Career Advice Archives

Jun 23

Makeup artist training article, June 23 2021, Feature Image

How I’m Turning My Makeup Artist Training into a Professional Career!

By Luisa De Pietra Career Advice, QC Student Ambassador 3 Comments

Currently completing your makeup artist training? Not sure how to take your education and turn it into a professional career?

QC Makeup Academy‘s Student Ambassador, Luisa De Pietra, is here to share her story. Read along, see how Luisa’s been creating a name for herself in the makeup industry, and discover how YOU can do the same!

Becoming a Makeup Artist: Is Being Self-Taught Enough?

The world of self-learning can be a little tricky – especially when it comes to makeup. I’m sure you’ve seen the term “self-taught” circulating everywhere these days. Indeed, teaching yourself a skill with no prior knowledge is a great achievement. This is especially the case if you become successful as a result of your own teaching.

However, if you wish to work as a professional makeup artist, you must ask yourself: is being a “self-taught” MUA enough to maintain a long-standing, successful career? Furthermore, is it enough to become a truly creative force in such a competitive industry?

My name is Luisa de Pietra, and I’m a Student Ambassador of QC Makeup Academy. I’ve graduated from the Master Makeup Artistry Course and Pro Makeup Workshop. Currently, I’m also completing the Portfolio Development Workshop. The following article is for those of you at the initial stage of your makeup training journey. If you’re interested in a full-time career as a successful, professional beauty expert, but are a little apprehensive as to where to start, I invite you to read on…

Do You Need Makeup Artist Training?

We live in an online world that’s becoming increasingly dominated by social media influencers (paid or otherwise). As a result, the landscape of makeup artistry has shifted beyond recognition. The path into the makeup industry has never been more easily accessible!

Now, I’m all for the idea of makeup artistry being a medium that’s equally accessible to everyone. But to claim that anyone can be a makeup artist – with no regard to skill, expertise, practice, or study – devalues the time, effort, and costs put in by professionals. Moreover, this notion lowers the professional standard and creates a kind of “copy-cat” culture.

As part of this culture, aspiring artists are inundated with different versions of whichever popular trend is currently circulating the internet. What does this mean? In short, you’re recreating popular looks without any critical analysis and feedback. But you’re not truly learning what you need to know in order to make a real career out of it.

After all, beauty trends ebb and flow. But core principles and classic techniques do not! As someone who grew up watching makeup tutorial videos on YouTube, I can tell you from experience: it was a really steep learning curve to reach professional standards, once I began my formal makeup artist training with QC Makeup Academy!

Social Media vs. Proper Makeup Artist Training

When attempting to learn the art of makeup through social media, there’s a significant lack of knowledge and expertise. You won’t be learning the fundamental principles as building blocks of your craft.

In this era of social media, formal guides, education, and training by industry professionals are paramount! After all, it’s only through a reputable education that you can establish basic foundations. Moreover, proper makeup training will pair you with a professional mentor who can guide you in the right direction.

Together, you’ll discover how to build your strengths and correct your weaknesses. THIS is a key difference between “self-taught” and formally educated makeup artists. Professional MUAs know the beauty industry and have experience across the board. They know which mistakes to avoid. And importantly, they know what will help them pave the way for a successful, long-term career.

QC Makeup Academy offer self-paced, online certification courses designed to help you kick-start (and run) your own makeup business. Investing in a formal education not only helps you stand out from the competition; it’ll also help shape you into a knowledgeable, practical, professional, and well-prepared artist. With a high-quality education under your belt, you’ll be able to excel in whichever niche of the makeup world you choose to pursue!

Why I Chose to Get Makeup Training

For me, makeup is more than just glittering finishes, or creamy, rich rouges. Rather, it’s an important indicator of both imagination and art. From creating fresh, dewy, and delicate looks, to imagining avant-garde visions for editorial or catwalk – I love it all!

Now, I initially chose to enroll in QC’s Master Makeup Artistry Course as something fun and creative to do alongside my university studies. Prior to starting my training, I’ll be totally honest: I hadn’t realized just how important a formal education in makeup was.

It wasn’t until I dove into it that I discovered the ways in which proper training helps in creating a foundational basis for my creativity, imagination, and passion!

Seeing Makeup Artistry Through a New Lens

As the program evolved, and I delved deeper into the content and course materials, I began to gain an appreciation of just how important credentials and education are in the makeup industry. In a world where many aspiring artists are self-taught, completing a highly-regarded course is what will ultimately set you apart from the rest!

After all, the competition is fierce in this industry. Thus, having formal training is definitely an advantage. Under the tutelage of celebrity MUA, Nathan Johnson, my makeup artist training has not only helped me build on my foundations – I’ve also been able to polish my skills and sharpen my eye for detail.

In particular, QC’s Portfolio Development Workshop has helped me showcase my makeup skills and build my social media presence. The most important lessons I’ve taken from my education with QC’s makeup artist training is to develop the habits of consistency, practice, hard work, professionalism, and earning your place. All of these are needed in order to succeed in the beauty world!

Turning My Makeup Artist Training Into a Professional Career

When you work in the beauty industry, imagination is your most precious friend. It’s what inspires, guides, and motivates you. For myself, I plan on pursuing my passion of creating looks and content for my Instagram account that are timeless, inspirational, and enduring.

I strongly believe in scheduling time for practice. Not only does this help to further sharpen my skills, but it also ensures that I’m meeting my personal deadlines. So, my top 3 tips to help other aspiring makeup artists to get their careers off to a flying start are:

1. Practice, practice, practice!

They say it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert or master of a given skill. This alone should tell you just how important practice is in our field! So, play with colors, try new looks, and learn the basic principles. Get hands-on training wherever you can, whether it’s on your own face or the faces of others. Believe me when I tell you that you will NEVER be able to practice too much!

2. Invest in formal makeup artist training.

I cannot stress enough the importance of a formal education! It provides a greater rigor and depth of knowledge of all aspects makeup industry. Plus, it’ll prepare you for when you’re faced with real-life challenges in the field.

3. Be unique.

The most iconic beauty visionaries of our time have been leaders, not followers. Shaping your own personal and provocative style will not only ensure your longevity in the industry – it’ll set your apart from the competition.

Food for Thought

All in all, the beauty industry is not always an easy one to get into. Seeking formal education in an increasingly competitive industry will give you an edge to build your own style, versatility, and creative visions. A truly passionate makeup artist puts the time and effort into studying and practicing core techniques from the start.

Once you’ve learned and mastered the basic building blocks and classic techniques, you’ll be well on your way to expanding your skill-set with more complex and intricate looks! Overall, makeup artist training is an invaluable asset that will push you to excel and become the best version of your creative self!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments below. You can also contact QC Makeup Academy’s Student Support Team 7 days a week. And if you haven’t already, don’t forget to join QC’s free Virtual Classroom on Facebook and connect with me directly. I look forward to seeing you there.

