Makeup artistry is a career that not everyone is brave enough to take. It is generally a rough path at the beginning, but don’t be discouraged. There is enough opportunity for everyone wherever you may be situated. It is possible for you to become a remarkable makeup artist, if you just put your heart into it.

There are several ways you can approach the advancement of your career. Below are some means you should exert your effort into:

• Grab every opportunity you can to practice

• Build your portfolio

• Network with makeup artists and potential clients

• Keep in the loop on social media

• Consider attending a makeup school

1. Practice Makeup on Friends and Family

Stretch your knowledge by practicing on friends and family. You may start with little to no pay but you will not regret all the lessons you are going to digest during this phase. It’s the best time to experiment, create mistakes, and correct yourself. It’s not only about grasping different makeup techniques, but it’s also about learning how to deal with other people you call your clients.
Friends and family are your best bet if you’re just starting out. They’re the ones who will completely understand that you’re still in the process of acquiring skills. They will support you in every way they can, which is actually very empowering to any individual whether you’re looking to take makeup artistry as a career or not.

2. Work on Your Portfolio

If there’s one thing we cannot stress enough, it’s for makeup artists to continuously update their portfolio. Every now and then, you will have different projects to work on, and what better way is there for you to take pride in your efforts than to showcase them? 
It is highly recommended that you only include the best quality of photos, and there are important reasons why. As a makeup artist, you have to realize the essentials of a great portfolio. When considering how to become a successful makeup artist, know that high-quality imagery will help you lift your career and contribute to your advancement substantially. With professional-grade photography or video and a collection of showcased work in the bank — whether that be made possible by your friends, family, peers, or other personal connections — you’ll have the fundamentals needed to pursue bigger, better projects.

3. Connect With Fellow MUAs & to the Market

Never lose your connection with those who are in the same industry as you. Though it may be a competitive world out there, don’t see others as a threat. Instead, you should set them as your inspiration to do your utmost best, because one day, you’re going to need each other.

If workshops, seminars, or any gatherings that allow you to network with others, take them. Never say no to such chances that will introduce you to potential clients who may later introduce you to more clients. If you’re looking to become a makeup artist, perfecting your craft, while important, is one element; keep in touch with everyone you meet along the way.

4. Learn How to Advertise Your Service On Social Media

If you’re absorbing advice and information on how to become a great makeup artist, you’re doing yourself a disservice if you’re not showcasing your work effectively! Part of this is leveraging social media and the internet at large. The best part? With time, management, and high-quality work, this relatively inexpensive avenue is a personality-driven bullhorn that gets your work out into the world with ease.

Nowadays, everybody’s on social media. A lot would look for their needs, including for MUAs, online, because it is easier that way. The convenience it brings is unbelievable, so that is one of the prime reasons why you should get in the trend of digital marketing. Put up a simple page where everybody can have access to your past works and see the magic work. Also put effort into disseminating information regarding your profile or website.

5. Get Trained and Receive a Diploma From a Makeup School

Nothing says trained than a hard-earned certificate. Employers and clients love MUAs who have had proper training because this means they can be trusted with their brushes and palettes. But besides appropriate learning, attending makeup school can be a fun experience.

Additional Tips on How You Can Become a Makeup Artist

From staying inspired to professional conduct, here are some things to know before your pursuit in becoming a makeup artist.

• Research makeup masters who inspire you: Take the time to determine what kind of look catches your eye and who your MUA role models are. You can begin by looking at magazines, websites, beauty vlogs, and public portfolios. Learn about your favorite MUA’s backgrounds and paths to success, and, if applicable, follow suit. If you’re wondering how to become a makeup artist for models, actors, and other high-profile individuals, your natural inclination may be to start here; but as your journey continues, never stop looking for ways to evolve your personal style and make the most out of the latest trends and iconic looks.

• Keep it professional. For many who want to learn how to become a makeup artist, working celebrities who are no stranger to the red carpet, billboard, or premier night is the ultimate goal. If you’re fortunate enough to work with a star client, you must remain professional; after all, you’re there to perform a service; and a poor interpersonal experience could tarnish a budding reputation or otherwise realign your professional trajectory.

• Bring your best attitude to every job. As you work your way up, take any job you can get to contribute to your portfolio and get experience — regardless of pay or perceived importance. You never know who you are going to meet, so it’s crucial to stick to the golden rule; treat everyone the way you’d like to be treated.

• Find a mentor: Try to connect with a makeup artist who will let you tag along to their jobs. If you can wrangle working as their assistant or intern, even better! Forming a relationship with a mentor who can show you the ropes is an invaluable asset when starting out.

Want to Learn More on How to Become a Makeup Artist? Turn to Our Makeup Academy

We emphasize a happy and positive environment for all our students, teachers, and guests. We try our best to incorporate everything that will make our students succeed in their career. Our makeup programs allow all to constantly practice and work on each other or on friends and family; we allow them to work on their portfolio by giving them the best photo shoot experience to fully capture their artistry; and we occasionally hold events that gather MUAs, aspiring MUAs, models, and other amazing people in one gathering.

For more information about how to become a successful makeup artist or our makeup and hair courses, contact us today.