Confused About Freelance Makeup Artist..

May 25, 2012

Stephanie R.

so what really is doing freelance makeup and how do i start on that to get my resume started to start off getting a job a makeup counter when im ready!!also how does a resume for a freelance makeup artist look??

May 25, 2012

Lauren C.

In my opinion, if you're a freelance artist, you'd be taking a step backwards by wanting to work at a counter. They hire people off the street with zero credentials to work at counters, even at mac (I've seen countless people there hired with no prior experience, including me!).

Typically people start at a counter, then branch off to work independently for themselves (which is a very rewarding feeling).

Here is a link to my resume if you'd like to see an example of a freelance artist's resume: http://www.lauren-clark.com/storage/LaurenClarkCurriculumVitae.pdf

May 25, 2012

Mari P.

Thanks Lauren for the feedback, I was wondering myself how it worked.

May 26, 2012

Mandy M.

Thanks for the info Lauren! I was also curious! 

May 26, 2012

Yesenia G.

Thanks for posting that Lauren ! I'm taking a makeup class at MUUD this week and now know I can add that to my resume ! 

May 27, 2012

Stephanie R.

Thank u Lauren dat helped me understand

May 27, 2012

Rachelle N.

Thank you, That was helpful

Jun 1, 2012

Andrea F.

Definitely. A lot of freelance artists work at counters like MAC in their beginnings because it really gives you a sense of working with all kinds of different people, faces, knowing products to a t'. 

Jun 1, 2012

Sahily P.

I freelance on my own as well as at MAC and I find that the counter has helps me develop more as an artist. I am able to stay on top of current makeup trends and the demands of the consumers. It has also helped me increase my speed and work with real women with real makeup concerns, not just flawless skinned models. Plus! It's a chance to make extra money!

Jun 1, 2012

Lauren C.

I started at a makeup store (mac) before venturing off as an independent artist, I'm not saying people don't do that, I'm just saying it won't really help you. What helps me as an artists is taking lessons from other established MUAs, and taking masterclasses. Not from working on different types of people. That's just me though.

Jun 7, 2012

Mandy T.

Freelance mua is someone who provides a professional service to clients who need makeup done. Be it for bridal, formal, Prom, spfx, photoshoot, etc etc. It is pretty much running your own small business.

I never worked at a makeup counter. I went to school and networked like crazy offering to do makeup for friends and families and casting for models to use for class. I was building a portfolio the whole time and networked whenever I could. Be it on the net through Model Mayhem, Facebook, etc, etc
I got myself business cards and passed them out and asked salons if I could kindly leave my cards at their counters where their clients would see it. I also printed out photos of my work to put into a professional portfolio book as well as made a website.
I read a load of makeup books, youtube, do research and buy heaps of magazines to keep myself up to date.
I also attend masterclasses to help improve my skills.
I started off with Bridal/Prom makeup and from there offered to do makeup for photoshoots on a TF basis to build portfolio.

I think makeup counter jobs would only be good for getting your basics, like being able to match foundation to the customers' skintone and doing your basic makeup looks. I think a counter job is more about selling the products rather than actually improving your makeup skills.
That's just my thought

Jun 7, 2012

Margie G.

I am working on this one too by using my facebook page and getting involved in events at my church to do make up on some friends and visitors who come to my church. I take the before photos and the after so I can see the difference and learn from that what I should have done to improve for the next time to come.

Jun 15, 2012

Lauren C.

No disrespect Andii, but I myself was hired to mac with NO prior experience or beauty education. I later went on to be a hiring manager for the cosmetic department at Macys, so I know a thing or two about how the hiring process for makeup counters goes. "Hiring people off the street" is an expression used to mean almost anyone could walk in and get the job if it's available. I didn't mean they literally pull people from the street and hire them o.o . I'm not "talking crap", I'm just speaking from what I know goes down.

Jun 16, 2012

Amanda Val S.

thank you Lauren and others for the comments! Would you guys recommend free-lancing in college? Or how about keeping a stable day-job while you freelance? 

Jun 17, 2012

Lauren C.

Amanda, keeping a day job is totally do-able because typically most of your freelance work will fall on the weekend anyway. Same with doing it in college, the majority of my work happens on sat and sun mornings and early afternoons, leaving you with time in the evening/night to study

Jun 17, 2012

Breanna C.

I'm attending Joe Blasco Makeup Training Center in Orlando in July, and was told that now (at least in the state if Florida), you have to have either your cosmo license, or esthetician license (thankfully I do) in order to legally freelance as a makeup artist now. I think other states are going to start as well. Idk how that would apply to already established artists, but i had to sign a paper about it during registration.

Jun 20, 2012

Candace C.

Celebrity makeup artist Sam Fine started at a makeup counter so I wouldn't say it is the lowest of low. You learn speed and versatility by working at a makeup counter. If someone told you "I can't where blush because I'm allergic" what would you do? Working at a counter gives you experience like that to adjust to problems that you may run into as a professional makeup artist.

The term "freelance makeup artist" is usually refering to being a regional or national makeup artist for cosmetic companies but truthfully most (not all) makeup artists are freelance because they don't work for companies....companies are their clients. Wether you do makeup for TV series, print, fashion shows and even celebrities most makeup artists are freelance and when the assignment or contract is over for the project they are working on, they have to look for or apply for a different project. They also have to take out their own taxes most of the time too.

Jun 20, 2012

Brandy R.

Usually when you are considered a freelance makeup artist you are in business for yourself. Which means you also have a whole different set of responsibilities that Candace talks about above. There is NOTHING wrong with starting off at a counter to get some basics down and have clientele to practice your makeup application skills on.

Also, most professional (freelance included) makeup artists have to be licensed in at least esthetics in most states. Check with your state's cosmetology board regarding this.