Makeup artist | Your guide to becoming one!

Makeup artist | Here’s everything you need to know!

With affiliate industries like film, television, media, and performing arts, the need for professional makeup artists is growing steadily. Otherwise as well, people today are more interested in grooming themselves than they were before. Makeup is not just a hobby for people anymore. It has become a tool for them to fully express who they are. And becoming a makeup artist is not as easy as it may sound.

Apart from developing a strong skill set and technique, a makeup artist should also have soft skills like managing clients and communication skills. Another important skill is being ready to learn at all times. So if you’re interested in making a career in this field, here’s what you need to do to start your journey.

Build a portfolio 

A stellar portfolio is an investment worth making. A portfolio is imperative if you want people to know how good you are at makeup. It will be a reference for people who want to hire you or even recommend you for opportunities.

You can opt for a printed portfolio, but an online portfolio is always better. It is easy to share and can be updated from time to time. But if you choose a print portfolio, stick to the standard size of 9×12 or 11×14 for pictures. Make different sections in your portfolio for different makeup looks, and choose the ones that best portray your expertise. You can also display looks for different face shapes and skin tones.

Continuous practice 

As the field of makeup and glamour continues to expand, make-up artists need to keep up with the changing trends, practices, and novel makeup tools. Being proficient with these tools and techniques will help you be among the best makeup artists in the industry.

Using quality tools, continuous practice, and keeping up with the changing trends will help you excel and fetch you better results. But along with all this, you should also strive to create a niche for yourself. You can choose a particular technique, invent your own, and become the best at it!

Be patient and consistent 

Building a network can be quite beneficial when it comes to beauty, health, and wellness. It helps increase brand awareness and trust. But you should remember that spreading the word and getting the ball rolling requires time and effort.

Start by approaching designers, artists, and celebrities during events, which will add to your opportunities and help you get insights from industry experts. These insights refine your art and may inspire you to experiment and invent. You can also consider applying for part-time jobs in the field to learn from established industry geniuses as you work.

Consider the verticals you wish to expand in 

You can explore multiple verticals in the makeup and glamour industry. Like-

1. Entrepreneurship
2. Freelancing
3. YouTube makeup expert
4. Makeup blogger, and
5. Salons

You can even explore the fields of theatre, television artists, and other performers or even become a celebrity makeup artist. But to get there, you first need to pick up some skills.

Some of the most cost-effective and great ways to learn new makeup skills are-

1. YouTube video tutorials
2. Websites
3. Beauty and makeup blogs
4. Books
5. Makeup communities

These resources can also help you decide on the specialization you wish to expand in.

Find a mentor

Once you’ve discovered your niche, the best way to excel is to find someone who is already an expert. This expert can help you specialize in your field and navigate the industry faster.

So connect with the people you admire and ask them if you can assist them or intern for them. Through this, you will be exposed to multiple opportunities and learn more about makeup that you otherwise wouldn’t.

Going to a cosmetology school 

Makeup is a skill to be mastered. So, a certificate alone may not be enough. Each country has unique requirements for trained students to qualify as professional makeup artists. Some may require a cosmetology or an esthetician’s license, while others might have no regulations.

However, despite the rules, you should consider going to a reputed institute to build credibility and ensure that you offer quality services to your clientele. 

Along with attending a reputed school, ensure that you also keep an eye out for internships and volunteering opportunities. They will add more weight to your resume and help you face real-world challenges when you kick-start your career as a makeup artist. 

Listed below are some professional makeup artist courses you can consider taking.

Courses to consider

Countries like the UK, USA, Canada, and New Zealand have splendid options to study and learn makeup for a professional career in the industry. These courses help you gain expertise in-

1. Hairstyling
2. Nail art
3. Skin treatments
4. Grooming

You can also choose courses to specialize in areas like-

1. Cosmetology
2. Hairstyling
3. Airbrushing
4. Stage makeup for performers and more

Here is a list of top institutes across the world to help you figure out where to head next- 

1. Make-Up Designory

Founded by professional makeup artists, the Make-Up Designory is the best makeup school in the USA. It has two campuses, one in New York and the other in Los Angeles. You can take up individual courses and programs to expand in a particular area. Some of the courses offered here are-

• Fundamentals of Beaut Make-Up
• Studio Hairstyling For the Makeup Artist
• Beauty Lab
• Special Makeup Effects: Character Make-Up
• Special Make-Up Effects: Lab Techniques
• High Fashion Make-Up Trends
• Avant-Garde
• Sculpture Course for Make-Up Artistry

2. Academy of Freelance Makeup

Situated in major cities like London, New York, and Dubai, this institute is one of the best makeup schools in the world. It also only offers jobs in high-profile magazines, film festivals, and fashion weeks only a few weeks after you’ve completed your course. Here, you can choose from various courses depending on your level of expertise. You can also opt for online training programs if relocating is not feasible.

3. Vancouver Film School

The Vancouver Film School offers a one-year diploma course in Makeup Design for Film and Television. The school produces some of the most sought-after professionals in the industry. You also get hands-on experience in the industry, which helps you build a comprehensive portfolio. The school also gives access to its VFS Alumni Directory and Job Board, enabling students to build industry connections.

4. University of the Arts in London

The University of the Arts in London offers courses across both graduate and undergraduate levels. The course options available are-

• M.Sc in Cosmetic Science – 5 years 
• B.A. (Hons) in Fashion Styling and Production – 3 years 
• B.A. (Hons) in Hair and Make-up for Fashion – 3 years 
• B.A. (Hons) in Hair, Make-up, and Prosthetics for Performance – 3 years 

Key takeaways

• With affiliate industries like film, television, media, and performing arts, the need for professional makeup artists is growing steadily.
• Makeup is not just a hobby for people anymore.
• It has become a tool for them to fully express who they are.
• And becoming a makeup artist is not as easy as it may sound.
• Apart from developing a strong skill set and technique, a makeup artist should also have soft skills like managing clients and communication skills.
• Another important skill is being ready to learn at all times.

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Liked this blog? Then read: 5 best countries to study cosmetology courses

FAQs

Q1. What are the job profiles for a makeup artist? 

Answer – Hair stylists, nail care artists, and cosmetologists are some job profiles that the candidates can have. 

Q2. Can you pursue your beautician course post your 12th studies?

Answer – Yes, you can pursue a beautician course after you have completed your 12th studies. 

Q3. Is opting for a beautician course from an overseas institute costly?

Answer – Opting for a beautician’s course overseas can be costly, though the fee structure may vary depending on the institute. However, institutes also offer scholarships to help students afford these courses.