So you’ve just graduated from QC Makeup Academy and are now faced with the challenge of entering the professional world of makeup artistry. You’ve spent time learning and honing your craft, and now it’s time to get out there and make a name for yourself!
The makeup industry is full of competitive professionals, which is why it’s so important to put your best foot forward from the very start. Put a smile on your face, deck yourself out in a professional outfit, and walk into every client meeting with a great attitude. This will make all the difference. The relationship between a client and their makeup artist can be a very personal one—even if it is brief—and it will leave a lasting impression. Make sure that a lasting impression is a good one, and it will lead to rave reviews and referrals.
Network
Talk to any successful makeup artist, and they’ll tell you that networking is the key to their success. The most important thing we want you to remember is how effective word of mouth is. Don’t underestimate the power of a spoken referral from your client to one of their friends. That one rave review might just be the thing that skyrockets your career.
Look into creating a website and linking it to various social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and Pinterest. If you’re a current student, we go into detail on this subject in the Using Social Media guide found in the Career Center of your Online Student Center.
Design and print a lot of business cards, and take them with you wherever you go. Leave a business card with your clients at the end of every session, and get creative when thinking of possible connections. Approach places like wedding and event venues, wedding planners, and hair salons and ask to leave a stack of your business cards with each. Wedding planners in particular are usually seeking talented makeup artists in their area to keep on-call for their brides. Just remember that your business card will be speaking for you, so invest some time and money into making them stand out and ensuring your message is clear.
Ask for Advice and Job Shadow
Through your training with QC Makeup Academy, we’ve given you all the tools and skills you’ll need to work as a competent professional in the makeup industry, but that doesn’t mean your journey will be hiccup-free. You’ll still have a lot to learn about the work environment.
The best way to become acquainted with this fast-paced work setting is to grab some advice from a fellow professional. Ask them how they began their career in makeup artistry, and even inquire to see if they would be willing to have you shadow or assist them at their next job. You’ll be surprised by how much you learn. Just make sure the advice you get is coming from a seasoned professional who has your best interests in mind; we suggest contacting a makeup artist who works outside of your area (i.e. they’re not in direct competition with you for clients) and who has a few years of experience under their belt.
Stay Current
In this ever-changing, dynamic field it’s important to keep up to speed with top industry news. Subscribe to beauty and fashion magazines, well-known blogs, and any industry-related publications. Also, make sure to keep your skills and makeup knowledge up to date with continuing education options like our new Pro Makeup Workshop Nathan Johnson. Never stop looking for inspiration!
In Conclusion…
Starting off in the makeup industry can sometimes be a slow and frustrating process, but once you get your foot solidly in the door you’ll find yourself working in a successful, fun, and rewarding career!
