Professional makeup artists are not made overnight. If you want to be one, there are things that you need to do. If you have the talent and patience to learn and to practice, you can surely achieve your dream of becoming a professional makeup artist. To help you, here are the five essential steps to becoming a professional makeup artist:
Learn the craft.
The art of putting makeup sounds easy but it actually requires hard work and knowledge. If you want to be a professional, education is a requirement. You have to learn the theories and learn how to apply them. There are courses provided to those people who wish to learn the makeup artistry. By studying, you will learn lessons essential in becoming a makeup artists such as the color theory, contouring, face structures, blending and product familiarity.
Complete Your Makeup Kit.
They say that soldiers should not go to war unequipped. The same idea applies to being a makeup artist. In this case, your cosmetic kit is your weapon. There are many different tools and cosmetics that you need if you want to become a professional makeup artist. You can start with the basic things such as foundation, concealers, powders, eyeshadows, eyeliners, lipsticks and brushes. If you have more resources, invest on airbrush, makeup guns, lash adhesives and props such as glitters and jewels. It is also important to have different shades and colors cosmetics. This is because there are many different kinds of skin tones and makeup styles.
Keep on Practicing.
Putting makeup is the same with fashion. It also evolves. This is why you need to make sure that you are updated with the latest makeup trends. The best way to do this is to keep on practicing. You can ask your friends and families to be your test subjects. Keep on reading fashion and cosmetic magazines too. If you check the Internet, you will find a lot of tips shared by other professional makeup artists.
Choose Your Specialization.
Just like other careers, makeup artists have different niches. It is important to keep on discovering what your best skills and where your passions are. It would be really helpful if you keep track of your strengths and weaknesses as a makeup artist. You could be a professional makeup artist in the movie, fashion, theatre or print industry. You can also be a freelance makeup artist and handle different occasions such as weddings and proms. If you love teaching and you want to share your knowledge and skills, you can give makeup lessons or become a product educator.
Market Your Skills.
No matter how talented you are as a makeup artist, it does not matter if you will not market your skills. You need to build a name for yourself. Distribute your business cards to prospect clients. You can also use the social media to show everyone your portfolio. Word of mouth is also a very effective marketing tool, so make sure to keep your clients satisfied. If you have the talent and people see it, your clients will surely line up.