with the Bowens Mount or it will not fit.

In this article, we will cover four common types of modifiers: white umbrellas, rectangle softboxes, octoboxes, and honeycomb grids. These modifiers offer various ways to shape and control the light output, allowing you to achieve your desired lighting style.

 

  1. White Umbrella

The white umbrella is a versatile and affordable light modifier that offers several benefits. It is lightweight, compact, and capable of creating a wide spread of soft light. Whether you intend to use it for creating content at home or during makeup application, the white umbrella is an excellent choice. The key advantage is its ability to produce an even spread of light, resulting in softening the subject without harsh spots. Additionally, it does not emphasize textures or shine, making it ideal for both photo and video content creation. With its wide coverage and ability to create a pleasing and diffused lighting effect, the white umbrella is a valuable tool for Makeup Artists.

Pros:

-Affordable ($15+)

-Light weight & compact

-Wide spread of light

-Soft light

Cons:

-Less shadows & dimensions

 

2. Rectangle Softbox

The rectangle softbox is a commonly seen light modifier in photo and video studios. It resembles a transitional window and provides more directional lighting compared to a white umbrella. This means that the light from a rectangle softbox doesn't spread as wide, allowing for the creation of dimensions and shadows depending on the placement of the light. A useful tip for identifying the modifier used in a photo is to closely examine the iris of the subject, as it will often exhibit a distinct shape corresponding to the modifier. The rectangle softbox offers a more natural lighting effect, especially when aiming for a window-like ambiance. The size of the softbox also plays a role, with larger boxes producing softer light. Think of sitting in front of a window while doing your makeup as a reference for the desired effect.

Pros:

-Reasonably priced ($60+)

-The most natural light that resembles a window

-Soft & even light

Cons:

-Takes longer to set up

-Heavier, bulkier and requires more space to set up

-More moving parts

 

3. Octobox

The octobox is a favored light modifier, offering similar characteristics to a rectangle softbox with a distinct difference in the reflection shape in the subject's eyes. It delivers soft and even lighting to the subject, making it ideal for both content creation and makeup application. However, it's important to note that setting up an octobox requires more time and effort compared to other modifiers. It is heavier and bulkier, making it better suited for studio or home office use. If you need a portable light for on-location makeup application, the white umbrella modifier is a suitable alternative. It provides a similar effect but is quicker and lighter to set up, making it more convenient for mobile applications.

Pros:

-Reasonably priced ($100+)

-Soft & even light

Cons:

-Takes longer to set up

-Heavier, bulkier and requires more space to set up

-More moving parts

 

4. Honeycomb Grid Add-on

The honeycomb grid is an additional accessory that can be used with a rectangle softbox or an octobox. Its primary function is to introduce more shadows and dimensions to the subject. By using a grid, the light is directed in a single direction, preventing it from spreading outwards. While this may result in a slight loss of brightness, it is an effective method to reintroduce shadows and create a more three-dimensional look to your subject. If you find that your images appear flat and lack depth, the honeycomb grid is an excellent tool to bring back those desired shadows and add dimension to your subject.

 

Final Takeaway

In conclusion, understanding lighting is more important than buying the newest phone or expensive camera. Good lighting is essential for great images, regardless of the camera you use. Even a cheap phone or camera can produce excellent results with proper lighting. Personally, I have expensive camera equipment, but I prefer using my phone for social media content.

Below I linked my amazon list of products that I recommend. Please don’t just buy the stuff and expect automatic results. you have to spend time researching, and educating yourself so in the future you will know how to see and control light and create the vision that you want. If you are like me, that need someone to teach you, DM @akccreatiestudio about a virtual or in-person lesson if you are in NYC.

If you find this article helpful, share, leave a review below and if you wish to buy me a coffee (Venmo @vanktr | Zelle vanktr@gmail.com)