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Why Small Makeup Adjustments Make a BIG Difference!

By Education, From the Experts, Makeup Tips and Tricks No Comments
Written by Corina Wan and Alexis Myers.

Here at QC Makeup Academy, we strive to give our students the MOST out of our their learning experience. Our goal is to make the process of learning makeup online highly effective and all-encompassing, as well as strongly beneficial to those with dreams of launching a success career in the industry!

One of the ways we try to saturate our students with new and useful information is through our regular monthly webinars. Last month, our makeup guru, Nathan Johnson, devoted a full webinar to critiquing real work by students and graduates.

Didn’t get a chance to catch it? Watch the full video below!

Nathan’s goal in this webinar was to teach one major fundamental lesson: that the smallest adjustments in makeup often make a HUGE difference to the overall look!

Let’s examine a few of the student photos that were submitted for this webinar, and see how well they illustrate this lesson!

Why does such a small change have such a big effect?

We were intrigued by this question, so we did some research. Specifically, we looked into how a person’s brain perceives the human face.

In recent years, research has shown that the brain does not actually recognize the entire face. Instead, it recognizes about 20 different aspects of the face, such as distance between the eyes. Our brains then build an image from these different elements.

This explains why a tiny makeup change around the eyes, for example, can have a drastic effect. Amazingly, such adjustments can make the eye seem bigger, smaller, or even change its position on the face! Think of it as a nifty optical illusion, done by tricking the brain into relying on the way it builds the image of the face.

Bet you didn’t think that learning makeup online could get THIS interesting, did you? Well, sit tight, because we’re not even finished yet!

Let’s add in another critical factor. Our brains are said to perceive facial symmetry as a sign of great beauty, right? The problem is that hardly anyone actually has a symmetric face!

Makeup, therefore, has to trick the viewer’s brain into believing that the face is symmetrical.

Great makeup artists do two things. First, they strive for symmetry in makeup application. Secondly, they pay attention to the tiniest detail, knowing that onlookers will subconsciously respond.

As a makeup artist, you’re basically tricking the brain into seeing something that’s not actually there. You’re practically a magician! (Feel free to start calling yourself ‘Harry Potter’ – we won’t judge you.)

Anyone learning makeup online can go to the internet and get a rough idea of how to apple makeup to the face. But this method of learning will only ever be superficially rich, at best. Fact is, the internet will NOT teach you the necessary fundamentals of makeup artistry.

Not only will you be denied information surrounding proper makeup theory, classic technique, etc. – you won’t learn about the psychological aspect of makeup, such as the detail and symmetry perceived by the brain when looking at the human face.

This is why all of QC’s online makeup students are coached by experts like Nathan. Specialized guidance by a true industry professional is the single most effective way to learn how to focus on detail – and THAT is how you’ll bring your work to a professional level!

Do you find it hard to believe that great makeup is defined by attention to detail? Then consider this: an amateur pianist and a concert soloist play the same piano concerto. The same notes are played, in the same order and at the same pace. But what makes one jarring and the other lyrical?

Simple: the attention to the tiniest detail.

Become a true master of your craft by learning makeup online and training at QC Makeup Academy. After all, it’s “The Juilliard School” for makeup artists!

My Career as a Makeup Artist in the Film Industry

By Education, From the Experts, Student Ambassador No Comments

Caroline Edwards is a QC Makeup Academy Ambassador, as well as a current student in both our Master Makeup Artistry Course and Portfolio Development Workshop. She is the proud founder of her very own MUA business, specializing in makeup for film and television, Special FX, and personalized services. Today, Caroline discusses her career as a makeup artist in the film industry – and why her professional training with QC aided in her success!

Having the courage to follow your dreams, as well as your heart, is one of the most daunting experiences. But it’s also the most rewarding.

In terms of my career as a makeup artist, you might be wondering, how did my journey even start? It was quite simple, really. QC Makeup Academy kept popping up on social media feeds. Every time I saw it, I looked deeper and deeper into the school and their training. I was worried it couldn’t possibly be as good as it seemed. After all, you have to be careful with what you trust online these days.

But the truth is, I had no reason to worry. The more I learned about QC Makeup Academy, the more I was desperate to join!

Online vs. In-Person Training

You see, I really wanted to learn how to do makeup the proper way, but my options were limited. Online schooling was my only option, due to my personal schedule. In-person makeup courses were out of the question. I’m a full-time mother, responsible for looking after my son who has special needs. I needed to be available to him, as all of his schooling and care needs are done from home.

But while I couldn’t necessarily leave the house in order to pursue makeup training, I’d realized that during the times when my son was getting home-schooled, I could also use that time to get a solid education from the comfort of my own home!

A major perk to QC’s online courses is that there is no pressure; no deadlines. I could take my training at my own pace, and work towards my career as a makeup artist on my own terms. So, I decided to enroll! I made myself a promise that I would read my texts daily, and devote at least 10 minutes a day top hands-on practice.

I’ll admit, I always try to go above and beyond when it comes to my studies. Since it’s something I’m truly passionate about, I find that I’m like a sponge, soaking it all up. Once I started, I couldn’t get enough! All of my spare time became dedicated to makeup.

Optimal Learning with QC

The thing about trying to perfect your craft is that you need to go into it knowing you’re never actually going to perfect it. But that’s part of the excitement! I’m fully aware that I will never know everything, and that’s part of what pushes me to want to keep learning. There will always be something new to master. QC Makeup Academy engages you; sparking this fiery passion from the very start.

The course materials are well thought-out and very detailed. There are plenty of texts and videos to help mix up your learning experience. I love that I can re-read (or re-watch) anything at anytime, for as many times as I like. For this reason alone, I believe I’ve learned so much more than I would have in a physical setting.

Alongside this, the community I’ve become a part of has been invaluable. Particularly, the chance to network with my tutor, Nathan Johnson, as well as other QC students and grads. Honestly, I don’t think I could get better support anywhere else if I tried!

For example, QC has a Virtual Classroom where the QC community can get together, discuss the industry, and support each other. Everyone’s so eager and willing to provide helpful feedback and cheer you on in your journey!

The feedback you’ll receive from QC’s tutors will be personalized and tailored to your own work. It’s never sugar-coated, but it’s always beneficial. Your instructor will really make you think about your work. Some questions I’ve been asked by my tutor included:

  • Why are you applying a certain product?
  • What are you hoping to achieve by applying that product, in the way that you did?
  • What steps are you taking to achieve proper symmetry? Etc.

