How to Stay Ahead of the Competition

Just because you’re officially a certified makeup artist doesn’t mean you can’t continue learning.

Look into master classes designed to perfect your skills and take them to the next level. If you’ve already completed master classes, think about expanding your skill set. Perhaps learning a complimentary art or trade will be helpful?

Clients will be very excited to learn that you can do their makeup, hair, and nails all in one place!

You already know that the best makeup professionals are always learning. There are, however, other ways to learn outside of taking additional training.

Keep up with the latest trends by following blogs, vlogs, and other makeup-related publications. Sample the products you see on these channels and practice the latest techniques. Mastering trends keeps your skills and services in fashion and makes sure you’re always evolving.

In the beauty industry, one of the best ways to get new clients is by referral. Clients who are very happy with your work will tell their friends about their wonderful experience.

Clients aren’t the only people who might refer you, though. Other professionals within the beauty industry can recommend you to their clients or business contacts as well. Network using your social media platforms and by attending tradeshows to build professional relationships with hair stylists, photographers, fashion stylists, and so on. You don’t want to force your business card on anyone, but you do want to get your name out there as much as possible.

Many makeup artists work professionally, but they don’t necessarily build an actual brand. Whether you’re working with a cosmetic company or concentrating on freelance contracts, establishing your own recognizable brand complete with a name and logo can be to your benefit. You’ll appear organized, professional, and legitimate compared to other professionals who haven’t built a marketable image yet.

Sometimes, if you’re very lucky, great opportunities will find you. The most successful professionals are those who seek out opportunities for themselves between contracts.

Down time is nice, but you should use it to visit casting websites, post your portfolio to beauty industry forums, build your online presence, and network. Stay professional and avoid being too forward, but put your name out there and show people that you’re ready to work.

One unique way to stand out from the crowd is to become an expert in something. If you’re the only makeup artist in your town that does special effects makeup or excels in airbrush makeup, you’ll have cornered a part of your local market. Anyone looking for those services will come to you.

But having a specialization doesn’t mean that’s the only kind of makeup you should offer. Keep your skills diverse and stay current in other areas of makeup so you can still give clients a full range of services.

Even something as simple as your attitude toward clients can help to set you apart from the crowd.

Being professional is important, but if you’re friendly, approachable, and fun to work with, you’ll build a reputation for giving clients positive experiences. Clients who enjoyed your company AND your skills will refer you to their friends and write more positive reviews about your services, which means more clients for you!

Remember that most of your clients probably aren’t professional makeup artists. Even those who want simple, classic services will be drawn to you if you can show them a mix of what they’re looking for and the true creativity you’re capable of. Displaying one or two of your most unique, innovative looks alongside your fundamental skills shows clients that you’re well-rounded. This will impress them more than artists who only ever display looks that are safe and subtle, even if that’s what a client will choose.

Standing out from the competition isn’t about showing why you’re better than everyone else. Try to rise above constant comparison. You want to show clients why you’re talented and valuable in your own right. By investing time and effort in your own knowledge and skills, you’re investing in your professional career and, therefore, a better future in makeup artistry!