How to Become a Professional Makeup Artist
By Jan Crystal
Makeup artistry is an ever-evolving field that offers a great deal of opportunity for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs. From fashion shows and photo shoots, to weddings and special occasions, there is no shortage of potential clients to work with. To become a professional makeup artist, you need to know the basics of makeup application, have a good eye for detail, and understand how to customize looks for different types of clients. Discover what you need to know below!
Photo by New Africa | Adobe Stock
Take Classes or Get Certified
The first step in becoming a professional makeup artist is learning the basics. You can take classes at beauty schools or enroll in online courses that cover topics such as color theory and product knowledge. If you want to get certified, you can attend specialized classes at cosmetology schools or take certification exams through organizations such as the American Institute of Makeup Artistry (AIMA). This will give you credentials that show prospective clients that you are serious about your craft.
Buy the Right Tools and Products
Once you have the basics down, it is time to invest in quality tools and products. Investing in quality tools will ensure your work is professional-looking without having to rely on low-quality items from discount or drugstores. Quality products will also last longer so you do not have to replace them as often—a definite plus when starting out! Research brands before making any purchases so that you find the right ones for your needs and style.
Photo by Maksim Vostrikov | Shutterstock
Develop Your Craft
Once you have received formal training, it is time to hone your craft by practicing with different looks and techniques. Utilize social media platforms such as Instagram or Pinterest to find inspiration from other artists in the field and practice creating different looks with friends and family. Developing strong foundational skills will help make sure that when clients come to you for services, they will be satisfied with the results!
Build Your Portfolio
Once you have developed a good foundation of knowledge on all things related to makeup artistry, start building your portfolio. Having several examples of your work will help set you apart from other artists when applying for jobs or when clients are considering hiring you. Investing in quality photography equipment will ensure that your portfolio looks polished and professional. Additionally, having a diverse range of images featuring different types of faces and skin tones will help show potential employers that you are capable of working with any type of person.
Photo by Ronstik | Dreamstime
Create an Online Presence
It is important to create an online presence if you want people to find out about your services. Start by setting up social media accounts on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or TikTok where potential clients can find out about your work and book appointments. You can also create a website where people can book appointments directly, or view your portfolio of work in greater detail. Building a strong online presence will help attract more customers in the long run!
Becoming a professional makeup artist is not easy but it can be extremely rewarding when done right! With proper training, experience, portfolio building and self-promotion tactics – anyone can rise up as an elite makeup artist in their community soon enough! Best wishes on your journey, from our team at Contagion Media!