Thanks for reading!

So, what are you waiting for? 😉 Complete your makeup artist training in as little as 2-6 months by enrolling with QC Makeup Academy today!

Jun 18

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Becoming a Skincare Consultant

By Katie Stegeman Career Advice, QC Student Ambassador, Skincare 4 Comments

Dream of becoming a Skincare Consultant? Then this article is for YOU!

As a graduate of QC Makeup Academy‘s Skincare Course, Katie Stegeman is an internationally certified Skincare Consulting Professional. Today, she’s here to reveal everything you need to know to get your dream career started!

A Little About Me

My name is Katie Stegeman and I’m a Student Ambassador of QC Makeup Academy. I’m also an alumnus of QC’s Skincare Course. Today, let’s take a look together at what a Skincare Consultant does and how to become trained. Moreover, I’ll reveal how becoming a Skincare Consultant can enhance your skill-set, as well as improve your business as a makeup artist!

Why I Became a Skincare Consultant

For me, being a Skincare Consultant allows me to help personalize skincare regimens for clients, friends, and family. When you get proper skincare training, you better understand different skin types, conditions, etc. As a result, you become a subject-matter expert and can give professional recommendations on how to help different skincare concerns.

Skincare Consultant vs. Esthetician

Now, it’s important to know that Skincare Consultants are different from licensed estheticians. The main difference is that Skincare Consultants cannot perform certain services, such as chemical procedures. Hair removal, nail care, and microdermabrasion would all fall under this umbrella. This is one reason why estheticians need to pass a standardized exam in order to become licensed to practice. Rather, a Skincare Consultant strictly recommends certain services to help meet the client’s skincare needs.

Skincare Consultant vs. Dermatologist

Skincare Consultants are also different from dermatologists. Dermatologists are doctors who have been board certified in dermatology. As such, they’re able to medically diagnose skincare concerns and write prescriptions for medical treatments.

As a certified Skincare Consultant who’s been trained through QC Makeup Academy, you can work with all types of clients. However, you’d strictly be working within your scope of practice. As Skincare Consultants, we can help find skincare solutions for common concerns, such as:

Acne
Dry skin
Oily skin
Dehydrated skin
Aging skin
Preventative skincare
And more!

Taking QC’s Skincare Course allowed me to help my own skin, too, as well as my preteen daughter’s skin. Speaking from personal experience, becoming a Skincare Consultant has been an invaluable experience!

Becoming a Skincare Consultant: The Value of Professional Training

For me, becoming a Skincare Consultant has laid down the perfect building blocks for understanding skin. I never truly understood skin, even though I had been looking up tips and tricks for years in order to help manage my own. There’s nothing that can compare to actual training! Through this training, I gained an understanding of skin concerns and problems, as well as how to actually try and fix them.

But it gets even better… Thanks to my training, I now also have the tools to help those around me, too! For me, the most insightful part of my education was learning how to accurately determine one’s skin type. When it comes to this, there were so many factors that I never even knew existed! But now I can recognize the indicators that help me determine which skin type is which. Moreover, I can now translate those indicators into a plan of action. By truly understanding the skin type, I understand how it should be dealt with and what can be done to fix any concerns.

Here’s one thing to keep in mind, though: learning all of these lessons doesn’t do you much good unless you’re also learning how to implement them in your career. Luckily, QC Makeup Academy’s Skincare Course includes an added business training unit! Though this unit is optional, I STRONGLY recommend taking advantage of it! It’ll help you discover how to take what you’ve learned, put this into action, and run a successful business.

It can’t get any better than that!

Starting My Skincare Career During My Training

Personally, I started my skincare career while I was still in training. In each module of QC’s Skincare Course, you’re asked to use a real-life model for the assessment/assignment. After working with my models, I used their testimonials gathered for my assignments in order to help them start their skincare journey.

Furthermore, drawing on my own personal experience has also helped to build trust with clients. Since my skincare training has taught me how to better my own skin, I enjoy sharing my story with my clients. After all, my skin is living proof that the knowledge I’ve acquired actually works! And if it works for me, it will definitely work for them!

Another way I’ve been able to start my career as a Skincare Consultant has been to offer virtual services. Especially during the pandemic, offering virtual services has been great! People can send close-up photos of their skin and answer questions via video or phone calls. Plus, we can also work together using social media platforms, to get to the root of their skincare concerns.

Having the option of virtual services is also extremely convenient for a lot of clients. Many aren’t yet able to leave their house. Others might not be comfortable with in-person interactions yet. Moreover, some may not have the means to travel somewhere else to do a skincare assessment. And even though restrictions have been lifted (or are being lifted currently), virtual services provide that extra bit of flexibility that goes a long way with customers.

Plus, it opens me up to long-distance clients, which is another bonus!

Becoming a Skincare Consultant: Career Opportunities

As an internationally certified Skincare Consultant of QC Makeup Academy, you’ll have a TON of career options! Firstly, you can start your own business and offer skincare consulting services. Secondly, you can work with salons, offering skincare services for their brand of choice. Thirdly, you can work with storefronts such as Ulta Beauty or Sephora; helping them with brands they sell. You could also work for a brand-specific store.

(And these are but just a few of the options at your disposal!)

Personally, I chose to add skincare to my current beauty business. I wanted to expand my services and allow for more inclusive client experiences. Prior to becoming a Skincare Consultant, I’d already graduated from QC Makeup Academy’s Master Makeup Artistry Course. As such, I was already a designated Master International Makeup Professional.

Adding skincare services on top of my makeup services has done wonders for my business! After all, understanding skin is KEY to flawless, high-quality makeup applications. Basically, this training has been amazing and I’m so proud to be a graduate!

Why I Recommend QC Makeup Academy

There’s even a DIY skincare unit, which I really enjoyed! This unit teaches you how to help your clients achieve skincare goals for themselves by recommending products they can/should use at home. When it comes to skincare, there is no “one-size-fits-all” skincare product. Through QC’s training, you’ll learn how to find the right products to help different people and their skin needs.

Again, QC Makeup Academy’s Skincare Course teaches SO much information about understanding skin, as well as what skin can tell you just by looking at it. This certification program teaches you how to help common skincare concerns in many different ways.

Plus, when you graduate from QC Makeup Academy’s Skincare Course, you’ll officially be an International Skincare Consulting Professional. Moreover, you’ll have a physician certification to add to your resume and proudly show off to clients. How awesome is that!?

