Mirror, mirror on the wall; making it in the make-up world.
Flourishing as a practitioner in the make-up artistry business does not happen by chance. Like every other worthwhile venture, you have to put in the work, time and commitment to acquire appropriate skills, networks and clients to move from a relatively unknown status to personal and professional achievement in the industry.
Nevertheless, make-up artists and their businesses have prospered (and continue to do so) in the marketplace. Yours should be no different. Your make-up artistry business can also join the band of successes with these four helpful suggestions.
1. Know your niche in the industry. Are you a wedding or fashion make-up artist? Or is your training leaning towards the cinematic (aka special effects) side of make-up? The facial sector of the beauty world has a plethora of make-up artists who specialize in different areas to create certain looks for particular kinds of clients. Recognize your specific skill, be known for it and build your make-up artistry business around it. Though these days, it is not uncommon for make-up artists to combine more than one specialty; thus opening up other profitable opportunities for them.
2. Know (how to use) your tools. A worker is only as good as his tools. This is a modified version of Emmet Wolf’s saying, ‘A man is only as good as his tools.’ And make-up artists are as talented as their equipment. You can give your make-up artistry business a significant boost with the right tools of your trade that enable you to create flawless magic on the human face repeatedly. Investing in essential and quality make-up tools, that you’re deft with, will score you bonus points with clients.
3. Know your worth. The imposter syndrome plagues almost everyone, from employer to employee. Settling on your prices is not an easy feat in the make-up artistry business; neither is it in other enterprises. Do not charge low prices to appeal to clients. It might count against you if those same clients think your rates reflect your skillset. On the other hand, astronomical fees alienate you and send clients in search of reasonable rates. What do you do then? How do you comfortably set your price in your make-up artistry business? Research market costs for the industry; talk to your fellow make-up artists’ network and discover their price ranges; take into consideration your experience, education and expertise; and charge your work accordingly.
4. Keep learning. Keep practising. Over time facial beauty standards have changed and so have the tools used to create different looks and expressions. The beauty industry is known for its trends. Today the pared-down, natural look is in; tomorrow cat-eyes and rainbow eyeshadow are all the rage. Your make-up artistry business will bloom if you keep up with the times and constantly update your knowledge of the make-up sector. Your clients will want to wear the latest fads on their faces, and if you can deliver on that, you’re on your way to continued success in your make-up artistry business. Don’t stop learning and practicing; it will keep you ahead of your competition.
