Makeup Contracts

Nov 18, 2012

Nadine S.

Hi Everyone,
I recently had a client for general makeup services and she was an older woman. As a makeup artist I always have a contract for every service I provide. The client tells me that she has never signed a contract for such service in her life and was questioning my skills and services. Decided she does not prefer to work with me just for the simple reason of the contract. My contracts include what services are being covered, amount total for services, location, time, date..etc
Now the point is do all makeup artists make a contract whether the work is big or small?
And what if the client thinks signing such a contract is not good business?

Thanks everyone.

Nov 18, 2012

Samantha P.

It is a very good idea. It informs your clients about everything and keeps you in the green. There is nothing wrong with having full disclosure on your services. You have to let them know it's a liability issue. What if you put foundation all over her face and she later breaks out? She's gonna give you hell because of it! It's the best thing you can do to protect yourself. If she isn't happy, she can go elsewhere if it gets to that point. My aunt is a professional makeup artist and she has done makeup for movies and theater. She is a teacher, aswell. I am her assistant all the time and she has a huge pile of "agreements" that we have her clients sign before they get their makeup done. Better safe than sorry, hun! 

Nov 18, 2012

Foqiya I.

Can I trouble you guys for a copy of your contracts…? I'm testing at the moment so I haven't got clients yet, but I would love to be prepared! 

Nov 18, 2012

Caitlin M.

It's not bad business!! It's a very good thing to have, for both sides. Essentially its to make sure that neither side gets ripped off. Its going to make sure that you do all the services outlined and that she's going to pay you the negotiated price for them. It's just as much for her as it is for you in the end. But if she doesn't understand it or feel comfortable with it, I would let her go to find someone else. It sucks to lose the work but you can't win them all as they say. 

Nov 19, 2012

Nadine S.

Thanks everyone for your responses. I too feel that it's good to have a contract no matter how big or small the service. Sure Caitlin agree you can't win them all! 

Nov 19, 2012

Gin S.

If a client refuses to sign a contract I refuse to work with them. If they don't want everything that we've agreed upon the outline paper so that I can be held accountable and they can be held accountable in that means there something wrong on there and I don't want to be working with people like that. To take it further, none of the sets I've worked on - film or editorial shoots - have REQUIRED a contract as well as an invoice for services and products used. we both need it for accounting and other such purposes.

Nov 19, 2012

Nadine S.

I agree with you Gin. A contract is basically outlining the services and what we are going to be held accountable for and I same believe what you do: I do not want to work with anyone who does not sign the paper. There are always more opportunities. 

Nov 25, 2012

Nicol D.

She wasn't the client for you.

I currently don't have a contract for general mu application but I've been thinking about it. 

Dec 2, 2012

Gin S.

so happy you understood what I meant. I was seriously injured a few months ago on set and im still very medicated! Please also pardon any typos! thanks! :-)

Dec 2, 2012

Joseph F.

Yes. Contract always! 

Dec 5, 2012

Ericka V.

Where can I find a template for a contract or examples? I would love to have a contract for my clients. 

Dec 5, 2012

Nadine S.

You can type in google makeup artist contracts and many will come up

Dec 7, 2012

Elana R.

I have made a folded flyer with all of my services broken down and the very last page is my contract so everyone who gets my flyer has a contract to fill out and return to me to sign and make bound. It has been the easiest most convenient way for me so far.