If you are passionate about makeup and if you are not afraid of working hard, becoming a makeup artist could lead you to an exciting career. Depending on what interests you the most, you could get to work for movies or TV shows, for a fashion magazine, or for a cosmetic brand.
But how can you become a makeup artist? While following online tutorials and practicing on yourself and on your friends can help you acquire some skills and knowledge, it isn’t enough if you truly want to become a professional makeup artist.
If becoming a makeup artist is your passion, you should learn more about the career path and progression. Here are six tips to help you pursue a makeup artist career path:
1. Keep nurturing your passion for makeup
To begin your makeup artist career path, it’s important at first to keep watching makeup tutorials, and developing your skills by practicing on yourself as well as on your friends. Keep in mind that doing your own makeup is not the same as doing someone else’s, and try to practice on people of different ages, and skin colours.
Try different products and brands, and assemble your own makeup kit. Don’t worry if you can’t afford expensive products at the moment, as drugstore brand cosmetics will meet your needs for now.
Read different magazines and blogs to learn about the current makeup and beauty trends. Do everything you can to develop your talent and to nurture your passion for makeup.
2. Decide which type of makeup artist you would like to become
When you become a makeup artist, your career can go in different directions. Take a moment to think about which type of professional makeup artist you would like to become.
Would you like to work at the makeup counter of a drugstore or department store, and apply makeup on women of different ages as they get ready for special occasions, or simply want to try a new look? Would you like to offer your services to brides on their wedding day?
Would you prefer working for theatre, TV shows, movies, or fashion magazines? Helping a bride get ready for her wedding, and transforming an actor into a monster for a horror movie require different sets of skills, as you can imagine.
Of course, you can change your mind or try different things during your career, but it can help to start with a good idea of which type of makeup artist you would like to be.
3. Get a job in a field that interests you to gain some experience
Before you enroll in a makeup artist program, it could be a good idea to gain some work experience. Try to get a job in a field that interests you.
Working at a cosmetics counter is always a good idea, even if this is not what you want to do for a living, because it will allow you to practice on people that have different skin colours and complexions, as well as different demands. Plus, you will earn some money while gaining valuable experience.
You could also gain some experience by getting in touch with a professional makeup artist, and asking them for some advice.
4. Find a makeup artist school and enroll
Different schools can teach you how to become a makeup artist. Do some research and enroll in one of the many makeup artist courses that feels exciting to you.
Depending on your career ambitions, studying to become a certified makeup artist might not even be necessary. However, you should consider enrolling in a makeup artist program if you want to learn new techniques from professionals, while connecting with other students who are as passionate as you are about makeup.
Getting to know people who work, and want to work as makeup artists could eventually help you advance your career.
5. Build your portfolio
Building a portfolio is essential, and you should begin working on yours while you are at school.
A good idea would be to work with models and photographers who, like you, are getting started. Practice your skills on the model, ask the photographer to take quality photos of your work, and give each other testimonials after your collaboration. The photos taken can then become a part of your portfolio, as well as the model’s and the photographer’s.
Your portfolio should reflect the scope of your talent, as well as the style of makeup you most enjoy doing. Don’t hesitate to get creative with the work you include in it, so your future clients really understand what you have to offer.
6. Search for your dream job
The people you meet while you acquire work experience, while you study at makeup artist school, and while you build your portfolio could all help you land your dream job. Your friends and your family could help you as well.
Don’t hesitate to tell everyone you know that you are now a makeup artist, and ask them if they know of a job opening you could fill, or of someone who could use your talent.
