How to Become a Freelance Makeup Artist

For those who have always had a keen interest for this profession, should realize that they need to acquire work experience. The reason being that makeup is all about visual arts, therefore you need to show proof of your past works and your imbibed skills so as to gain credential in this field.

People must be drawn towards your skills as a professional artist, and that is the only way to go about achieving this goal. Which means that your biggest asset is your own face and how you apply exquisite makeup on yourself. When people meet you, they must acknowledge and appreciate your talent.

You will need to acquire the necessary license which allows you to work as a professional freelance makeup artist. You will need to enroll into a certified beauty school, where you will be required to learn about cosmetology, skin and texture identification, a lot about color palettes, and how to blend colors properly.

There will be added lessons on hairstyles, and facial structures etc. You will be required to follow a code of conduct when dealing with clients, and follow the rules when it comes to you personally going to them or them coming to consult you.

Practice different techniques and styles of makeup on yourself first, ask your female friends and family members to help you improve, by volunteering as your muse. Practice and keep practicing, until you are sure that you have perfected a particular style.

Keep experimenting and don't get too comfortable with a few techniques, as your client's needs will change and increase with the changing fashion trends. So you'll need to be up-to-date and abreast with what's new and what's not.

Try applying to a renowned artist salon, where you will receive firsthand experience on the various techniques of applying makeup. How to deal with clients and how to set your rates, which will determine your salary range for the next coming years. These are internal tricks of the trade that you acquire through observation and practical training.

You will also need to make it a point that your own personal makeup is top-notch. The customers will first see you, if they like the way you look and how you have applied your own makeup, there is a very high probability that they would be attracted towards you, and will come seeking advice on various products.

You may book a domain name for yourself, so that you can upload photos of your work through WordPress. There are a lot of inexpensive and talented web developers waiting for an opportunity to showcase their web making skills, so this way the two of you can be helpful to one another. 

If not seek the aid of a college student who is good at web designing and is eager to contribute for your cause. You can get a good active website up and running for less than US $500-$1000. Let the website be clear and precise about your area of expertise in the filed of makeup.

You will need to prepare a portfolio which should ideally contain the photos of models with whom you have worked with. You will need to seek the service of a professional fashion photographer, whose work speaks for itself. It would be an absolute waste of time, money, your efforts, for everyone involved if the photos turn out to be below expectation. 

The photos should focus on the makeup applied and not on their clothes or posture etc. You can ask your attractive friends or people you know to model for you. If not, try the local models who run for beauty pageants. You can volunteer to be their free makeup artist for a pageant. This way you can have a portfolio created for free. 

If not you can try online for face models near your area who would be willing to work with you. You will need to pay them for their services. Your portfolio must contain techniques which you wish to use and take further in your career as a makeup artist. 

Each photo must be of 9x12 or 11x14 in size and must be retained in a professional looking folder with clear plastic sleeves. Place one photo per sleeve, so that your work doesn't look cramped.

Mention that you offer for freelance makeup services. You will need to pay the graphic designer for the services, however it would be better to have your own website going. Make yourself a simple business card as well, and make sure that it looks attractive and simple.

For instance, if you are a wedding makeup artist, then remember to mention this fact specifically, this will help create a specialized name for you in the market. You will also need to send in your pamphlet or through word of mouth to all important bridal dress salons, wedding planners, and hair stylists.

Initially, if you are starting on a limited and rather low capital, you will find it harder to speed up the business output. However, if you take a loan and add your savings you can open up your own makeup salon!

Once you achieve that, customers will begin to pour in. Make it a point to make your shop as attractive as you possibly can. Hopefully, this information has been useful to you!