Introduction
If you’re looking to take your makeup career to the next level, one of the most important things you can do is create a high-quality portfolio. Luckily, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to build a makeup artistry portfolio that’ll help you stand out from the competition and attract more clients than you can count!
So, let’s dive in and learn how to build a makeup artistry portfolio!
How to Build a Makeup Artistry Portfolio in 10 Steps
Step #1: Gather Your Best Work
The first step in putting together your makeup portfolio is to gather all of your best work. This can be anything from client applications to photoshoots. Don’t worry if everything isn’t perfectly polished and styled just yet – the key in this step is to simply gather all of the images that you feel accurately showcase your range and skills as a makeup artist.
Step #2: Filter Out The Lower-Quality Photos
Now that you’ve gathered all of your best work, it’s time to start filtering out the lower-quality photos. This can be anything from pictures with bad lighting to images where the makeup itself isn’t up to par. Remember: you want your makeup artistry portfolio to only include your very BEST work!
Pro Tip: For this reason, we discourage you from including selfies within your portfolio. Unless you’re an incredible makeup artist, own a professional camera, and can make yourself look flawless in every photo, selfies are generally NOT considered to be high-quality work.
Step #3: Decide Which Areas of Makeup Artistry You Want Your Portfolio to Showcase
As we mentioned earlier, your makeup artistry portfolio should showcase the different types of styles you’re able to do. However, it’s important to still be selective in what you choose to include. After all, you don’t want to overwhelm your audience with too much information!
Instead, focus on the areas of makeup where you feel most confident and comfortable. This will help potential clients and/or employers get a better sense of who you are as an artist, as well as what kind of work you’re best at.
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Step #4: Don’t Have Any Photos to Choose from Yet? Start Finding Work!
- Offer complimentary makeup services to friends and family;
- Contact other MUAs in the area and ask if you can assist them on photoshoots;
- Put up posts on social media – such as in local Facebook groups, local groups for photographers, etc. – offering your makeup services;
- Take part in a stylized photoshoot, etc.
Step #5: Edit and Polish Each Photo
Now that you have a strong selection of high-quality images, it’s time to start editing and polishing each photo. This can be anything from basic touch-ups in Photoshop to adding text or borders.
That said, the best MUAs out there don’t tend to add any bells or whistles to their pics (such as text or borders). They let their work do all the talking! So, if your goal is to stand out among the best of the best and make the same impression, your best bet is to do the same.
Remember: your goal is to make each photo look as professional as possible so that potential clients or employers will take you seriously!
Step #6: Print Your Makeup Artist Portfolio
Once you’ve completed assembling your makeup portfolio, the next step is to print it out. This way, you’ll have a physical copy that you can bring with you wherever you go, such as client consultations and job interviews. Not only will this help show off your skills as a makeup artist – it also makes for a great conversation starter!
Step #7: Put Your Portfolio Online
That said, in today’s day and age, the primary place you’re going to want to display your makeup portfolio will be online. Simply put: the majority of people prefer to view portfolios online. So, in addition to printing out a physical copy, it’s also important that you create an online portfolio as well!
There are multiple ways you can do this (such as showcasing your portfolio on your social media page(s)), but the most popular option is to create a business website. This way, you’ll have complete control over how your work is presented. Plus, people will be able to view your portfolio from anywhere in the world – all they’ll need is an internet connection.
Pro Tip: When sharing your portfolio images online, always ensure to credit the photographer whenever possible (if applicable). Not only will they appreciate it – they may even wind up cross-sharing the photo on their own online platforms, too!
Step #8: Market Your Makeup Portfolio
- Submitting your work to online galleries;
- Getting featured in magazines (online and offline);
- Speaking at industry events and promoting your portfolio there;
- Starting a business blog and using your portfolio images within articles;
- Reaching out to other blogs/publications to see if they’d be willing to use your portfolio images within their articles;
- Teaching makeup workshops or classes and promoting your portfolio there, etc.
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Step #9: Use Your Portfolio to Network
- Attend both in-person and virtual industry events and meet-ups.
- Reach out to other makeup artists (particularly those whose work you admire) and see if they’d be interested in collaborating.
- Join local Facebook (and other social media) groups for MUAs and likeminded artists, such as photographers.
- Put up flyers around town that outline and offer your services.
- Find complementary businesses in your area – such as hair salons, spas, makeup retailer stores, etc. – and ask if you can leave your business cards and/or flyers in their shops, for their client roster to see, etc.
Step #10: Take a Professional Course to Help Fine-Tune Your Makeup Portfolio
If you’re serious about building an impressive makeup artistry portfolio, it never hurts to take a professional course geared specifically towards refining your body of work. In the beauty industry, there’s never any shame in getting a little extra help – especially when it comes to perfecting your craft.
(In fact, the best MUAs out there are constantly taking new classes and adding to their skill-set all the time!)
Taking a makeup portfolio course will not only give you the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business; it will also provide you with an invaluable chance to build up your own portfolio and make it that much better. This is something that potential clients will definitely take notice of.
In fact, it could be the very difference between securing a job interview or not!
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Learn everything you need to know in as little as one month (or less)!
QC Makeup Academy’s Online Portfolio Development Workshop
- Why makeup portfolios are essential for professional MUAs;
- The different types of makeup artistry portfolios in both print and online formats;
- Different strategies you can use to collect high-quality content for your portfolio;
- How to plan a styled shoot (from start to finish);
- Presenting your makeup portfolio so it best reflects your skills;
- Building targeted portfolios that will appeal to different types of clients;
- Photography + editing skills to help capture the perfect photos, every time;
- Using your portfolio to represent your business brand and personal style as a makeup artist;
- How to dazzle corporate and private clients alike with your targeted portfolios;
- How to successfully submit your makeup artistry portfolio for publication.
How To Build a Makeup Artistry Portfolio FAQ
What is a makeup portfolio?
A: A makeup artistry portfolio is a collection of your best work. It’s meant to showcase your skills, experience, and range as a makeup artist. Furthermore, your portfolio can be used for both personal and professional purposes. For example, you might use it to score jobs or clients, or simply to keep track of your progress over time.
Why is a professional makeup artistry portfolio important?
A: There are a few reasons why having a strong portfolio is essential in the world of makeup artistry:
- It helps you stand out from the competition by giving potential clients or employers a better sense of your style and abilities.
- It allows you to keep track of your progress and see how far you’ve come. This is always incredibly motivating!
- A great makeup portfolio can help you attract higher-paying clients and jobs. This is because it showcases your professionalism and dedication to your craft – and both of these are qualities that clients are willing to pay top-dollar for!
How many pictures should be in a makeup portfolio?
This is completely up to you! However, we recommend including at least 15-20 pictures in your portfolio. This way, potential clients and/or employers can get a good sense of your range.
What should be in a makeup portfolio?
- Natural makeup
- Glamorous makeup
- Smoky eyes
- Bold lips
- Cut crease eyeshadow
- Wedding makeup
