Being a makeup artist has its pros and cons, especially if you’ll be working as a freelance makeup artist. However, at the end of the day, if this is truly your passion, the good will outweigh the “bad.” But we’re not saying there’s something completely wrong being a makeup artist. Like any job, this profession also has things you should consider.
We are uncovering some of the undisclosed information about being a makeup artist. Besides all the glitz and glam, below are some truths to enlighten your thoughts about taking makeup artistry as a career.
- You will start by rendering your services for free
- You will work odd hours
- You won’t work on all days
- You may have to travel
- You will invest a lot of time, money, and effort in being a makeup artist
1. YOU WILL WORK FOR FREE AT THE BEGINNING
Trust is something you must build and you do this by building your portfolio. No one will immediately pay for your services if you have not done anything in the past; even if you say you have experience, clients are likely to ask you for your portfolio.
You can fashion your very first portfolio by doing makeup on friends and family members. Always remember to take HD photos of your work. You don’t necessarily have to use a professional camera. You can even take it with your phone, but make sure that you get the right angle, lighting, and focus.
2. IT’S NEVER GOING TO BE LIKE A 9-5 JOB
If you’re already working as a freelance makeup artist, you may be in-demand in your field. This means you will have to work on odd hours. You sometimes have to start early and end your day much later than others would.
There is no fixed date and time for when you will work, unlike having a desk job where you know you will have to come in five times a week on regular hours. This could be good too because not all jobs start at dawn. This means you will also have days when you can sleep in before you start your day.
3. NOT ALL DAYS WILL GUARANTEE YOU WORK
Makeup artists who have been in the industry for quite a while find this as a relaxing perk in their career. If you are just starting, this may worry you since of course, pursuing your profession should also sustain your lifestyle.
Be a go-getter and build connections to lead you to one job to another. But one thing you have to keep in mind is to never accept a million jobs all the same time and end up not doing everything you promised. Being organized as a makeup artist is one thing that is vital since you don’t want to be all over the place. Make sure to keep track of days you’re working and days that won’t be working so you can leave them open for future opportunities.
4. TRAVELING MAY BE NECESSARY
This is good news for globetrotters. You may have to go places, near or far, as your client’s requirement. However, sometimes, traveling for a single client can give you second thoughts. Is it really worth it to travel 5 hours for a client’s request which you will do in just 2 hours? This is an example of when traveling may be a hassle to you as a makeup artist. But in this profession, you have to keep hustling whatever it takes.
5. STARTING AS A MAKEUP ARTIST IS AN INVESTMENT
Becoming a makeup artist will have a few requirements such as a professional makeup kit, an amazing portfolio, and great training. All these are aspects that you may need to save up for since these will never be, in any way, low-cost. You may canvass for much more affordable options but at the end of the day, you will still have to take money out of your pocket.
Did you know that at Nina Mua, you can obtain all these three for just one price? Yes, we made sure that we can offer programs to provide you with all your needs if you are aspiring as a makeup artist. These programs are our Intensive 4-Week Program, Extensive 5-Week Program, and Master Makeup Program.
Professional makeup kit? Check. Photo shoot to take care of your portfolio? Check. Individual training? Check. There’s a bonus: and industry-recognized diploma! Nina Mua is definitely your starter pack in achieving your dreams as a makeup artist.