Your makeup education will train your eye, and teach you how to look at every fine detail. Nothing is off-limits! This is where the ultimate distinction is: a good school will teach you how to apply makeup. A great school will go one step further, by teaching you to understand why you apply makeup the way you do. This the true secret to successfully launching a career as a makeup artist, and making a name for yourself that will last for years to come!

So, would I recommend QC Makeup Academy? Without a doubt!

Thanks to my training here, I’ve since been able to start my very own bridal business. I’m proud to say that this business has so far garnered a lot of success! On top of that, through my personal network, I was able to branch out into the film and television industry, too!

Taking My Career as a Makeup Artist to the Big Screen

Thanks to a friend, I was offered the chance to work on a filmset as a makeup artist for a day. I don’t believe this would have been possible without my fantastic training from QC Makeup Academy. I can’t even describe for you what that opportunity felt like. It was the most incredible day!

I got to see how a movie is put together, and let me tell you: the amount of cast and crew involved for a single project is downright insane. As part of my role that day, I was given a set number of cast members to work on. It was my job to do both their hair and makeup.

In order to know the kind of hair and makeup that was expected of me, I was provided with a brief, which I had to follow closely. Once I finished with each cast member, they were then checked over by the head of makeup. Once given the green light, they were good to go to set. While the actual filming was taking place, I had to stay extremely quiet and remain on standby, in case any checks or touch-ups were needed.

Sometimes, though, a small opportunity can actually open the door to a much larger one! As it so happened, what was supposed to only be a single day of work turned into me staying on with this film for an entire year!

The film itself is a rather harrowing story, set in Victorian times and based on a true story. Feel free to learn more about it on Instagram, if you’re interested!

Thanks to my professional training and this unique opportunity, I’ve since discovered my niche. I have found that my career as a makeup artist is being geared towards the film industry. Moving forward, this is where I’ve decided I want to stay and focus my efforts.

Food for Thought

As a parting note, I just want to take a moment to say anything is possible for you. It doesn’t matter what your age, gender, background, or other commitments are. If you have an interest or passion for this craft, you CAN have a career as a makeup artist. This is an industry that’ll never be too full of talent. There will always be room for you, if you make room for it.

On that note, I urge you to join QC Makeup Academy. My experience with QC has set me up for the most amazing journey, and I know it can do the same for you. So, get that classical training under your belt, and chase those dreams. They are waiting for you!

Until August 21st, get TWO makeup courses for the price of ONE! Enroll in our internationally-leading Master Makeup Artistry Course and choose ANY Advanced Course for free!

Learning Makeup with Nathan’s Tuesday Tips – Part One

By From the Experts, Makeup Tips and Tricks No Comments

I think we can all agree that one of the many incredible things that sets QC Makeup Academy apart from other makeup schools (both online and in-person) is Nathan Johnson. Truly, he is an industry professional who not only knows his stuff, but genuinely cares about each and every single QC student.

From the support he gives in the Virtual Classroom, to the amazing webinars he takes part in, and everything in-between – Nathan is a true pro whose makeup knowledge is only outmatched by the size of his heart!

Another way he’s been going above and beyond in his mission to assist our students with learning makeup is through his Tuesday Tips! Each week, Nathan films a short clip, in which he reveals a useful tip to help you better your skills. On Facebook especially, this segment – aptly called “Nathan’s Tuesday Tips” – had grown quite a fan-base.

In this brand new series, we’ll be gathering all of these Tuesday Tips, so we can share them with you here! Today, we’ll start by looking at 7 of Nathan’s most valuable beauty hacks. Learning makeup and looking for ways to improve your game? Then you don’t want to miss out on these gems!

Tip #1: How to buy the RIGHT powder product for your skin!

“When it comes to eyeshadows, blushes, and all other powder products, remember to try before you buy! Sample them on the back of your arm, the top of your hand… Because the pigment may look incredibly rich in the package, but that doesn’t mean it’s how it’s going to read on the skin. That tip will save you a LOT of money!”

Tip #2: Don’t forget to catch dark circles!

“Remember: dark circles are sneaky! Not only do we get them right [under the inner corners of our eyes], they also pop out [in the outer corners] and [above the inner corners]. If you want your clients to look incredibly alert, crisp, gorgeous, lifted, and awake, don’t forget those stubborn, sneaky areas!”

Tip #3: The importance of primer!

“Here’s an awesome tip: primer is a necessity! It makes makeup look better, last longer, and require far fewer touch-ups. Try it; it’ll change everything.”

Tip #4: How to get the BEST lashes with mascara!

“For the absolute luscious and thickest lashes, apply mascara to both the bottom and top of the lash. Here’s a little trick: [on the] top of the lash, set it on, curl it in, and it’ll twist the lashes in [like it would] the final curl at the end of a blowout; lifting and opening the eyes.

[Then] place it right below the lower lash line. Give it a shimmy to add depth to those lashes, and then pull it right through. You’ll have long, beautiful lashes, coated root to tip, and they will look like a million bucks!”

Tip #5: What to do when concealer won’t do the trick!

“When you use concealer that’s too light, you only draw more attention to the imperfection. The secret instead is to color correct. If you follow [this link], you will find an awesome Webinar that shows exactly how to do just that.”

Tip #6: How to use foundation to create the perfect lip look!

“Foundation is not just for the face! If you put a little bit over the lips, it gives you a perfect, clean palette that allows you to reshape the lips to create any desired look.”

Tip #7: The SECRET of proper makeup education!

“There’s a huge misconception that makeup is all unrestrained creativity; “I’m expressing myself constantly – I’m an ARTIST!”

Well, there is truth to that, of course, if you’re working on yourself or have full control over a photoshoot. But 90 or more percent of the time in the real world of makeup, you are a conduit for someone else’s desire – whether it be the bride, the creative director, right?

The only way you can do that is NOT by having memorized the looks. It’s by understanding the classic techniques, and being able to assemble them to meet the needs of the person who’s hired you. That’s the secret of education.”

