QC Makeup Academy Student Ambassador, Whitney Conn, shares her experience with pricing her services as a makeup artist. Whitney has been working as a makeup artist part-time and has some serious experience in the industry!
Business is business no matter how you look at it. You may be chasing your dreams as a makeup artist, but at the end of the day, the goal is to get paid for what you do.
You’ve done several courses and feel confident to put your services out there. Now what? How do you price yourself as a freelance makeup artist? Where do you even start? For those of you already enrolled in QC Makeup Academy, you already know the advantages of the information that we are given. Between makeup instructions and business startup information, they have got you covered.
Survey Your Local Market
Whether you are in a big city or in a small town, there will be someone in your radius that is a makeup artist. It is our job to keep our prices competitive. Dependent on how you describe yourself you may be more expensive… you may also be more experienced and valuable than your competition.
Do your research! Make sure you know what you are up against. Also, keep in mind that pricing may change due to the price of living or supplies.
Put a Price on Your Strengths
Know your strengths and price your services accordingly! As you grow as a makeup artist and expand your skills and strengths, you can add other services. This will build a great rapport with your clientele and they’ll know they can trust your abilities. Of course, by all means, try out new skills as you go! However, I would not suggest adding it to your services until you feel completely ready.
Do Not Undersell Yourself
I can’t stress this enough! Do not undervalue your skills! Price accordingly to the market, but do not cheat yourself out of your own value. I have learned the hard way that lowering your cost to reach more potential clients is not the way to go about things. Potential (and very valuable) clients will start asking why you are so low. This may make them think you aren’t good enough at what you do. If you believe in yourself, others will see that and believe in you too.
How I’ve Priced My Own Services
I have recently added airbrushing to my skill set. This means, for my wedding makeup, I can set two different tiers of pricing. I have my basic wedding makeup application for $120 to $150 depending on the application. Then I have airbrushed wedding makeup which includes airbrushed foundation, contour (if applicable), and blush for $200 to $230. I have services for prom or special events from $80 to $130 depending on if the client wants airbrushing. I also do makeup for film and television. This I do not price on any of my sites. Each job is evaluated to the level of work that will be done and then discussed with the client.
I’ve learned most of this information as ago! Between clients and talking to other makeup artists, I have a better understanding of how to approach my pricing and career as a freelance makeup artist. Take the time to invest in your craft. Learn from your mistakes and always allow yourself to grow. No matter what, do not give up on yourself. You are the face of your business, so let your light shine bright!
