Former QC Makeup Academy student Melissa Robinson of MJ Essence Makeup Artistry took to Facebook earlier this month for an AMA! A Turks and Caicos Islands Destination Makeup service provider, Melissa’s unique experiences gave her an edge in answering your pressing questions. She talked about QC Makeup Academy’s certification, her favorite brands, and career advice for breaking into the industry.
Missed out? Not to worry! We’ve recapped some of the best questions below!
Instagram: @mj_essence
Q: I would eventually love to work on runway models, magazine shoots, etc.; how would I go about that? I also have terrible computer skills compared to the younger generation. Will that be a total disaster in this industry?
A: So you’ve figured out your target market—that’s the first step! Now you have to seek out that industry in your community. It’s great to reach out to schools, colleges, or a production company in your city/state because these are the places that will need stage makeup artists. Your local schools are always doing Christmas plays so you can volunteer your time and services to get your foot in the door. You’ll need to brush up on your computer skills as everyday technology is advancing and it plays a huge role in communication.
Q: What’s the best way to achieve a flawless finish? Sponge or brush for foundation?
A: For me, I normally use both. I apply the foundation first with a stipple brush, and then I will go over it with a beauty blender. I find that when I use this method, it leaves an airbrush finish and it looks more like skin.
Q: Do you see more benefits in a physical or electronic portfolio?
A: Both are vital to have; however, with technology always being 10 steps ahead of us, nowadays agents/clients will ask for your Instagram page more quickly than they’ll ask for a physical portfolio.
Q: How did QC makeup help you build confidence in applying makeup and working with clients?
A: QC Makeup Academy played a huge role in building my confidence as a makeup artist. I have the experience, but what I didn’t have was the qualifications. Now that I am certified, not only did it boost my confidence, but it also gave my clients confidence to use me as their makeup service provider.
Q: What are your favorite products to use and what type of self-promotion do you use?
A: I honestly can’t say that I have a favorite because every day brands are creating better formulas with better price tags. But, I can share a few staple brands that are always in my kit. They are Black Opal, Urban Decay, Laura Mercier, Kevyn Aucoin, Graftobian, MAC, Cover FX, Anastasia Beverly Hills, IMAN Cosmetics, Milani, Revlon, NYX, Sacha Cosmetics, and the list goes on! As for self-promotion, I use social media.
Q: How confident were you in your own makeup skills prior to and after attending QC Makeup Academy?
A: I’ll be very honest: I knew how to do my makeup really well before I started QC—I was sure about that! But when I decided that I was going to do it for others, it became a task. I wasn’t 100% sure of what I was doing, but with time and LOTS of practice, it became second nature. After attending QC Makeup Academy, I learned way more about the industry than I knew before. So, you can say now that I’m more confident in my work.
Q: What was the most valuable thing you learned from QC Makeup Academy?
A: What QC Makeup Academy has taught me that will follow me until the end of time is that for makeup artists, there’s no right or wrong way to be creative!
Q: Do I need to possess any special beauty license along with my certification to ensure my success?
A: Some places do require this. It all depends on where you are or where you’re applying for employment. However, we have celebrity makeup artists who have never acquired any form of certification or license, and they made a career for themselves—but we all don’t have the same luck!
Q: What makeup product should women never leave the house without?
A: Lipstick! Duh!!!!!! Lol
Q: As an aspiring new makeup artist, how do you get your name out there to get clients?
A: PROMOTE! PROMOTE! PROMOTE! Promotion is the key—good or bad. Social media is a gateway to getting your name/work seen by the world. Also creating a website, business cards, flyers, etc.
Q: I just started QC last month, can you please help me choose makeup products? I don’t know which products to start with. Thanks.
A: First, you must set a budget and a price that you will be charging for your services. You don’t have to start out with only high-end products! Build your kit as your clientele increases.
