Advice to be a Makeup Artist

Jul 21, 2012

Amethyst R.

Hello,

I would like some help and advice to be a Makeup Artist. I've always been interested
in makeup, of course. I'm a liscensed working Hair Stylist. The college I attended
didn't teach very much,actually nothing at all. I live Dfw,Texas area. I was wondering
should I go back to school to pick up some makeup classes or what? I'm always watching
videos on youtube. Thats how I discovered this website, thats so amazing. Hopefully I can come
across a few friends and learn from also. Please vomit all your information :)

xoxo

Jul 21, 2012

Reni V.

Check out the licensing requirements for your state. I live in PA where I can work as a makeup artist but without a cosmetology license, there are things that I cannot do legally (using an eyelash curler is one of them and it bugs me, but I can understand why). I'm not against going to school for it, but it definitely depends on whether you're wanting to do this as a career or as more of a hobby. I started out in theater which is where I learned the basics, and from there went to working as a costume designer and dresser for drag queens. There are different ways to go about getting started; I don't feel that any one way is more valid or credible than others. The only thing that I'm leery about is some of the "schools" aimed specifically at makeup artists because there are discrepancies as far as credentialing and whether or not the hours count toward state licensing requirements.

By the way - I LOVE your hair!

xoxo

Jul 21, 2012

Jacky A.

Hi, I also live in the dfw, Texas area. Although I'm not. Quite there yet I'm an aspiring mua. You can take lessons at a Mac store to learn more about makeup application I believe it's about 100$ but since you're already licensed for Cosmo I think they have workshops. You should try calling a Mac store & get more info with the manager. That's what I did. And also look around for makeup workshops. Hope this kind of helped and good luck :)

Oct 24, 2012

Caitlin M.

As a recent special effects grad, my advice is to definitely get a valid license. While the program I went to gave me a degree, it doesn't cover the beauty makeup that I love to do, even though they offered some courses in it and I know a lot. I'm considering finding a program that will give me some more training and the proper paperwork in the future but at the moment I'm sticking it out without it. Its also good to put on a resume and most places that are hiring will probably want you to have it as well, it will definitely boost your opportunities.

Also if you're really serious, start putting together a portfolio. Practice on yourself and your friends as much as possible and take photos of your work. Make sure they're good quality photos if you can. I don't know if you've heard of test shoots, but it's basically where a model, photographer, hair stylist, makeup artist agree to get together and do a shoot. Everyone will benefit by getting a photograph for their portfolio and it's a good chance to network. Craigslist and model mayhem.com are a good place for this.

I'm still fairly new to the field as well but these are some of the things I was taught in school that have benefited me. My only other advice is to just keep practicing, try new things and new products and keep learning all that you can learn. The more stuff you're able to do the more opportunities you'll have and if you do pursue it as a career the more money you can make.
I hope this was helpful and that I didn't ramble on too much :)