Stay tuned for future installments of this series, where we’ll continue to compile and share Nathan’s educational and practical ‘Tuesday Tips’. Learning makeup has never been this exciting! ❤️️

In the meantime, earn TWO makeup artistry certifications for the price of one! Until August 21st, enroll in QC’s Master Makeup Artistry Course and get ANY Advanced Course for FREE!

Life Before Social Media: How Makeup Artists Used to Network

By From the Experts, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Australian MUA, Charlotte Ravet, is the proud owner of her very own hair and makeup business, A Date With Charlotte. From bridal, to editorial, to film and television, and everything in-between – Charlotte provides a wide variety of services that cater to all types of clientele!

Her extensive resume includes working for Prada, L’Oreal, and even the cast of the hit show, Glee! A developer of educational programs, Charlotte has even been awarded Best Makeup Educator of the Year by the Australian Industry Makeup Awards.

Here, she reveals how makeup artists USED to network, before the age of social media – as well as old-school tricks that STILL work today!

Before Social Media

In the last 10+ years, the creative industry has seen a big change. What’s the predominantly defining factor responsible for this change? Social media, of course!

When I started my career as a makeup artist, the industry had very little presence in the online world. Since there were limited resources to look into, I’ll admit that I barely knew what the profession was at first. I knew that makeup artists were in-demand for magazines and TV, but that was pretty much it. The concept of “influencers” didn’t exist back then. Makeup artists didn’t get anywhere near the amount of exposure they have now.

Rather, it was considered ‘backstage’ work. The requirements were always to do makeup on other people for a specific need: weddings, TV, fashion runways, films, etc. If the real world was like Harry Potter, then makeup artists would have been the ones always wearing the Invisibility Cloak. Before the dawn of social media, our work would be showcased, but those of us responsible for it were almost never seen.

I had wonderful training in Paris, which taught me everything I could ask for in terms of makeup techniques. But I didn’t know much about networking, or how to actually find work as a makeup artist. At the time, you had to trust that although you couldn’t physically see all the potential work opportunities for makeup artists out there, there was still very much a need for our services.

Through a mutual acquaintance, I was given the opportunity to do an internship with a TV channel. That word-of-mouth recommendation was how I started working in that part of the industry. Naturally, I became friends with the crew and TV presenters, and stayed on as a full-time employee for the TV channel for a year. After I resigned, I began freelancing.

As scary as it can seem now to enter the freelancing world, it felt even more daunting in the days before social media. But I knew I had created a solid network during my first year in the business, and from this, I was able to quickly become an in-demand MUA.

For fashion work, I likewise networked the old-fashioned way (excuse the pun). I researched photographers and contacted them through their websites, in order to do some test and editorial work. I selected photographers who, like me, were just starting out, but who were already working with agency models.

Even now, it’s important to connect with photographers who have a similar level of experience as you! This way, you can grow together.

Social Media Changes the Game

Then came the fateful day when someone asked for my Instagram. I had NO clue what that was! Mainstream social media platforms took a bit more time to arrive in France and gain popularity, so it took me a few years before I truly understood all the potential it had to offer.

Before social media, work opportunities came primarily from your inner industry circle, or by word-of-mouth. If you wanted to work as a studio makeup artist, you couldn’t afford to be shy or lazy. I remember contacting countless photographers, agencies, TV channels, etc., only to be met with radio silence. But even to this day, that’s just how it works!

The hardest part about starting a career as a makeup artist is getting that first opportunity to shine. But once you do, the next ones WILL follow. This was true back then, and still holds true today.

Old School Tricks that Still Work Today

It’s worth pointing out that some of the networking tricks we had before social media are still very useful and effective today. For instance, I still tend to follow the same old-school strategies when I want to extend my network. I’ll contact photographers or agencies, wait 2 to 3 days, and if I haven’t heard back by then, I’ll give them a call!

Yes, it can feel scary to do this – especially in this day and age. But you need to keep in mind that these photographers and agencies might receive 100+ emails per week from other makeup artists, stylists, and so on.

So many people are quick to make the initial contact, but then fail to follow-up on their efforts afterwards. This is the fatal flaw that can make you fall through the cracks. Follow-up is essential! It shows motivation, and trust me, other people will take notice.

So, I give them a call and ask for an opportunity to come by in-person to show my portfolio. You can also do this if you want to assist experienced makeup artists. In light of COVID-19, in-person appointments still may not be an option yet in your area. But virtual appointments may be an alternate option – at least, until physical meetings are allowed again!

My Personal Recommendation: LinkedIn

While there are many benefits of networking through popular social media platforms, like Instagram and Facebook, one of my personal recommendations is LinkedIn. In my opinion, LinkedIn is the BEST way to get in touch directly with the companies you want to work with.

You can interact with professionals working for a brand or TV channel, and send them a direct message. Since the purpose of LinkedIn is to provide a professional social platform, you’ll likewise need to conduct yourself in an extremely extremely professional way when messaging these people. Have your resume ready. Let them know:

  • Who you are
  • Why you want to work with them
  • What role within their company you think would best suit you
  • Whether you’re seeking an internship, a chance to assist experienced makeup artists, etc.
  • How they can benefit from working with YOU

That last point is best approached with subtly and poise. You don’t want to come off as arrogant. Make sure you do your research on the company, as well as the person you’re contacting. If you’re clueless about who they are and what they do as a brand, believe me, they’ll be able to tell.

Whenever possible, try not to contact the actual CEO of the company. Even if it’s possible, keep in mind that they likely get hundreds of messages every day. This means that chances are, your message will get lost in a sea of countless requests, and won’t reach the person or service that could have actually helped you.

Maintain Your Network!

This is my last major piece of advice, because I can’t stress enough how important this is!

Save all the emails addresses and contact details from the people you’ve worked with, and create newsletters to share your latest projects. If you can, make contact here and there to acknowledge birthdays, holidays, and any special events for that individual (i.e. if they get married, are having a baby, etc.). This is ALWAYS a way to stay connected with your clients and remind them of you.

Personally, I wish I had been more active on Instagram when it first became a thing. But I didn’t grow my network with social media, and as I mentioned before, I didn’t fully understand its full potential at first. While it didn’t necessarily affect my own career, it can absolutely have a positive impact on yours!

Social media platforms can be a wonderful way for you to network, by allowing you the opportunity to:

  • Set up private bookings
  • Connect with brands
  • Showcase your work on a larger scale
  • Get noticed by a larger audience
  • Interact directly with potential clients
  • And so much more!