The education I’ve received from this program alone has already immensely helped both my oldest daughter and me. I’m so thankful to be able to help her combat skincare concerns early on so that we can prevent a lot of the stress my husband and I went through at her age. In a nutshell, I highly recommend this Skincare Course for 3 reasons:

QC Makeup Academy’s unrivaled professionalism as a school;
The quality of the tutors, as well as the high standard they hold their students to;
And the excellent skincare education you are guaranteed to receive.

My Final Thoughts

I would love to hear your thoughts below! Leave a comment and describe YOUR skincare journey. And don’t forget: if you’d like to connect with me directly, you can do so here in QC’s Virtual Classroom on Facebook. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my thoughts and experiences with this program and with QC Makeup Academy!

If you dream of becoming a Skincare Consultant, you need this program offered by QC Makeup Academy! It has been life-changing for me and my beauty career. I’ve been able to transform my own life, as well as the lives of my friends and clients.

Becoming a Skincare Consultant has never been easier! Enroll with QC Makeup Academy today and graduate in as little as 2-6 months!

Jun 17

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School of makeup article, June 17 2021, Feature Image

5 Reasons Why QC Makeup Academy is the BEST School of Makeup!

By Luzaan de Bruyn About the School, Career Advice, Education, QC Student Ambassador, Your Makeup Career 4 Comments

Not sure which school of makeup is the right fit for YOU? Join certified MUA, Luzaan de Bruyn, as she discusses the top 3 reasons why she recommends QC Makeup Academy!

Luzaan is the proud founder of Beauty by Luzaan and specializes in traditional, SFX, and airbrush makeup.

Photo by Stephan Neff Photography and Trevor Bond.

Why Should YOU Enroll in Makeup School?

The day I decided to start playing with makeup was the day I started watching YouTube tutorials. I spent many, many months watching these tutorials and following every single step. But for some reason, I still SUCKED at makeup application and techniques.

To be completely honest, I looked like a clown that climbed out of the gutter after escaping Azkaban prison.

Once I finally decided to enroll in professional makeup training, however, everything changed. During my first assignment in QC Makeup Academy’s Master Makeup Artistry Course, I realized something life-changing: that I had never truly learned a thing from those YouTube tutorials. Moreover, I never truly knew anything about proper makeup artistry.

Learning Makeup Through Social Media

Yes, many influencers are self-taught makeup artists (and all the power to them!). But many of them don’t have a proper understanding of makeup theory, core technique, or proper application. Furthermore, while they may be exceptional at creating looks on their own faces, many influencers don’t know how to apply that same skill to the faces of others. In fact, a lot of the ‘technique’ you see in social media makeup is what you’ll learn NOT to do in a professional school of makeup.

YouTube tutorials don’t teach you the fundamental skills needed to work in the beauty industry. They don’t teach you about health and safety, correct application techniques, or different techniques and makeup required for different skin types and ages.

“But hang on,” you might be saying, “I know a self-taught makeup artist with their own business!”

We all do. The REAL question is: do they know how to do makeup for photoshoots? What about makeup for the stage? For celebrities? Film? Brides? Fashion events?

Chances are, they don’t. Or at least, they don’t possess all of these qualifications. So, why is this?

Learning Makeup Professionally

The answer is simple: because they don’t have the fundamental techniques that can only truly be learned by training in a school of makeup. These are the core building blocks that help an MUA to grow, go above and beyond, and become the best of the best. (Basically, to become what all makeup artists dreams of being!)

Training at a professional school of makeup is more than just learning makeup. Rather, it’s learning to start a successful business! This means understanding how to reach for the stars, become successful, offer the best client services, and present yourself in the brightest light.

Makeup artistry is a massive, booming industry. As a result, it’s also extremely competitive. Think of it like a lion pack, fighting for the biggest bite. It’s pretty cut-throat out there! When you have reputable certifications to show off, you’ll be setting yourself up for more bookings because more clients will be able to trust in you.

I don’t know about you, but I would much rather work with someone CERTIFIED than pay for someone who’s only self-taught. There’s a reason why doctors, aestheticians, dermatologists, etc. aren’t allowed to be self-taught. In my opinion, the same standard should be held for makeup artists.

Being a Makeup Student Myself…

I chose to enroll in a professional school of makeup for the simple fact that if I was going to make this my career, I was not going to cut corners. After all, I was determined to make my dreams a success! I was going to learn my way to the top. You see, I don’t just want to be an average makeup artist… I want to be the one people ALWAYS recommend!

During my search for makeup schools, I was overwhelmed by the number of choices available to me. Firstly, I could choose between a brick-and-mortar school of makeup or an online one. But the idea of training from home appealed to me more. I mean, why go sit in a class everyday if you can sit in the comfort of your own home instead?

When I pictured myself with my favorite drink in hand, completing my studies at my preferred time, and learn the exact same stuff I’d learn in a physical classroom, the choice was obvious. So, I knew that online makeup school was to way to go!

Picking The RIGHT School of Makeup

Here’s the thing: not all online makeup schools provide the same quality teachings. So, as YOU research into different schools of makeup online, here are a few critical things to look for:

Is the school of makeup internationally accredited?
How long have their tutors been certified makeup artists?
Moreover, are their tutors actual working artists in the professional industry?
Do you get personalized critiques from your tutor after an assignment or unit?
Does this school of makeup offer practical, hands-on training?
Do they allow for continuous education by offering a wide variety of different courses?
Does the school support your growth? If so, how?
Will your makeup training include business and career training, too?
Does the school have an active and supportive community online?

Personally, when I was researching online schools, the 3 most important criteria for me were that:

The school was internationally accredited – particularly, by the Better Business Bureau.
My certification would be included within the cost of the tuition, rather than something I’d need to pay an extra fee for once I’d graduated.
I wouldn’t need to pay an additional fee to keep that certification active.

3 Red Flags to Avoid

Let’s face it, there are a LOT of scammers out there. Here are 3 red flags that I noticed when looking into online schools of makeup:

Asking for a fee in order to obtain your certification after completing the course.
Offering only multiple-choice quizzes or textbooks learning, while not offering hands-on training/assignments.
Not being an accredited, reputable establishment.

What are some additional red flags to watch out for? This blog article lists 6 more!

5 Reasons Why QC Makeup Academy is the BEST School of Makeup

1. QC Makeup Academy offers a 21-day money back guarantee!

It can be scary to commit to something – especially financially – without 100% confidence that you’ll enjoy the experience. What if the course doesn’t turn out to be what you expected? There are plenty of online schools of there that, once they take your money, there’s no chance of getting it back.

However, this is NOT the case with QC Makeup Academy!

On the contrary, QC gives you 3 full weeks (21 days) to try out your course and get a feel for it. This way, you can make sure it’s the right fit for you, your needs, and your goals. You can use this time to go through the books and units, and ensure that enrolling with QC was the right decision.

