Does the variety of make-up that you see in the departmentalstore enthrall you? Do you love giving make-up suggestions to your near anddear ones? Do you love keeping in touch with the latest trends in make-up? Ifyour answer to these questions is 'Yes', if you have an inherent passion forapplying make-up and a flair for it, then a career as a make-up artist might bejust the right choice for you. And that is what this article is all about.


What it involves


The most important prerequisite for the profession of a make-up artist is a lot of creativity and imaginative power. This would help theartist in visualizing what style would look good on a certain person, and indeveloping new styles. A careful eye for detail and concentration would also be prerequisites in this profession. A passion for make-up and an interest in traditionalas well as contemporary make-up styles is very crucial.


Good communication and networking skills would be othermust-have qualities, especially if one plans to work freelance. A good businesssense and diplomacy would also help to a significant extent. Punctuality and reliability,a highly professional attitude in other words, would be a must to build up areputation as an artist.


Becoming a make-up artist involves long hours of work instudios as well as in outdoor locations. This makes it essential for the artistto have the ability to work under pressure, as well a high degree of physicaland mental fitness.


As is the case with any career, the initial days involve alot of struggle. To cope up with this, it is necessary for the artist to have alot of patience and strong determination.


The profession of a make-up artist might require him or herto travel on occasions or frequently. Hence, one of the prerequisites of this profession is a willingness to travel. In case sufficient client base is not available withinthe area in which the make-up artist plans to operate, traveling would becomeinevitable.


How to go about it


Before going about beginning a career as a professional make-up artist, it would be advisable to undertake thorough research about thefield. It is necessary to undertake a careful study of the particulargeographical area in which the person intends to establish himself or herself.This would give a fair idea of the level of competition that would be involved,as well as the client base in that area.


The pay that a make-up artist would get depends largely uponhis or her skill, as well as on the type of clientele. Research would help ingetting an idea of the financial possibilities in the area.


It would be advisable for a potential make-up artist to prepare a portfolio, containing a few samples of his or her work. This portfolio would be ofgreat help to a beginner in securing work, if showcased at strategic locations.


One important decision to be taken by a potential make-upartist is whether to go for a freelance job or join an employer. Both theseforms have their own benefits and pitfalls, and the decision would ultimatelydepend upon the liking of the individual. Joining an employer wouldcomparatively involve less risk, but afford comparatively less freedom to theemployee. On the other hand, working freelance would allow for greaterflexibility, but the risk involved would also be greater.


In case the make-up artist decides to work under anemployer, there are several alternatives available, such as beauty parlours,cosmetic companies, advertising agencies, film production companies, magazines,or fashion designers, among others.


 

The next step is to get the necessary qualifications. There are a number of institutes that offer courses in make-up. Getting a license to practice would be the next step.



If the artist has decided to join an employer, he needs to send out his resume to the employers who he would like to work with. If he or she has decided to work freelance, the next step would be to print out business cards and leave them with strategic places. It is also a good idea to place an advertisement in a reputed newspaper or magazine, and/or set up a website. In freelancing, networking would be of the greatest help. Getting in touch with some agents would also not be a bad idea.


Another requirement of freelancing is preparing one's own make-up kit. It becomes essential to constantly keep track of the latest trends in cosmetics and stock them accordingly.


Creating one's niche area of specialization is a great way to get noticed. For instance, one could specialize in anti-aging make-up, hair make-up or bridal make-up.


The bottom line


If chosen with care and planned out meticulously, a career as a make-up artist could be a deeply satisfying and exciting one. Do you think it is your cup of tea?


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