The thing about the internet, though, is that there’s very little privacy. Once something is put out there, chances are, it’ll live there forever (even if you try to delete it). So, I recommend always being careful with what you post, along with the message you’re sharing with the world.

Online, people like to know you personally, but I’m still very careful of not sharing any personal information, or details that I don’t want associated with my business’s brand. Rather, I carefully choose to only post content that:

  • Best promotes the professional image of myself that I want to convey to others
  • Helps build my brand
  • Shows my followers what I like, and what inspires me
  • Showcases the very best of my work

I focus on sharing images which represent me or the makeup I create, rather than sharing content that will do nothing more than get ‘likes’. I want people who look at my page to identify what I’m capable of doing, both as an educator and a makeup artist.

My Final Thoughts

If you want a career as a makeup artist, and wish to work in several different areas of the beauty industry, here’s what you should consider doing:

  1. Create more than one business website and/or social media channels. Make one strictly for private clients, and another for studio and advertising work. An Instagram profile is not enough to showcase your work for clients or companies. You will also need a resume, contact details for your business, your list of available services, rates, etc. This is where an actual website is necessary. You have to have online visibility which looks professional, and showcases your work from the best angle.
  2. Have business cards, as well as a business page on both Facebook and Instagram. Keep another account to share your private life with your friends and family. Mixing your business content with your personal, private social media account can make you seem unprofessional.
  3. Always remember that social media is a wonderful way to get noticed, but the work doesn’t stop there! You’ll still need other marketing tools and solid business training, in order to create a strong industry network. Set your expectations, and focus your energy on getting noticed by the people you WANT to work with!

Start your career as a makeup artist by earning a DOUBLE certification! Until August 21st, enroll in QC’s leading online Master Makeup Artistry Course, and get ANY Advanced Course absolutely free!

4 Ways My Makeup Artist Certification Has Helped Me Succeed in the Industry

By Education, From the Experts, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Gabrielle Rivera is a QC Makeup Academy graduate and professional makeup artist. To see more of her work, visit her Instagram here.

With YouTube and social media being an immediate source of information, many people might think: “I don’t really need a makeup artist certification. I can just learn from watching videos.”

Although information is easily accessible today, does it necessarily mean that you’re learning the correct information? How can you even be certain that you’re learning from a skilled industry professional?

I myself have learned a lot from watching makeup artists on YouTube. But there are certain things that influencers won’t disclose, explain, or possibly have knowledge of when it comes to a professional makeup business.

For instance, these social media artists mostly apply makeup on themselves, rather than on models. Not to mention, they generally stick with trendy techniques that are popular at that time. You won’t really learn anything about classic technique or makeup theory – both of which are essential if you want to turn this into a career.

If you only learn from influencers or are self-taught, I ask you:

  • What about Special Effects makeup?
  • Don’t you want to know how to do makeup for film, television, and/or live theater?
  • What if you encounter a client with mature skin?
  • Do you know how to properly apply makeup on a man?

These are questions to consider when debating if a makeup artist certification is right for you. Here’s my insight as a professional…

4 ways that my makeup artist certification has benefited MY professional career:

1 – Being Seen as a Professional

The beauty industry is a highly saturated field. In order to see your business flourish, you have to be seen and acknowledged – not just as an artist, but as a professional. After all, you want others to take you seriously. If your fellow industry pros acknowledge your proficiency, a lot more opportunities will open up for your business.

With a makeup artist certification, such as the kind you can earn from QC Makeup Academy, you’re learning the side of becoming an MUA that goes far beyond makeup application. When I was earning my own certification, I found that I was able to study and apply business techniques in a real-world setting!

Once potential clients see that you have obtained a legitimate makeup artist certification, they’ll understand that you take your career seriously. Your certification is proof that you took the time to learn more about your craft, and dedicated yourself to providing clientele with the best possible services.

Now, here’s a fun little fact for you: not only does a makeup artist certification help you with clients, it can also help you save money! After graduating from QC Makeup Academy, I was able to apply as a professional MUA for certain online retailers (such as Urban Decay, Sigma, and MAC – just to name a few).

There, I could shop for products at a discounted price! This helps me to regularly restock and build up my professional kit without breaking the bank. I’d definitely call that a great advantage!

2 – Becoming a Legitimate Business

If this is your first time starting your own business, legitimizing it can be a step that often overwhelms and confuses the best of us. However, the right school will ensure you’re properly prepared as you earn your makeup artist certification. In QC Makeup Academy’s courses, for example, you’re provided with an entire unit devoted to Business education.

The Business unit of my certification is one that I valued the most. With that unit, I learned:

  • Marketing and promotion techniques
  • Tips on working with potential clients
  • How to “Seal the Deal” on reluctant clients
  • Creating professional contracts
  • And so much more!

Although QC’s Business units are technically “optional”, I strongly recommend you take advantage of them. They’re a key component to you knowing how to make your future business legitimate, and run it properly.

As a professional MUA, the skills and tips learned through my makeup artist certification have truly helped me to sell, market, and grow my business. For starters, I’ve had many clients express to me that the professional contracts I’ve developed have set me apart from other makeup artists they’ve worked with in the past!

Likewise, I’ve been able to easily apply the knowledge learned through my course in order to register my business, update my business kit with essentials, and map out financing and bookkeeping for my business.

3 – Contracts and Pricing

One of the biggest challenges you may face as a new artist, or even an experienced one, is setting prices. Something we’ve all experienced when dealing with potential clients is hearing, “Wow, your prices are high,” or, “I know someone who will do it cheaper.”

But you’ve worked hard to obtain your makeup artist certification, and what sets you apart is that you do have proper business training! So, don’t worry. You’ll be able to promote yourself effectively to clients like these in a professional way; one that helps them understand just how valuable your services are.

Obtaining a makeup artist certification allows you to market yourself as a true industry expert who has put the time, training, and research into your craft. This can help you to determine your pricing accordingly, in order to reflect that.

Additionally, make sure that with each client, you always have a professional, written contract. This contract should include your set pricing, policies, and any other critical information relevant to your business and services. A strong contract will provide your client with a sense of comfort; they’ll be able to see that you uphold your business and professionalism to a high standard.

Plus, contracts also protect you and your business when dealing with clients. They’re also a great resource to help you maintain your bookkeeping and business records!

