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
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