If it turns out not to be what you were looking for, all you need to do is contact QC’s Student Support Team within that 21-day window. Once you’ve mailed back all of your course materials and makeup kit (unused), you’ll get a full refund. This means you don’t lose anything, which makes it a definite win-win situation!

2. This school of makeup has its very own Virtual Classroom on Facebook!

Just because QC Makeup Academy is an online school, it doesn’t mean there aren’t still plenty of ways for you to connect with your fellow peers! In QC’s free Virtual Classroom on Facebook, students talk, offer constructive criticism (always given with love, of course), and offer support to one another.

This Virtual Classroom has helped me in more ways than one! I’ve met the most amazing friends, who have turned into family. Whenever I’m feeling demotivated, they motivate me. Whenever I need a push, they push me. Being part of an online classroom gives you the support and love that you’d find in a physical brick-and-mortar student group.

The only difference is it’s a LOT more convenient for you!

Not yet a QC student? You can still join the Virtual Classroom for a no-strings-attached 2-week trial!

3. QC Makeup Academy’s tutors are legitimate industry experts!

QC gives you the best of the best, at affordable prices. They even offer low monthly payment plans. This is all because YOU deserve the best of the best! And this is just another reason why QC ensures that all of their tutors are real beauty experts with years of experience under their belts.

Celebrity makeup artist, Nathan Johnson, has been my tutor throughout all of my classes. He’s pushed me to heights I never knew existed. Moreover, he’s helped me realize that I can – and WILL – be the best of the best, rather than just an average makeup artist.

QC Makeup Academy knows that by having legitimate subject-matter experts as tutors, they can give you the best education possible… at a price you can’t find anywhere else!

4. QC Makeup Academy has 24/7 student support!

This way, there’s always someone available to help you, no matter what time of day you work on your course! You’ll always have a Student Support Team waiting to assist you with whatever you need. I know this on a personal level because I’ve phoned them at 2am quite a few times – lol!

Having this reliable Support Team at your service ensures that if you ever come across a problem, you’ll can have it sorted you out faster than you can say, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!”

5. This school of makeup offers affordable, low monthly payment plans… and monthly discounts!

As I mentioned earlier, QC Makeup Academy’s tuition is already extremely competitive. On top of this, you can choose to pay the full amount when you enroll, which will get you an awesome pay-in-full discount. Alternately, you can pay a small deposit at the time of enrollment and then pay off the rest of your tuition using QC’s low monthly payment plan!

Oh, and did I mention that once you’ve enrolled in one course, all additional courses are 50% off? But wait, there’s more! QC is also notorious for offering monthly promotions (sometimes, more than one per month). Talk about a serious perk!

Personally, all of these cost-effective options have helped me to continue my education and growth, without breaking the bank. I’ve enrolled in 7 different courses already! If that doesn’t scream LOVE, COMPASSION, and CARE, I don’t know what does.

Now it’s time to give YOU the floor! Please leave a comment below and tell me what you think a school of makeup should offer its students! And don’t forget to go join QC’s Virtual Classroom so you can connect with me. I love helping future and current students!

Thank you for reading. And as always, remember that you are loved. xoxo

Start your career in as little as 2-6 months by enrolling in QC’s online school of makeup today!

Jun 10

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Makeup portfolio article, June 10 2021, Feature Image

Building Your Makeup Portfolio: How to Connect with Photographers

By Charlotte Ravet Career Advice, From the Experts, Your Makeup Career 2 Comments

Building your makeup portfolio for the first time? Professional MUA, Charlotte Ravet, is here with 5 tips to help you find and connect with photographers in your area!

Charlotte is the proud owner of her very own hair and makeup business, A Date with Charlotte. Her extensive resume includes working for Prada, L’Oreal, and even the cast of the hit show, Glee! A developer of educational programs, Charlotte has even been awarded Best Makeup Educator of the Year by the Australian Industry Makeup Awards.

The Value of Your Makeup Portfolio

As a beauty expert, your makeup portfolio is critical! It’s just as important to you as a resume would be for someone working in the corporate industry. As such, the quality of the work you’re showcasing needs to just be exceptional as the work itself.

Sure, you can use your phone to take images of your clients when developing your portfolio. However, this isn’t the mark of a professional makeup artist. Particularly, if you have the desire to work in fashion, advertising, or commercials, you’re going to want to avoid using your phone’s camera.

Instead, it’s strongly recommended to have your makeup portfolio built with a creative team – including professional models, stylists, and photographers.

Let’s Start With The Basics…

In a nutshell, your makeup portfolio is a physical embodiment of the best work you’ve done in the past. It’s a visual representation of your talent and skill. Your portfolio gives potential clients a taste of what you’re capable of achieving for them. No successful makeup artist would be where they are today without a solid portfolio under their belt!

Generally speaking, the “no makeup” look is the most requested type of makeup by clients. So, this is definitely a look to include in your portfolio! Especially for editorial work, this is because the focus is NOT on the makeup itself. Rather, the makeup application you do is but one puzzle piece in a much larger vision. Furthermore, another advantage of showcasing the “no makeup” look in your portfolio is that it’ll be much easier for potential clients to imagine hiring you for advertising jobs, fashion brands, etc.

That being said, I would also advise you to create a body of work which reflects what you love, too. Most of my paid work is natural or glamor makeup. However, I still do what I love and showcase that in my portfolio as well. For years, I’ve been told my work was too colorful, too bold, too dramatic, etc. But that hasn’t stopped me from creating painted faces with fluo colors!

In fact, this type of makeup actually brought me a LOT of work once I made a name for it. The truth is, as the old saying goes, “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day of your life.” So, it’s always best to create makeup looks for your portfolio that excite you!

Building Your Makeup Portfolio

It’s important to know that building your makeup portfolio is not going to bring you money in-and-of itself! In fact, some projects might even cost you a bit of money for specific products and material. However, don’t get it mixed up – this is absolutely a worthwhile investment!

Firstly, you’ll be developing a portfolio you’re truly proud of. Secondly, this portfolio WILL help you bring in money once it begins attracting clients your way. And lastly, you’ll then be able to carry this body of work with you throughout your career, and continue building upon it!

But when you’re brand-new to the industry, how exactly are you supposed to get started? How do you get professional photos taken, with the help of a professional creative team, if you don’t know anybody yet?

Collaborative Projects

Get involved in a collaborative project, such as a stylized photoshoot! While these types of projects are typically done on a free basis (meaning you won’t get paid for it), there are tons of other benefits that are just as valuable.

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, then you’ll need to find people who want to work with you, too. Speaking from personal experience, the hardest part of building your portfolio is connecting with local vendors for the first time. Of these vendors, arguable the most important ones to connect are photographers. After all, in order to create beautiful images, you need a photographer.