4 – My Clients

Lastly, but just as importantly, you can learn ALL about your clients through a makeup artist certification course.

Clients are the foundation of your business! Knowing how to properly apply makeup to all skin types, face shapes, eye shapes, and for specific platforms is all going to make your business stand out from the rest.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, social media can be a great place to learn about techniques and products. However, it also limits you to what’s popular or mainstream – which may not be techniques you can apply for all clients or settings. Social media won’t teach you:

  • Which products to use for different skin types and textures
  • Makeup theory and foundational techniques
  • How to apply makeup for film and television, versus makeup for photography, or makeup for theater
  • Etc.

These are all skills you need to have in order to best service your future clients! The more you limit yourself, the more you’ll limit the number of clients you can offer your services to.

If you want to invest in your career and your business, I would highly recommend enrolling in a professional course and getting a makeup artist certification. Personally, I strongly recommend the Master Makeup Artistry Course offered at QC Makeup Academy (which is the course I took)!

The insight learned from this course has set me apart from my peers. Even more than that, it taught me how to become a better boss, a better businesswomen, and a better makeup artist overall.

Until August 21st, earn a DOUBLE makeup artist certification. Enroll in QC’s Master Makeup Artistry Course, and get ANY Advanced Course at no additional cost

How QC’s Skincare Course Helped Me Become a Better Makeup Artist!

By About the School, Education, From the Experts, Student Ambassador No Comments

Nadia Calabro is a QC Makeup Academy Student Ambassador, as well as a QC alumnus. She has graduated from the Master Makeup Artistry Course, the Pro Makeup Workshop, and the Skincare Course. She is also the proud founder of her very own makeup business, Beauty Beyond the Mirror.

Today, Nadia draws on her experience with QC’s Skincare Course to tell YOU why it’ll take your makeup career to the next level!

Following your dreams can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’ve been in a job you don’t love, or at home raising kids for a while. I know it was a nerve-wracking decision for me! I knew I wanted so much more; that being a professional makeup artist was what I needed in my life. But I didn’t know how I could make this happen.

My sons were still young and needed me, so going back to a physical classroom was impossible. I had to find a way to be home and complete my makeup courses at the same time. The only option was to find an online makeup school.

I had been told that makeup school online would never teach me everything I needed to know in order to start a successful career. I’ll be honest, it discouraged me… That is until I found QC Makeup Academy.

QC’s makeup course was so detailed and thoughtfully put together that within four months, I was a confident, certified makeup artist! I studied at home online, all on my own time, and at my own convenience. The best part was that all the while, I was still able to be with my kids.

Furthering My Education into Skincare

After my Master Makeup Artistry Course, I pushed my education by doing the Pro Makeup Workshop. My instructor, Nathan Johnson, suggested a few times that I look into doing the Skincare Course as well. He assured me that it would really enhance my talents.

I sat on this for a while; not sure if it would really be for me, or if I could work with the information I already had. So, I decided to do some research, to get a better idea of what a Skincare Course could do for my career.

I started by looking up general information on different skin types, different products, proper skincare regimens, and the impact of taking care of your skin. From there, I went to the QC Virtual Classroom and looked up posts by current students in the program.

What I found astounded me!

No one had anything negative to say. In fact, the consensus was all the same: skincare was a MUST! From there, I went onto the QC website and read what would be covered in the Course, and I was sold!

My online makeup courses through QC were excellent, so I had no doubt that the Skincare Course would be the same. I already knew that if I was going to pursue skincare, it would be with QC. To top it all off, I was going to be adding more certifications to my name, while still be home with my kids.

It was a win-win all around!

How the Skincare Course Has Changed my Career as MUA

If I’m being honest, even with all I knew about makeup, there were times when I would apply a full face and not be able to shake the feeling that something just didn’t look right. No matter what I tried, the foundation wasn’t setting right. My skin was dull instead of dewy, and the whole look felt wrong.

I would beat myself up over it, wondering what I was doing wrong in those moments. Turns out, the Skincare Course answered that question! It had NOTHING to do with my makeup knowledge. It was the skin itself that was lacking, and ultimately setting my look up for failure.

By doing the Skincare Course, I am now better able to see, know, and understand different skin types and concerns. Then I can take it a step further by being able to properly address them.

For instance, I know how to properly moisturize and prep the skin, even before laying down the makeup primer. I learned how to work with my makeup on a whole different level! Before getting any skincare training, when I thought of working with a person’s skin, I’d always put the emphasis on the primer. I thought that so long as the primer was right, the rest would all fall into place.

I was so wrong!

By understanding the skin, I’m able to use my powders and creams in appropriate ways and areas. Furthermore, I can set my makeup accordingly. If I need my clients’ looks to last all day, I know exactly how to make that happen. This is critical knowledge!

The most amazing thing was that by doing the Skincare Course, I added a whole new, marketable service to my list. Most importantly, it added to the types of services I can offer brides (who are my target market). I’m now able to speak to them about what to use on their skin. I can help them ensure that it looks absolutely flawless on their big day, as well as in their pictures that will last a lifetime.

Doing the skincare course has added to my credentials and my income!

Skincare Course Assignments

Below are some of the amazing topics that are covered in the Course:

It isn’t only about perfecting makeup and appearances; it’s about a person’s overall health. The course textbooks are filled with so much detailed information, that I actually found them hard to put down! I loved every lesson, as each brought something different to the table, and opened my eyes to the types of services I could offer my clients.

From the moment I started the Skincare Course, I was captivated. I never knew how much there was to learn about skin, or how important it really is!

My Favorite Assignment

I truly believe that this assignment really prepared me for all that was to come in my future!

They also told me which parts of my report worked, as well as the parts I should fix. This assignment was able to really show me that my own clients would be satisfied with such a service and even be something they’d gladly pay for.

This hands-on assignment also gave me a chance to get feedback from my instructor on where I could improve. Even more importantly, it gave me the opportunity to get feedback from a client, in terms of what they thought of this both service and me. The client was able to tell me what areas really made sense to them, versus which areas I needed to add more detail.

It brought everything I had learned together, and really tested what I had retained. I got the chance to work with a real client, and get comfortable with asking questions and taking notes. I got to practice my researching skills and build a proper report.

