Some Of The Things I Have Learned As A Professional Makeup Artist & Influencer

As a self taught makeup artist and influencer, I have experienced the ups and downs of the ever-changing beauty industry,  which is why I created a YouTube channel, Facebook and Instagram pages in order to create video tutorials- to educate and inspire others who want to become makeup artists and influencers. It may seem like all you need to become a working artist and influencer is a well stocked kit and some makeup know how, but that assumption can be the first step to failure. Over 7 good years of being a professional makeup artist and influencer here’s what I have learned as some of the essential qualities that can help boost your career.

LEARN PEOPLE SKILLS – Be one with your customer

There’s never a dull moment when you work as a freelancer because you never know who’s going to end up in your chair. I’ve met and worked with women and men from all walks of life, and it’s my responsibility as the artist to read their social cues, adjust my attitude and make them feel comfortable interacting with me. After all, doing someone’s makeup is a physical, intimate experience and I always want my clients to feel safe and confident in my hands. So I always suggest learning valuable  people skills and selling skills because at the end of the day you’re selling yourself and you get to practice your makeup and application skills.

STAY INFORMED

A good makeup artist knows what’s happening now, but a great makeup artist knows what will happen next.  Not only do you need to be all over what’s happening in the industry, but you need to know the trends and be the trendsetter as an influencer too. After all, your clients are more likely to book their next appointment if they know that you will hook them up with the latest looks and help them find the hottest new brands and products.  Even more better they will spread the word out there about you, and that’s something money can’t buy.

So the question may be, how do you ensure that you are up to date on all the latest makeup innovations and hot new trends? Set aside an hour or two a day to browse your favorite websites, social media blogs about recent beauty and fashion news. If you have the budget to travel, major cosmetics conferences are also another great way to explore what’s new in the world of makeup.  Interact with other makeup artists in your area and find out what they know about a new trend that’s out.

KNOW YOUR OWN VALUE

Your time is valuable.  Your talents are valuable. You are valuable. Don’t undersell yourself whether that’s in negotiating a deal with a brand, talking to your followers,  or interacting with other influencers. Don’t let other people exploit you or take advantage of your money or talents.

PROMOTE YOURSELF

As a makeup artist, you are your own brand. It is up to YOU to market yourself and promote your work. Begin with an online portfolio, be it on Facebook or Instagram,  you can create a page.  Upload a few photos you are proud of and continue to add and change images as your skills evolve. Keeping your portfolio up to date with fresh imagery demonstrates that you are active, engaged, and in demand.

Embrace social media! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube play a huge role in helping you build your business. Allow future clients the opportunity to contact you with questions and feedback, that means no private accounts and disabling your inbox so that clients have zero access to you. Customers these days want and experience the instant access, and the sooner you embrace the digital world, the faster you can acquire more work.

I wouldn’t have chosen any other career for myself, makeup artistry really combines skill, creativity, a certain amount of science and a requirement for emotional intelligence. But like anything else, you really need to work hard to get anywhere. My biggest advice? Believe in yourself, plan, and then go for it. Everything is possible.

Beauty by Raz