My First Professional Makeup Artist Gig

Hey guys!

I hope you’re having a fabulous week! It’s low season down here in Puerto Rico but there’s always a lot to do.

Today I’ll be walking you through my first experiences working as a Makeup Artist. After I started studying at QC, I started posting pictures of my models for my assignments and all my practice makeup on my social media. Soon enough, people started asking me if I could do their makeup. At first I was too shy and not very sure of myself so I would decline. Once I felt happy with my work and was receiving very positive feedback from my tutor, Nathan, I started accepting small jobs from my friends (here in PR there is still no official MUA license so I could start working without any setbacks). I wouldn’t charge them much since they were basically my guinea pigs!

A few months later, and after taking quite a few continuing education courses in nearby cities, I started getting calls from friends of friends who I didn’t know. That’s when I landed what I see as my first real makeup gig. It was the first time I was going to do a total stranger’s makeup. I was to go to her house and do her makeup for a formal event at a hotel. I was so nervous! I cleaned and sanitized my brushes and kit the night before, organized my (then) small makeup bag, and left everything set for the big day. I arrived at her house a bit before time and set everything up really nicely. I noticed the lighting was horrible at her house and, being my first job, I didn’t have any lighting of my own. It was easy to make small talk during the time I was there and she seemed relaxed and at ease. She told me she didn’t usually wear much makeup and was willing to let me do whatever I thought would look good on her.

Looking back at that day, I took a REALLY long time doing her makeup. I wanted everything to be perfect and I had never really taken my timing during other makeup applications. Anyway, she was really happy with the end result and I was too. I got paid, left her dining room table clean, and went home feeling satisfied. That night, around midnight, I got a text from my client saying “Thank you so much for my makeup. Everyone at the party complimented me and it lasted ALL night! From now on you’re my official MUA.” I was so proud! That first client then recommended me to her friends, who kept on spreading the word and landed my first bridal party makeup.

After that experience almost a year ago, I’ve had brides, and even an experience as a hair & makeup artist for a reporter from national news channel, which I’ll probably tell you about in another blog post. 🙂

Keep on practicing, and keep on learning!

Big hugs,

Nichole

Are you ready to get started with a career in professional makeup artistry? Check out the courses offered here at QC Makeup Academy!