It’s hard to pick my favorite assignment! But I have to say that the final assignment – where I needed to complete a full skincare consultation – was the best part for me.

Ready to start YOUR skincare training? Enroll in QC’s leading online Skincare Course today, and get certified in as little as 3-6 months!

Nathan Johnson’s Top 10 Blog Posts of All Time!

By Education, From the Experts, Makeup Tips and Tricks, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Over the years, QC executive instructor and celebrity makeup artist, Nathan Johnson, has had many pearls of wisdom to share! From his informative webinars, to his support for students and grads in the QC Virtual Classroom, to the expertise shared in the makeup artistry classes he teaches – Nathan has made it his mission to help others prosper in their dreams of becoming professional MUAs!

Did you also know that he’s one heck of a writer?

It’s true! (Jack of all trades, or what?) Through his blogs with QC, others have learned, grown, and become even better artists through Nathan’s many makeup tips, industry insights, and secrets for success.

Let’s all put our feet up, with a tall glass of water in hand (stay hydrated – there’s our PSA), and look back on the 10 most popular blog articles Nathan’s written for us!

There’s a common misconception that in order to be the best makeup artist, you should only use the fanciest, most expensive products. The fact is, this just isn’t correct. In reality, there are plenty of cases where drugstore brands can work just as well for your professional makeup kit!

From foundations, to powders, to other types of makeup products – Nathan breaks down where you can afford to save a few bucks, versus where the price is worth paying!

As a professional makeup artist, there’s no way around it: you’re going to NEED to have a strong portfolio of your past work. Not having one can sink your business before it’s even had a chance to get off the ground.

But never fear, because Nathan is here! In this awesome article, he breaks down his 6 top tips for putting together a portfolio that’s sure to WOW your clients!

What better way to get a leg up on the competition than to get insider secrets from a notable MUA in the industry? Here, Nathan reveals 2 key things that he wants YOU to know as you journey towards your dream career.

Trust us: these 2 tips will take you to the next level!

Speaking of taking your MUA journey to the next level, Nathan’s got 6 more tips to help you prosper in the beauty industry! Who you should be stalking on social media, why practice matters – all of these (and MORE) are covered in this article.

Want to set yourself up for success? The answers are here!

If your dream is to work with Hollywood’s elite, you’ll need to know how to present yourself professionally. After all, celebrities are people, just like us. This means, treating them like any other client.

As a professional celebrity MUA himself, Nathan draws on his experience and insider knowledge to provide you with 5 secrets to working with the A-listers – and how to refrain from acting starstruck!

Travelling is a regular part of every makeup artist’s life. But having to lug along ALL of your products wherever you go? Talk about a nightmare!

Don’t let your makeup kit turn you into a stress case. With these 6 tips, Nathan will help you minimize your baggage, know how to choose only the best products, and ensure you never have any makeup mishaps along the way!

As a makeup artist, do you really need to worry about getting insurance? What is it anyway, and how can it benefit you?

Whether you want to know the difference types of insurance available to you, how much it costs, or the pros (and cons) of getting it – Nathan’s here to guide the way!

Let’s circle back around to working with celebrities, shall we? This is the dream for many of us, isn’t it? Working with stars, ascending the ranks, and become a well-known name in the world of makeup artistry. But that kind of dream is not realistic… right?

Wrong!

In this wildly popular article, Nathan reflects upon his own journey, and reveals some of the steps he took to become a celebrity makeup artist. You’re definitely not going to want to miss this!

(How else will you learn Nathan’s top 2 tips for breaking into this industry?)

Excitement, new friends, travel, money… These are just a small handful of the wicked perks you’ll get by becoming a makeup artist!

With 26 years and counting in the beauty industry, Nathan lists 10 of the GREATEST reasons why he absolutely loves being a professional MUA… and why YOU will, too!

DING, DING, DING – WE HAVE A WINNER! In Nathan’s most popular blog of all time, he explores 14 exciting career paths that your makeup training and certification(s) can lead you to!

Want to be start your very own business? Do makeup for film and television? Work in a spa? Develop a brand-new cosmetics line?

All of these opportunities (and MUCH more) are at your feet, waiting for you to discover them! So, what are you waiting for? Keep reading, get motivated, and make today the day you turn your dreams into a reality!

Which makeup artistry classes are right for you? Check out all that QC Makeup Academy has to offer, and earn your professional certification in as little as 3-6 months!

2 MORE (But Just as Awesome) Tips to Starting Your Own Makeup Business!

By From the Experts, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Gabrielle Rivera is a QC Makeup Academy graduate and professional makeup artist. To see more of her work, visit her Instagram here.

Yesterday, Gabrielle shared 3 of her best tips for starting your very own makeup business, and setting yourself up for maximum success! Today, she’s back to reveal 2 more incredible tips. Let’s dive back in, shall we?

1. Advertising and Promoting

Like with any business, you’ll have to advertise and promote your services. Luckily, we live in the age of technology! Compared to those who came before us, we’re truly at an advantage when it comes to resources that can help us get our name out there.

Your marketing strategies can truly help your business flourish – if done correctly!

Create a Professional Website

Something that many MUAs overlook is the power of a professional website. Some artists believe that using social media is enough… But it isn’t! As great as social media can be to get your work seen by the public, there’s something to be said about creating a strong business website and portfolio online.

By limiting your business strictly to social media, you risk missing out on potential clientele and other businesses that would want to work with you. But when you have a professional website, you can also showcase exclusive work that isn’t shown on social media.

Plus, a website provides your clients the option to schedule, book, and pay for your services directly (instead of always having to speak with you through “DM’s”).

For example, Wix is a great website-hosting platform that can help you put together your business’s site. If you aren’t the most tech-savvy person in the world, no worries!

This kind of hosting platform makes designing everything simple, easy, and customizable. Because it also has hundreds of add-ons, you can enhance your website and connection with clients, depending on how fancy you want to get!

Create a Professional Portfolio

When deciding which photos to upload to the portfolio on your professional website, remember that it truly is about quality over quantity.

Your portfolio images should:

  • Be well-lit and clear
  • Ensure that any backgrounds are free of clutter
  • Stay consistent
  • Be of high-quality (this means no selfies!)

A strong portfolio will show potential clients that you take every aspect of your work and business seriously.

2. Social Media Do’s and Don’ts

Don’ts:

DON’T only create content that are recreations of another artist’s work, or only copy popular trends!

