Warning: Makeup Artistry is not for the fainthearted.
Breaking into the makeup industry can be a lot of work. Oftentimes, it is the start that hinders anyone from their journey because this can be the most difficult. Lauren Whitworth’s advice? “Go to a fantastic makeup school!”
Lauren is our lovely teacher who hails from England. She has been in the industry for 17 years now, with the last 10 years spent in New York City. Her life as an aspiring makeup artist was sparked in her hometown where she was trained in Delamar Academy of Make-Up in London.
Do you know that feeling when you wake up for regular school (where you feel all sleepy and you’re questioning yourself why you have to get up that early)? Lauren didn’t feel that way on her first day of makeup class and throughout her course. She was utterly excited that an hour commute for a whole year did not bother her. In fact, it was her makeup school that kept her going. She was more than happy that besides finding her passion, she’s actually great at it too. These days, it’s rare to find passion in your work so if you know what you want, go for it!
Her teachers back then were working as makeup artists (just like her now!). This unlocked opportunities for her and her classmates because they are getting ahold of authentic pieces of information that are applied in the real world. She even got the chance to assist one of her fashion makeup instructors, a Frenchman called Pascal, while still in school. Lauren soaked up everything she could and they have a strong bond until this day. Always take note that networking is important in this industry because this will help you get where you want to be one day.
The biggest struggle Lauren had in becoming a makeup artist was the long slow road to building her clientele. She specifically mentioned New York City where people are transient so clients can disappear just as quickly as they appear! We have to be real and consider that anyone in this world may choose to settle to another state, city, or even country so you have to keep your eye open for new clients every chance you get. She personally lost three major clients because they moved to Los Angeles in a 6-month period. She had to go through her entire network again because this loss is something that is out of her control.
It is during Lauren’s time with her makeup school that she realized just how choosing the right academy is of utmost importance. You actually feel the vibe if the school’s right for you, the moment you step in. This is exactly why we always welcome those who want to see our school before they enroll because we also want you to feel if we are the right institution for you.
Lauren also learned that it’s not just about creating the most beautiful makeup because that’s just one part of being a professional makeup artist. The whole artistry is also about knowing set etiquette, how to manage clients (celebrities included), how to market your freelance business and most of all, how to stay motivated.
Lauren profoundly acknowledges her love for the makeup school she chose for herself. To this day, she even said she can hear her lessons from years ago ringing in her ears! This is good because it just means her school has been effective in her profession. So our advice to you, really, is to feel which school you think you will benefit the most from. These may be skills you can pick up when you are properly trained.
After you graduate, you will be tempted to work desk jobs because as much as you want to pursue your passion, you are also seeking stability. Bills are not going to pay themselves, but Lauren’s advice is just to rip the band-aid off and just go for it. You may play it safe but it’s not the best route. Learn to commit and welcome the idea that the first few months will be financially puzzling. Lauren, herself, supported herself while being in a new city away from her family. She encourages that if you’re still lucky enough to have your family’s support system, ask them to be patient with you. Truly, hard work only pays off at the end and let’s be honest this applies to any profession. We all have to start somewhere.
Today, our incredible Lauren has been across the globe because of her makeup artistry profession. She juggles a busy schedule of varying fashion, advertising, and celebrity clients Apart from that, she teaches her passion to Nina Mua students who want to make it one day – just like she did! She sets as an inspiration to everyone in her class, both current students and graduates, because she puts in the mind what she has learned back then have been useful to her career now.
