Not everyone has the opportunity to attend a makeup school and receive proper training. However, not everyone is also 100% sure where they will end up after completion. It’s no joke to spend your money on something you’re not absolutely sure about. But the thing is, how will you know if you don’t try?
You may think that makeup school is only for those who want to become a makeup artist, but you will be surprised to find out that many are actually interested because they just want to learn for themselves. Eventually, they go into makeup artistry as a career because attending a program can help you foresee what your future will be like. It will certainly not determine the totality of your career, but it helps.
If you are ever one of those that is curious what happens after finishing in a makeup school, keep reading as we will list down some realities that come with your chosen career.
- You continue to practice
- You polish your makeup kit
- You set up a name for yourself as a makeup artist
- You proceed to always learning something new
- You boost your portfolio
YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO KEEP PRACTICING
Being out of school does not mean you can now stop practicing and just work your artistry when you have clients. As a freelancer, there will come a time when clients are abundant on some days, and only a few in some days. More than anything, this should encourage you to go over what you have learned so you can sharpen your skills. Mastery shows that you are to be trusted by any clients, so take advantage of your free time by improving your own self.
You also don’t want to leave your skills in the dust by thinking that you should only practice when you are in school. Graduating from a makeup school is only the start of your career, and it is only through practice that you will master techniques. It is highly recommended that you practice on friends and family to help you get familiar with different skin tones, face shapes, and facial features.
YOU GROW YOUR MAKEUP KIT ACCORDING TO TRENDS, NEEDS, AND CLIENTS’ FAVORITES
Makeup schools provide their students with a professional makeup kit. Oftentimes, these kits are made up of high-end products and some products that are for educational purposes only. With this being said, your makeup kit has to grow along with you. You have to remember that makeup has to do with trends, and since trends come and go, your makeup products also have to come and go.
Meanwhile, if you work with private clients, they tend to work with you more if you carry products that they love. Oftentimes, this is a gesture that makes them feel special. They get excited when they see a favorite in your kit, or when there is a new product in your kit that is hot in the market right now.
AS AN ASPIRING MAKEUP ARTIST, YOU HAVE TO BUILD YOUR NAME
It’s never too early or too late to get your name out there. These days, what helps word of mouth is social media and having your own website. This allows a personal space where potential clients can connect with you. It’s where you can express your style as a makeup artist and let the world know you exist.
It’s important to create your own website where clients can find everything about you, what you have done, and what else you can do in just one click. Entice them with your best works, and the same goes for your social media. Since makeup is pretty visual, an Instagram makeup page will be helpful. Showcase your work of art in your feed and make sure to include relevant hashtags so people can find you more. You will be surprised how many makeup artists are booked through Instagram itself!
SEEK FOR NEW LEARNINGS AND NETWORK
Graduating does not guarantee that you know every technique. You always have to go out of your way to help yourself gain more knowledge. There are countless paid and also free workshops out there that you can take advantage of. This is also a great opportunity for you to network with other fellow makeup artists and learn from each other.
Even setting up a coffee date with a makeup artist you trust can help. Talking over anything about makeup technically will give you more ideas of how you can improve your own ways. There are also books out there which you can use as reference. But of course, at the end of the day, it is the application that will matter and not exactly the theory behind it.
YOU CONTINUE TO WORK ON YOUR PORTFOLIO
One common mistake of makeup artists is stopping to build their portfolio. You never know how many more opportunities you will land on if you keep a strong portfolio. We always believe that this is like your golden ticket. It is your key to getting more clients and working in any part of the makeup industry.
Eventually, you have to have a niche. If you want to focus on weddings, make sure to build your portfolio according to this need as well.