Unfortunately, I see this way too often on social media. If all you do is recreate another artist’s work, or copy popular trends, your content probably won’t attract an overly large audience. After all, people want to have their interest piqued. They want to see things that are new, fresh, and exciting!

Regurgitating looks that have already been done, and not coming up with anything of your own, will drop you into social media obscurity pretty fast. Whenever possible, always aim for originality!

DON’T display a pricing list for your services on your social media!

When I first started my brand, I saw a lot of other social media artists posting a price list for their services. So, I did too. What ends up happening is this:

  1. Potential clients see your price list
  2. They immediately make a snap decision that your prices are too high – without even looking at the quality of your work
  3. They’ll leave in favor of pursuing a “cheaper” artist

Instead, my recommendation is to omit this info from your social media altogether. When potential clients message you, guide them to your professional website. From there, they can see all of the services you offer, paired with client photos and reviews.

This will allow them to get a full, proper idea of your makeup business. They won’t just thinking of a price; they’ll see the quality of the work you provide!

Do’s:

DO post consistently, and showcase different types of clients!

A great way to stay relevant in a heavily saturated field (like social media) is to post your work consistently. Followers and clients want to see that you are booked and busy! Most importantly, make sure that you’re not only posting photos of yourself, or one type of client. To grow your brand, remember to show diversity with your clientele, as well as the looks you create.

DO post your professional website!

Social media can be a great way to help grow your business, but remember to remind your followers about your actual business website. By promoting your site, others can re-post it, or share it with someone they know. These are all potential opportunities for you to gain more clientele.  

DO post when you take professional makeup training, courses, and/or receive a certificate!

Although you may think this isn’t necessary, it absolutely is! Clients want to know that you are always looking to grow in your field. Especially with everything currently going on in the world, if they see you keeping up-to-date with the latest health and safety protocols, they’re guaranteed to be impressed!

Taking online courses, furthering your makeup training, and completing certificate programs shows your clientele that you’re serious about always providing the best quality of products, skill, and safety.

If you’re just starting your business, QC Makeup Academy’s Master Makeup Artistry Course offers a FULL unit on Business that shares vital tips and tricks to help you get started and growing your brand! Though this Unit is optional, I strongly recommend taking advantage of it. It can make all the difference in the success of your makeup business!

Ready to start your makeup training? Enroll today in QC’s leading online Master Makeup Artistry Course!

My Top 3 Tips to Starting Your Own Makeup Business!

By From the Experts, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Gabrielle Rivera is a QC Makeup Academy graduate and professional makeup artist. To see more of her work, visit her Instagram here.

Starting any new business can be a scary step. But even though it won’t be quick (or easy), it’s still more than possible. After being in the beauty industry professionally for ten years, here are my personal top 3 tips on how YOU can start your very own makeup business!

1. Branding

First and foremost, one of the most important things when starting your business is to come up with your brand. Make sure to take time for this part. Don’t rush it! This is vital to creating your business and overall image.

Your business name is something that I strongly believe should be professional. It should also be something that can last after common trends have gone and come. There are many artists who create social media handles that are on-trend or way too common. But this can make it difficult for you to stand out in a sea of similar artists.

For example, try and stray away from a name along the lines of, Makeup by [Insert your Name]. There are a million other MUAs with similar-sounding business names. If you follow suit, what’s going to make you special?

What you want for your brand is a name that will represent you, your style, and your unique vision.

Similarly, there are many times when an artist chooses a name based on a current popular trend. But what happens when that trend fades into memory? They wind up having to change their name! The result is typically that such MUAs wind up “re-branding” their business (and switching up their names) several times over the course of their career.

Although that isn’t necessarily terrible, I think that as a professional, you want to show consistency in both your brand and business. You don’t want to have to constantly re-brand yourself frequently. When you do this, you’re potentially making it difficult for your followers and/or clientele to keep track of your business or social media.

Worst case scenario? It can drive them away, and push them to find another makeup artist.

The bottom line: think carefully about your business’s name and image. You’re going to want it to properly represent you throughout the course of your career.

2. Research and Register

The next step I highly recommend is to research and register your business. When I launched my own makeup business, one of the most important things I learned was: “If you want to be seen as a professional, you have to be a professional.”

By “be a professional”, I mean that it’s imperative for you to research into legitimizing and legally securing your business and its name. If you skip this step, you could be setting yourself up for a LOT of complications down the road!

Yes, it can be a bit confusing at first, even a bit stressful – especially if you have no prior experience as an entrepreneur. But trust me, it’s so worth it in the long run. So, spend the time and money to make your business legal. By doing so, you’ll be putting yourself a step above other social media artists.

Not to mention, you’ll protecting yourself and your hard-earned business!

Using companies such as LegalZoom really helped me to get my business off the ground and running. They provided me with all the tools I needed to become a legal business. Not only are these resources it cost effective; they have agents that are there to assist you with questions, filing, and paperwork.

I can’t stress enough how important it is to follow through in registering your business. When you do this, you are protecting yourself in the event that there’s ever a dispute with a client (such as a lawsuit, for example). Becoming a legal business can save you and your reputation down the line!

3. Networking

Network, network, network!

As a new business, your best friend – and biggest ally – will be to network with other artists, photographers, and creators. Even if you aren’t sure where to start, social media can provide many avenues for you to collaborate with others.

Networking can be such a valuable asset to your business! When you network with other artists and creators, you’re opening yourself up to new clients, job opportunities, and connections. Most importantly, you learn countless new things, too.

I’ve worked with several photographers and makeup artists over the years. Through my collaborations with them, I’ve discovered countless tips for makeup, gaining clientele, expanding my brand, lighting, taking higher-quality photos, and even being a business owner.

Don’t let shyness stop you from branching out and connecting with others. There is so much you can learn from your peers that’ll help you better yourself as a professional!

Did you know that stylized photoshoots are an excellent way to network AND book you more future jobs? Keep reading to find out why!

My Experience Doing Makeup Jobs for Popular TV Shows

By From the Experts No Comments

Australian MUA, Charlotte Ravet, is the proud owner of her very own hair and makeup business. From bridal, to editorial, to film and television, and everything in-between – Charlotte provides a wide variety of services that cater to all types of clientele!

