Tips on Becoming a Freelance Makeup Artist
If you’re contemplating a career as a makeup artist, congratulations! You’ve taken the first step in an exciting new direction in the beauty industry. The next step is to decide which specific area of makeup artistry interests you most. Within this broad category, there are almost endless choices. You could choose to be a generalist, creating makeup for all age groups and skin types. Or you could choose to specialize, becoming a wedding makeup artist or MAC makeup artist.
As a generalist, many freelance makeup artists begin their own private makeup companies. As your boss, you determine the various niches you’ll work in. As a freelance makeup artist, though, you’re free to take on any contract jobs as they come up. For example, if you have an eye for makeup artistry, you might decide to specialize in bridal makeup application. Working at the bridal makeup counter is a great way to get your name out in the industry.
A MAC makeup artist must keep up with the latest trends in the industry. In order to do this, they must attend makeup artist school. There are many schools nationwide that will allow makeup artists to learn the latest techniques and trends in the field. In many cases, the courses will give students an opportunity to visit famous makeup artists and visit their studios. Visiting a makeup artist’s studio can provide inspiration and further hone an artist’s craft.
When considering a specific area of make-up artistry, it’s important to consider what kind of artist you’d like to become. Are you more comfortable working in a small, intimate setting? Or would you like to make a bold statement with a larger, more artistic makeup studio? Perhaps your favorite pastime is designing your own cosmetics. If so, getting your start as a fashion and cosmetic artist may be the right choice for you. Fashion and cosmetic artists must work closely with professional hairstylists, dermatologists, and even skin care specialists to design the best make-up and hair products for their clients.
If your passion is in the realm of cosmetics and esthetics, it’s important to obtain a degree in cosmetology as well. Cosmetics and esthetics schools are popping up all over the United States. An accredited cosmetology and esthetics program can prepare you for a career in salons, spas, or even TV makeup application shows. You can specialize in specific areas such as nail makeup, hair styling, body painting, or exotic hairstyles. If you decide to enter the world of TV makeup, specializing in drama, special effects, or singing, an acting and music-related degree may be right for you. For those who have an eye for talent and love to take photos, a digital photography or video technology degree can be a great fit.
The best way to find out if makeup artistry is the right career path for you is to visit local makeup artistry studios or makeup salons. You can also go online to search for local jobs and job fairs. Cosmetics and beauty trends can change quickly, and freelance makeup artist have to stay up on the latest techniques, including learning how to create celebrity-quality eyebrows, lashes, and eye makeup.
Freelance makeup artist can find commercial work in a wide variety of fields. Commercial work can include fashion advertising, stage makeup artist, special effects makeup artist, commercial makeup artist, and director of photography makeup artist. In addition, many makeup artists now have their own line of products. High-end make up and skincare lines are booming, and makeup artist can capitalize by creating these lines in conjunction with a commercial makeup artist.
Freelance makeup artist can work in an unlimited variety of fields. You will be hard pressed to find a makeup artist that doesn’t have experience applying makeup. They may be called to do special events to make people look like celebrities or to do photo shoots, but most all makeup artist has at least some experience applying makeup. Today, it’s just as important to look your best as it is to be beautiful. Whether you need help applying makeup, have a day to day makeup application job, or need to do photo shoots, an experienced makeup artist can help.