Here’s the thing: great photographers receive COUNTLESS emails every single week from makeup artists asking them to work with them. So, how can YOU stand out of the crowd? What can you do to set yourself apart, so that the photographers you want to work with want to work with you back?

Here are 5 tips to help you get started…

Your Makeup Portfolio: 5 Tips for Connecting with Photographers

Tip #1: Make it easy!

When it comes to photoshoots, the biggest part is organizing the shoot with the team. This includes finding an idea, acquiring models, putting together a creative team, artistic coordination, etc. All of this is a lot of work!

Usually the photographer is the one putting the team together. But if you already come with suggestions of stylists and models wanting to shoot with you, you’ll make the work much easier. Thus, the photographer will likely be more inclined to partner up with you!

Tip #2: Share your ideas!

Before I connect with a photographer, I first do my research by looking over their work. Then I’ll formulate an idea and/or concept for the photoshoot that I think would match the photographer’s unique style.

Typically, I’ll establish contact through emails or social media. When reaching out, I’ll send a few moodboards which I believe they could be interested to shoot. You can create an amazing moodboard on platforms such as Canva and/or use Pinterest for your reference images.

Importantly, I don’t reach out to them and say, “I would love to shoot ‘something‘ with you…” Instead, I introduce myself and say, “I would love to shoot ‘this‘ with you!”

How has this worked out for me over the years? Well, I’ve pretty much had a 100% success rate so far, so I’ll let you be the judge! Moreover, this approach has even given me the opportunity to art direct some editorial shots.

Tip #3: Be persistent!

Sometimes, you’ll try to reach out to a photographer and not hear anything back. While it might be tempting to give up on this prospect entirely, I encourage you to try again! When it comes to networking, there is nothing to lose! So, if the photographer didn’t get back to you regarding a photoshoot? Kindly touch base again after a few weeks.

Remember: people sometimes get busy. But this doesn’t mean they are not interested!

Pro Tip: Just know when to draw the line. While there’s no harm in following up once or twice with a vendor who hasn’t gotten back to you, sending a million messages will likely put that person off and create a bad impression for you. Furthermore, if they do get back to you and decline your offer, respect their decision. Don’t keep pressing!

Tip #4: Keep in touch!

Let’s say that you’ve participated in a photoshoot that went very well. However, you haven’t heard back from the photographer regarding other projects. Why not add them to your newsletter and share your recent work?

(Not too often – but once a month, or once every two months, is enough!)

A simple newsletter that showcases your latest work is a great way to keep your network active and informed of what you’re doing! After all, you can’t only rely on social media to keep your network thriving. Newsletters are a great add-on for your business. Who knows – they could result in even more work to help strengthen your makeup portfolio further!

Not sure which platform to use for this strategy? Personally, I use MailChimp and I love it!

Tip #5: Make friends!

Reaching out to photographers can also come from word of mouth. You may befriend stylists, hairdressers, or models in the beauty industry who know the person you’re looking to connect with! So, make friends with those around you, always be professional, and never fail to do your best work. Your network could very well give you that foot in the door you’ve been needing! This has happened to me many times – often, without me even needing to ask for it!

Building Your Makeup Portfolio: Final Thoughts

Building your makeup portfolio and connecting with people can look a bit frightening at first. But like all the other steps you will undertake in your career, it’s really only the first step that’s the hardest to take! Once you get going, it’ll become easier and easier, I promise!

Plus, you’ll soon realize that the makeup industry is much bigger than it looks! If a photographer doesn’t get back to you, despite your efforts to connect, don’t beat yourself up. It likely has nothing to do with you. Just see it as a new opportunity to connect with a different photographer. Something amazing will ALWAYS be waiting for you around the corner!

Learn everything you need to know to build a strong makeup portfolio by enrolling in QC Makeup Academy’s Portfolio Development Workshop today!

Jun 09

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Makeup career article, June 09 2021, Feature Image

My Makeup Career During COVID

By Nadia Calabro Career Advice, Makeup Careers, QC Student Ambassador 2 Comments

Dream of starting a makeup career – but worried that COVID will hurt your success? This is a very common concern, but one that should NOT deter you from pursuing your goals! Today, QC Makeup Academy‘s Student Ambassador, Nadia Calabro, is here to discuss how the pandemic has affected her journey… and how she’s been overcoming the challenges she’s faced!

A Little About Me

My name is Nadia Calabro. I’m a graduate and Student Ambassador of QC Makeup Academy. I’ve graduated from the Master Makeup Artistry Course, the Pro Makeup Workshop, and the Skincare Course. Each one of these classes gave me a different set of tools to ensure a successful career.

I was living my dream and felt on top of the world… But then the world around me literally fell apart, and down I went with it! If you haven’t figured out the villain of my story yet, I’m of course talking about the big, bad COVID pandemic!

My Makeup Career Before COVID

Before the pandemic, I was in the midst of an uphill climb to the top of my industry. I had just opened my own freelance business, Beauty Beyond the Mirror, and my name was getting out there more and more with each passing day.

When I first graduated from QC Makeup Academy, I was at the top of my game. I was getting booked consistently; having clients in my chair through the week, every week! I’d even landed my dream spot at a beautiful boutique-style salon where I was able to offer my services!

Moreover, I was participating in photoshoots and designing my own. I was booked for weddings, as well as all kinds of different special events. My skincare training through QC had also allowed me to add skincare consulting to my service menu. As a result, I was helping woman get their skin back to health! I was offering specialized facial services to help woman and young teens take care of their skin.

Most importantly, I had even begun teaching woman how to apply everyday makeup looks to themselves, through just a few easy steps and by using products that worked for them.

Then Came the Pandemic…

As I write this part, it’s hard not to feel consumed with sadness… because just as quickly as my makeup career started, it felt like it had all suddenly fallen apart!

When COVID first hit, I was still working. At first, people were still celebrating special milestones and events. As such, my calendar was filling up! I’ll be honest: I was grateful in the beginning to still be working, but I was admittedly pretty nervous, too. In the back of my mind, I knew that the worst was yet to come.

So, I was trying to do as much as I could, in whatever time I was being given. Then the ever-so-dreaded reality of what I knew was coming finally happened… Ontario (where I live) entered its first provincial lockdown.

As a result, we were confined to our homes. Schools were closed, businesses were forced to shut their doors, and we were unable to be with our families – let alone our clients. There was nothing to be done but stay at home, and ride out the tidal wave that was going to wash away life as we knew it.

At first, the lockdown was only support to last for two weeks. We were all told that we would recover and come out stronger. But this turned out not to be the case. Instead, the tidal wave quickly turned into a tsunami! Instead of recovering, we got completely wiped out. Two weeks wound up turning into three months.

