Guys, i'm lost -__- how does one make it into this industry? I've worked alongside photographer friends, and done some amazing gigs (everything from bridal, sweet sixteen, quinceaneras, bachalorette parties..even..catch this, pregnancy parties! You name it!)..my freelance experience is pretty strong, however i now have the need to get a "real job" and i'm not quite sure where to start. A lot of places question schooling you've acquired in make-up artistry, however I am self taught and find this a bit inconveniencing =/ My need to get a consistent pay check comes from my current inability to attend a Make-up academy. I had applied to a spectacular academy in Toronto, however just recently had my loan denied after all was set up =[ If anyone has any advice of how to get my foot in the door at some reputable make-up stores it would be greatly valued!! I have previous retail experience, I hope i don't come off as conceited, but I am very confident in my abilities as an artist. Suggestions?? Sorry this is so long!
Dec 09, 2012
Zuri F.
I think that you need to get your foot in the door through getting a job on a make up counter, also set up a blog and you tube channel, use Thessaly as starting points to network in the right area. also I managed to do my make up course part time. also make sure you have a strong portfolio to show
There is a lot of people that get hired at makeup stores that are not "professional". I think they ate just looking for someone confident and friendly. And when you apply you can attach photos of work you have done! Maybe you should try and get mire freelancing jobs if that is going good for you though!! It is way more fun than working at a makeup counter!
If you are looking for a steady pay check, then working a retail counter is your best bet. You don't need a formal makeup artistry education to work behind a counter. Unfortunately, it has been my experience that most major department stores really don't care what kind of makeup artistry experience that you have, they only care about how much you can sell. Most of the cosmetic lines will train new hires. It's usually very minimal, concentrating more on the actual product line, and how they want you to apply and sell their makeup.
Having a strong portfolio is a must; however, when first starting out, especially in retail, the only line that has ever asked to see my portfolio is MAC, and that was for a job at a freestanding Pro store, not a department store counter. If you are friendly, outgoing and have retail experience behind you, you should have no problem getting a job at a counter.
That being said, in terms of getting a formal makeup artistry education, there will always be some form of debate on whether or not the formal education is necessary to be successful. Technically speaking, you don't need a formal education to be a professional makeup artist. There are successful artists out there that didn't have a formal education; however, they are the exception, not the rule. What makes a great artist is technique and versatility, and if you want to make a career out of this, you have to be able to do various types of applications. It would also be beneficial to know exactly what sub-section of the industry that you want to work in: Do you want to work in the Film and Television Industry, Stage/Theater, Hi-Fashion/Runway, Character and/or FX Appliance Makeup? These types of applications involve learning different types of techniques. You'll need to learn about the different types of lighting, and how it effects the outcome of the makeup. If you want to editorial/print work, this is especially important. If you have a formal artistry education, you will learn all of these things, and it will make you more marketable. There are more makeup artists than there are jobs, so you need to set yourself up with the best possible chance to get your foot in the door, and a formal education is the best way to do just that.
I don't think that you are conceited, it's good to see someone that's confident... It will take you very far however, let me say this: When I first started out, I too was very confident with my skill level, but when I went to school, I found out that most everything that I thought I knew was wrong. It was a very humbling experience. The best advice that I could give you is this: Always be willing to learn something new; never become complacent. Be persistent in your desire, and never let anything someone says to dissuade you because you'll get your fair share of doors slammed in your face. Last but not least, try to always be inspired and inspiring in everything that you do. I wish you the very best of luck.
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Dec 09, 2012
Maria S.
Guys, i'm lost -__- how does one make it into this industry? I've worked alongside photographer friends, and done some amazing gigs (everything from bridal, sweet sixteen, quinceaneras, bachalorette parties..even..catch this, pregnancy parties! You name it!)..my freelance experience is pretty strong, however i now have the need to get a "real job" and i'm not quite sure where to start. A lot of places question schooling you've acquired in make-up artistry, however I am self taught and find this a bit inconveniencing =/ My need to get a consistent pay check comes from my current inability to attend a Make-up academy. I had applied to a spectacular academy in Toronto, however just recently had my loan denied after all was set up =[ If anyone has any advice of how to get my foot in the door at some reputable make-up stores it would be greatly valued!! I have previous retail experience, I hope i don't come off as conceited, but I am very confident in my abilities as an artist. Suggestions?? Sorry this is so long!
Dec 09, 2012
Zuri F.
I think that you need to get your foot in the door through getting a job on a make up counter, also set up a blog and you tube channel, use Thessaly as starting points to network in the right area. also I managed to do my make up course part time. also make sure you have a strong portfolio to show
Dec 09, 2012
Ashlee C.
There is a lot of people that get hired at makeup stores that are not "professional". I think they ate just looking for someone confident and friendly. And when you apply you can attach photos of work you have done! Maybe you should try and get mire freelancing jobs if that is going good for you though!! It is way more fun than working at a makeup counter!
Dec 21, 2012
Derricka C.
having a strong portfolio is a must. if u have one then you can apply to an agency that will book u for TV shows,fashion shoots etc
Dec 23, 2012
Jacqueline H.
If you are looking for a steady pay check, then working a retail counter is your best bet. You don't need a formal makeup artistry education to work behind a counter. Unfortunately, it has been my experience that most major department stores really don't care what kind of makeup artistry experience that you have, they only care about how much you can sell. Most of the cosmetic lines will train new hires. It's usually very minimal, concentrating more on the actual product line, and how they want you to apply and sell their makeup.
Having a strong portfolio is a must; however, when first starting out, especially in retail, the only line that has ever asked to see my portfolio is MAC, and that was for a job at a freestanding Pro store, not a department store counter. If you are friendly, outgoing and have retail experience behind you, you should have no problem getting a job at a counter.
That being said, in terms of getting a formal makeup artistry education, there will always be some form of debate on whether or not the formal education is necessary to be successful. Technically speaking, you don't need a formal education to be a professional makeup artist. There are successful artists out there that didn't have a formal education; however, they are the exception, not the rule. What makes a great artist is technique and versatility, and if you want to make a career out of this, you have to be able to do various types of applications. It would also be beneficial to know exactly what sub-section of the industry that you want to work in: Do you want to work in the Film and Television Industry, Stage/Theater, Hi-Fashion/Runway, Character and/or FX Appliance Makeup? These types of applications involve learning different types of techniques. You'll need to learn about the different types of lighting, and how it effects the outcome of the makeup. If you want to editorial/print work, this is especially important. If you have a formal artistry education, you will learn all of these things, and it will make you more marketable. There are more makeup artists than there are jobs, so you need to set yourself up with the best possible chance to get your foot in the door, and a formal education is the best way to do just that.
I don't think that you are conceited, it's good to see someone that's confident... It will take you very far however, let me say this: When I first started out, I too was very confident with my skill level, but when I went to school, I found out that most everything that I thought I knew was wrong. It was a very humbling experience. The best advice that I could give you is this: Always be willing to learn something new; never become complacent. Be persistent in your desire, and never let anything someone says to dissuade you because you'll get your fair share of doors slammed in your face. Last but not least, try to always be inspired and inspiring in everything that you do. I wish you the very best of luck.
Jan 07, 2013
Maria S.
Thanks so much guys! Ahhhh so much great advice :D