Her extensive resume includes working for Prada, L’Oreal, and even the cast of the hit show, Glee! A developer of educational programs, Charlotte has even been awarded Best Makeup Educator of the Year by the Australian Industry Makeup Awards.

Here, she looks back on her experience as a makeup artist for popular TV shows, and shares some of her favorite memories!

The TV industry can provide a very exciting work environment for makeup artists! I worked in TV for 8 years before working in fashion and education. I can definitely say: some of the best memories of my career are from during this time.

How I Broke Into the Industry

Right after finishing makeup school, I had the opportunity to do an internship for a TV channel for 2 weeks. It was a local TV channel that was just starting out. All of us involved were fresh out of school, so needless to say, everything was very new for us!

I remember being very impressed to be working with such a full team. We started shooting on location, while we waited for the studio to be ready. After the initial 2-week period was over, the channel offered to extend my internship for six months.

Funny enough, I actually wound up politely declining this offer. (I had bills to pay, after all!). That’s when they called me back and offered me a full-time job!

Climbing the Ranks

So, that’s when I formally started working as a TV makeup artist! In terms of the types of makeup jobs that a brand new, up-and-coming MUA could hope for, that was a pretty great opportunity!

This TV channel was part of a big group. So, even if we were shooting on a low budget, we started having bigger and bigger guests and events. For instance, I had the pleasure to do makeup for the cast of Glee, as well as on celebrities like Robbie Williams and Craig David (my 15-year old-crush). I also had the chance to work on a ton of different French artists.

We had a live TV show every day, so the work environment was always very busy! I remember how one day in particular, I was called to do the makeup of a presenter who worked for the radio channel attached to the TV channel I was under contract with.

When I looked outside, I saw a long queue of people, stretching all the way around the block…

Now, I have to confess, I never watch TV and I barely listen to the radio. But when the crew told me we had a very special guest and dropped her name, I knew it sounded vaguely familiar…

Spoiler alert: it was Lady Gaga. I was about to work with Lady Gaga!

After the interview, we went to a small room to shoot a teaser. There wasn’t much space and I was called to do a touch up, so I did. I realized only afterwards how famous Lady Gaga actually was.

For the record, she was absolutely lovely! ❤️️

The biggest celebrities often come with their own makeup artists. But sometimes, the makeup artist doesn’t come to the studio, or they can’t be granted access into the studio. This may be due to security reasons, or simply a lack of space (as it was in this case).

Leaving the Television Industry

Eventually, I decided to resign in lieu of starting my own freelance makeup business. But for those 8 years, I was privileged to experience many once-in-a-lifetime moments. I was lucky enough to be able to travel across Europe, and even the Dominican Republic. I got to amazing artists, and am still very good friend with the people I met on TV.

For 8 amazing years, I was a dedicated makeup artist for famous French TV hosts, supervisor makeup artist for TV shows, and all sorts of celebrities. I had a busy calendar!

I also started working in fashion. Through the network I had created, I ended up as a supervisor artist for private events hosted by Prada and MiuMiu. So, why did I choose to walk away from the TV industry?

The thing was, as much as I loved working in TV, I realized I was missing something.

I wanted to learn English, and open my career internationally. This is how, at 27-years-old, I packed up everything and came to Australia. When I first got here, I didn’t know anyone!

But from there, the rest is history. I am now between Paris and Australia; expanding my career as an educator for beauty brands and diplomas, as well as working as an editorial makeup artist.

Pros of Being a Makeup Artist in the TV Industry:

  • The people you will meet! This obviously includes celebrities, but most of all, I’m referring to the crew. I met some of my best friends when working for TV. When you shoot on location, it’s not uncommon to travel and work 12-hour days. You need have a strong connection with the people you’re working with, especially when spending all that time together.
  • You learn to work fast! During my first year, I typically had 6 people to do makeup on in just 1.5 hours. With low budgets, I had to do everything. I’m not going to lie – most of the time, it felt like a marathon. But now, I am not afraid of short timelines.
  • You can learn all about the technical side of TV and makeup! I was often questioning the Director of Photography about the lighting, as I loved to observe how the light would change the makeup I did. I have learned a lot from my colleagues! This helped me to understand the requirements of TV makeup, and what it takes to become an in-demand makeup artist.
  • You can have regular work! TV shows are shooting everyday. In many ways, the TV industry is a safe place for you to keep freelancing on the side, while still providing you with regular, reliable work.

Cons of Being a Makeup Artist in the TV Industry:

  • The lack of creativity. This was honestly my biggest frustration. TV makeup is often technical, but rarely creative. I needed to explore other types of makeup jobs in order to understand ALL the aspects of makeup.
  • Long hours. As I said, expect 12 to 14-hour days. I remember one day, I worked 17 hours straight! Not to mention, the day often starts at 4 or 5AM when working for morning shows.
  • The wait. You often do makeup in the morning, or at the beginning of the show. Then you have to wait to do touch-ups. So, you need to stay focused and have to wait – sometimes, for hours at a time.
  • The stress. Most artists I have met were nice to me. This could potentially be because I was very young at the time. I was always the baby in the crew! But it’s also not uncommon to meet some guest artists with a LOT of stipulations. This can be stressful.

My Top Tips If You’re Considering a Career as a TV Makeup Artist:

  • Have an in-depth understanding of color theory, as well as the importance of creating the perfect complexion with a light-to-medium coverage. I have learned how to color correct with precision. This helps me to create a flawless complexion, while avoiding thick foundation (which looks bad when shooting in HD) or needing a lot of touch-ups. This definitely helped me get more work in Paris, as well as in Australia!
  • Be flexible. Things never go as planned! You need to be ready for last-minute changes. This is the case for all areas of the MUA industry, but especially in TV.
  • Learn about celebrities. Once I had the call sheet, I would always research who the artists were. Not only can you get a better idea of what to expect, but it shows your professionalism.
  • Maintain your network. As with any makeup job, networking is KEY! I will never say it enough: you have one reputation, and only one. The wrong move can hinder your ability to book clients, and the wrong attitude can stop others from wanting to work alongside you. Kindness goes a long way, and will always be remembered!

Above all else: do your best, work with a smile, and remember that mistakes can happen. So long as you put in the time, dedication, and effort, you’ll be sure to go far!

Want more tips for booking makeup jobs? Learn how stylized photoshoot can advance your career!