With each passing day, everyone grew too scared to carry on with their regular lives. People were no longer celebrating anything – and makeup services became practically nonexistent.

Entering The Second Lockdown

Before we could even get back on our feet, we entered our second provincial lockdown. Once again, it felt like we were all brought to our knees. Faced with the prospect of yet another few months of forced closures, everyone’s hopes were dwindling by the second.

The thing is: when that second lockdown finally got lifted, life never really went back to normal. While everything else was running as usual, makeup services were still not allowed. This was because only services that involved wearing a face mask were permitted – and, of course, makeup doesn’t fall into that category.

But that was my ENTIRE career! Thus, not only could I not do makeup; I also couldn’t do facials or skin consulting either. Needless to say, I was devastated. And just like the song that never ends, Ontario wound up going into a third stay-at-home order. While it was eventually lifted as of June 2nd, it still feels unclear as to what the next plan of action for our province will be at this time.

I’ll be up front with you… It’s been hard not to give into the temptation of raising a white flag in defeat. There were many times I almost did. But ultimately, I chose not to – and here’s why…

Almost Giving Up On My Makeup Career

Let me start by saying that if you’re reading this and have been (or are currently in) a similar situation, my heart goes out to you. Truly. Personally, I have experienced some of my lowest lows over the last year and a half. So, I know the struggle is real. That feeling of helplessness is a weight that’s hard to carry. Furthermore, the realization that you are powerless in your own journey is a very hard pill to swallow.

I’ve had many days where I thought to myself, “That is it! I’m accepting that my time is done, my makeup career is over, and I’m going to find something else to do with myself!”

However, each time I thought of sending a goodbye message to my clients and followers, I just couldn’t do it. It wasn’t only the fear of letting myself and my family down. Moreover, it wasn’t only the fear of not finding something else to support my family.

Ultimately, I knew that I’d never be able to find anything else that made me as happy.

Now that I’m out of the darkness and some light is finally shining in, I realize that what was stopping me from giving up was my passion. That, and the fact that I knew my makeup career wasn’t done yet. Heck, it had hardly even started! I had so much that I still wanted to share with the world; so much I wanted to prove to myself.

How could I turn my back on it all now?

Choosing to Push Forward

So, I shook off the idea of giving up! I told myself to stand tall and be better than what was bringing me down. Yes, the reality still remained that I couldn’t use other people’s faces as my canvas… But I could still use my own!

What’s more, I could try new looks on myself and perfect my art before I entered the working world again – and man oh man, have I been doing that! Instead of seeing my newfound free time as a curse, I’ve started seeing it as a blessing. After all, I can use it to get creative, test my limits, and experiment with areas in makeup I never tried before.

Finding the Silver Linings

I’ve also taken the time to go back over all of my books and videos from my QC Makeup Academy courses! Working in the real world after graduating, I knew there were bad habits I’d picked up again. So, refreshing myself has allowed me to break those habits and bring my skills and makeup approach back to the basics.

Furthermore, I’ve also focused on connecting with artists on social media, in order to build professional relationships that I can potentially benefit from in the future. I’ve reached out to people that I knew were holding off on getting married, and have offered my services to them when the time comes. Importantly, I made a conscious choice to not let people forget my name the way I had forgotten it myself!

Ultimately, I know that all this practice and rewiring of my skills will only make me better in the future. As a result, I’ve now allowed myself to appreciate this time I’ve been given. I’ve allowed myself to be thankful for the temporary pause in my makeup career, because now I can watch and appreciate each brush stroke on my face. I can appreciate the wonders of what I can create, rather than just doing it to get the job done.

Once I slowed down, I realized that I had begun to apply makeup through habit – and not appreciating the art. But not anymore! Instead, I’ve fallen in love with makeup all over again!

Getting My Makeup Career Back on Track

Over the last year and a half, I’d been feeling as though I no longer had a lot to offer anyone in this industry. I’d even convinced myself that I had nothing to offer the current and future students of QC Makeup Academy, in terms of being a Student Ambassador, because I was so defeated at one point.

But with new perspectives, everything seems so much clearer to me now! I love giving people advice on their techniques and skills; helping them to evaluate their looks and better themselves. And I will continue to do that! But for now, I am choosing to use my voice for something else.

Today, I am choosing to use my voice to tell anyone who feels like I did to straighten their backs, stand tall, and look up and onward. Life before COVID was great, but the future can be even better. The only way that anything has power over you is if you allow it… So, choose to be stronger!

Food for Thought

Choose to make the best of the worst possible situation and come out with guns blazing. The global pandemic took a lot – and this is a fact the whole world is a united front on. But COVID doesn’t have to be the element that takes your dreams away, too.

You are the same person you were before COVID, and you can find that person again. Start by picking up your makeup brushes and creating a masterpiece on your own face. Then look in the mirror and remind yourself why you started doing this in the first place.

Finally, grab onto that dream that was buried by darkness. Hold on tight, never let go, and get ready for a lifelong ride. Yes, it might start off bumpy… but it’s sure to land on beautiful, calm roads!

Start YOUR makeup career in as little as 3-6 months by getting trained and certified from the comfort of home with QC Makeup Academy!

May 26

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Breaking Down My Makeup Portfolio

By Paula Alleyne Career Advice, QC Student Ambassador 6 Comments

Building your makeup portfolio for the first time and need some tips for getting started? QC Makeup Academy‘s Student Ambassador, Paula Alleyne, is here to help!

Paula is a graduate of QC’s Master Makeup Artistry Course. Her business, PAULA MONIQUE, specializes in bridal, editorial, and special occasions makeup. Connect with Paula directly in the QC Virtual Classroom on Facebook!

The Importance of Your Makeup Portfolio

A makeup portfolio is a snapshot of some of your greatest work. It should represent you and allow potential clients to see your capabilities. Portfolios can typically come in 2 forms:

A physical portfolio,
Or an online one.

Physical vs. Online Portfolios

Before the world went digital, having a great physical portfolio book was essential. An MUA’s physical makeup portfolio contained tear sheets of any magazine publications of their work. It also contained high-quality printed images of their artistry in photoshoots. It wasn’t uncommon for a physical portfolio to have a section with business cards, too. This way, you could easily distribute them when you met with possible clients.

In today’s age, however, physical portfolios are not the only thing that’s required. You also need to have an online presence! With the click of mouse, potential clients from all across the world can access and view your work. Online makeup portfolios can typically be seen on an MUA’s social media pages and/or business website.

While we absolutely urge you to post your original work on social media platforms, remember that having a professional business website is always recommend! After all, a polished website will give off that professional edge you’re looking for when portraying your work.

Demonstrating Your Skills

Your makeup portfolio is also a great way to demonstrate your versatility as an artist. This is because the shots you showcase will display varying styles and techniques you’ve mastered. Just keep in mind that showcasing too much variety can be a recipe for disaster. You never want to lose your identity! Similarly, you never want to mask a dominant style that best represents you.

Your portfolio images should not confuse potential clients. When they look at your portfolio, they should quickly become aware of what distinguishes YOU from the competition. A makeup portfolio is one of the major factors that’ll draw in potential clients. Once drawn in, they’ll be more likely to book with you. In turn, they’ll likely share your work (and their positive experience with you) with people they know.

Thus, a solid makeup portfolio ensures that a chain of employment opportunities is created!

4 Tips for Your Makeup Portfolio

When building your makeup portfolio, there are a few tips you can follow:

1 – Only use high-quality professional images.

During your certification training with QC Makeup Academy, you’ll discover the difference between professional and unprofessional photos. For example, a candid picture taken with your mobile device is often times not a photo you’ll want to place within your makeup portfolio. Such photos may be appropriate for a social media account. If the photo – in any way – gives viewers a more personal and/or daily work-life experience of you as the makeup artist, it’s NOT the type of imagery that should be displayed in your portfolio selection.

Want some more tips for taking/choosing the BEST photos for your makeup portfolio? Keep reading here!

2 – Be patient.

Building a portfolio with quality imagery takes time. Some professional artists state that a minimum of three years is what took for them to build a solid professional makeup portfolio. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to perfect your portfolio too quickly. Otherwise, you’ll be setting yourself up for unnecessary disappointment.

3 – Network with other industry professionals.

One really smart way to build your portfolio is to network with other professionals in your area. Just as you’re an upcoming makeup artist, there are plenty of upcoming photographers who are looking to develop their own portfolios. Collaborations are a great way for you to gain professionally-captured images, while also meeting and forging relationships with other people within your industry. Such collaborations may even transform into long-term partnerships and/or employment as the vendor develops his or her career.

4 – Reflect who you are in your makeup portfolio.

If you’re a makeup artist who loves clean beauty, let that shine through in your portfolio! If you gravitate more towards avant-garde looks, then when people view your makeup portfolio, they should clearly be able to see you as an artist who loves bold, colorful creations.

A Look Into My Makeup Portfolio

As a makeup artist, my personal style is natural beauty. I love naturally enhanced creations for bridal and editorial shoots. The following are some of the images which best represent me as an artist…

PHOTO CREDIT – Photographer: Rommel Alleyne / Makeup Artist: Paula Alleyne / Model: Bethany Pile of Casting Barbados / Bridal Designer: Jaye Applewaite / Hair Stylist: Tina Burrow of Déjà vu Salon / Diamond Distributor: Diamonds International Barbados / Jewelry Designer: Sonia King of SRK Designs / Lighting Assist: Akinwole Jordan / Venue: Barbados St. James Parish Church

As you can see, this wedding photo is elegant and soft (which ties back in with the overall theme). My model’s dress, hairstyle, and location are very much princess-themed. Moreover, the goal was for her makeup application to be enhanced enough that it defines her features, while remaining soft for the theme.

PHOTO CREDIT – Photographer: Rommel Alleyne / Makeup Artist: Paula Alleyne / Model: Tiye Kelly of Casting Barbados / Bridal Designer: Jaye Applewaite / Lighting Assist: Akinwole Jordan / Venue: The Crane Resort Barbados

Now take a look at this wedding photo, which has a more defined smoky eye. The aim of this application was to utilize the smoky eye technique in a manner which defined the client’s eyes. However, the look still needed to remained soft enough to be suitable for a wedding.

PHOTO CREDIT – Photographer: Rommell Alleyne / Makeup Artist: Paula Alleyne

I particularly love this editorial photo! It enhances the talent’s rich, brown tones. Creating natural beauty images for editorial work requires a level of technical ability, as well as a fine balance.

On the one hand, you must apply enough makeup for the camera to pick up on it. But on the other hand, you also need to make sure there’s not too much product buildup. Otherwise, the look won’t appear natural. Furthermore, an application of various shades of brown can easily look like one wash of color, rather than creating slight definitions around the eye.

PHOTO CREDIT – Photographer: Rommell Alleyne / Makeup Artist: Paula Alleyne

Finally, this last photo is a great age-appropriate shot. My client had turned 16. As a minor, her makeup application had to ensure that she was still recognizable, while not appearing overly mature. At the same time, the makeup still needed to be prominent enough to enhance her beautiful features.

Why Professional Training Makes for a Better Makeup Portfolio

Getting professionally trained in makeup artistry is a guaranteed way to enhance your skill level. By extension, it’ll also elevate the creation of your makeup portfolio. Remember: anyone who looks at your portfolio should be able to easily notice your level of skill and technique. By enrolling in QC Makeup Academy’s online certification courses, you’ll gain all the knowledge and mastery needed to reflect this advanced skill-set in your work!

QC offers great advice on building your makeup portfolio. This is particularly the case in their Portfolio Development Workshop. In this 2-unit program, you’ll learn the difference between a professional versus an unprofessional image. Moreover, you’ll learn the ins and outs of building your professional network. As we touched on earlier, establishing your network will only benefit your portfolio development in the long run.

If you dream of becoming a professional makeup artist, I strongly recommend checking out this online school. QC’s education will not only develop your technical ability; it’ll teach you all about industry practices and standards, too. In addition to this, you’ll get regular constructive critiques from your tutor(s). Plus, your course materials will provide you a wealth of knowledge on:

Dealing with facial corrections;
Learning eye and facial shapes;
Color theory;
Identifying skin types;
Starting (and running) a successful business;
And so much more!

If you’d like more information, feel free to contact QC Makeup Academy’s Student Support Team anytime! You can also connect with me directly in the Virtual Classroom on Facebook. Thanks for reading!

Learn the technical skills needed to create a stunning makeup portfolio by enrolling with QC Makeup Academy today!

May 14

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8 Sins You Shouldn’t Commit During Makeup Jobs!

By Charlotte Ravet Career Advice, From the Experts, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Charlotte is the proud owner of her very own hair and makeup business, A Date With Charlotte. From bridal to editorial, to film and television, and everything in-between – Charlotte’s extensive makeup training allows her to provide a wide variety of services that cater to ALL types of clientele!

Her extensive resume includes working for Prada, L’Oreal, and even the cast of the hit show, Glee! A developer of educational programs, Charlotte has even been awarded Best Makeup Educator of the Year by the Australian Industry Makeup Awards.

Planning to book makeup jobs this year? Then you’ll want to AVOID making these 8 critical mistakes!

Etiquette During Makeup Jobs

Experience teaches all. As a professional makeup artist, there’s a certain etiquette you always need to follow. This etiquette will help you ensure that you always provide clients with a safe and professional service. Over the years, I’ve learned quite a few things that I definitely recommend not doing during makeup jobs. Though some of them might seem like little things, I promise you that they make a big difference… and not in a good way!

Whenever you take on makeup jobs with clients, it’s important to remember that how you present yourself is EVERYTHING! The right impression can turn a one-time client into a devoted customer for life. The wrong impression, on the other hand, can result in a negative review that hurts your reputation.

We all have our sins. Sometimes, we don’t realize that these ‘sins’ can bother other people. Thus, it’s important to be mindful and avoid these mistakes during your makeup jobs. This way, you’ll better your chances of getting booked by your clients again in the future.

8 Sins You Shouldn’t Commit During Makeup Jobs

Sin #1: Having pointy nails

In my opinion, this is the number one thing to avoid when doing makeup jobs! Applying makeup with long, pointy nails can be dangerous. For instance, you could harm your client by accidentally poking or scratching their skin.

Often, you’ll be required to use your hands to apply makeup on the face or body. Even if you’re used to wearing long nails, they can be quite inconvenient in this kind of scenario. Wearing long nails can also be unsanitary. After all, there’s a better chance that product build-up and/or bacteria will get stuck underneath your nails.

For this reason, clean, rounded short nails are the recommended shape to wear during makeup jobs.

Sin #2: Improper wardrobe

By this, I specifically mean:

High heels;
Uncomfortable clothing;
And/or colorful clothes.

During most makeup jobs, you’ll be standing on your feet for hours. If you happen to be working on set, you could be on your feet for most of the day. Sometimes, you’ll need to literally run on set. Therefore, wearing comfortable clothes and shoes is a MOST! Ideally, you should be able to move easily. This way, you can be ready whenever you’re called for emergency touch-ups.

Closed-toe shoes and a convenient outfit are what you need to wear at work. Now technically, there’s no ‘mandatory’ uniform for makeup artists. That being said, there’s an industry understanding that makeup artists working in a studio tend to usually wear all black. There are several reasons for this.

Firstly, if you’re on set, you can be in the eye line of the actor. Bright colors can distract the eyes, which is the last thing you want to have happened. These days, cameras are so advanced that you could even be caught by the lens if you were standing by in the corner of the room.

Secondly, when working with makeup products, you can quickly get dirty. If your bright, colorful clothes look smudged, they won’t come off as overly professional. Black clothing, however, will naturally mask a lot of the flyaway debris.

Lastly, bright colors can also reflect on the complexion of your clients and mislead you when choosing your colors for makeup jobs.

Sin #3: Wearing full glam makeup

Unless you’re sporting your very own signature style, or your private clients come to get this specific look, I would recommend wearing a clean and fresh application while doing makeup jobs. You never know what your client is looking for. If they don’t want a full glam look, seeing it on you might overwhelm or intimidate them.

Sin #4: Smoking at makeup jobs

Avoid this as MUCH as you can! If you do choose to have a cigarette or puff on your vape during breaks, make sure you have gum and perfume handy. I used to be a heavy smoker, so I know it’s hard!

But now that I’ve stopped, I can actually smell when someone else smokes. I don’t say this to judge, but solely so that you’re aware: to non-smokers, the smell of second-hand smoke is disgusting. Since you’re working up close and personal with your client’s face, that odor can quickly become overwhelming.

As a makeup artist, personal hygiene is extremely important. So, always make sure you smell and look your best!

Sin #5: Being too chatty

Often, we’re the first person that clients or talents are spending time with before their big moment, wedding, live TV show, performance, etc. As such, it’s really important to make the person in your chair feel as relaxed as possible by the time they leave.

Asking too many questions – or questions that are too personal – is not always appropriate. In most cases, you won’t know the personal situation of the person sitting in front of you. Certain questions can quickly put them off, even if you don’t mean for them to. Instead, I recommend letting your client drive the conversation.

Most importantly, if the person DOESN’T want to speak, don’t force it! It’s not meant to be a slight against you. Often, your client’s lack of communication simply means that they might want to relax or focus, prior to a stressful time.

Sin #6: Acting like too much of a fan

The reality is: if your goal is to work as a celebrity makeup artist, then you eventually will meet famous people! But when you work with these stars, you NEED to act with professionalism at all times. Importantly, you have to remember that when they book makeup jobs with you, they want to be treated as a person.

Celebrities are often rushed by fans everywhere they go; getting requests for photos or autographs. This can become quite tiresome for them at times. As such, you should refrain from this same sort of behavior. It’s often seen as inappropriate and unprofessional. Of course, saying to someone that you love his/her work is fine! Just try to avoid the big fan moment during makeup jobs!

Sin #7: Being lazy with makeup sanitization

In my opinion, this is one of the most important sins to avoid committing! Under no circumstance can you skip important, hygienic steps. Cross-contamination, allergies, and negative skin reactions are real risks that we can expose our clients to during makeup jobs.

This is especially a threat if we’re not being careful with sanitizing procedures. Cleaning your brushes and products thoroughly is a must. If your client reacts or catches a virus because you didn’t properly sanitize your makeup items, it can (and likely will) cost you your career!

Sin #8: Being late to makeup jobs

I’ll make this as clear as humanly possible: you CANNOT be late! Full stop. It doesn’t matter if it’s just been 5 minutes – don’t do it. Oftentimes, makeup artists are the ones who get the day started. Our clients have a whole whack of others things they need to do once their appointment is done. Being late can impact the whole schedule of their day.

If you’re working on set, the consequences are even direr. If you’re late, the production might have to pay extra hours to the talent and crew who were there on time… I’ll let you imagine the result of this situation! Needless to say, don’t expect them to call you for any other makeup jobs again!

Working on Makeup Jobs: My Final Thoughts

As for makeup artists, we are very lucky to work in an industry that is both entertaining and – most of the time – relaxed. The downside, though, is that a chilled environment can sometimes lead us to be a bit less cautious if we’re not careful. Even if you are not caught in the act, your clients WILL notice these sins… and probably won’t want to book with you again.

This is why it’s important to maintain the right etiquette for all makeup jobs! Being irreproachable is not always easy, but being professional is accessible to anyone! Start by avoiding these 8 sins during your makeup jobs. Then make sure to always smile, exude positivity, and do the best work you can. So long as you do this, you’ll definitely have a successful career!

Become professionally certified and book makeup jobs in as little as 3-6 months by training with QC Makeup Academy!

May 13

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How to Become a Makeup Artist: Working on Photoshoots

By Sarah Seguin Career Advice, QC Student Ambassador, Your Makeup Career One Comment

Want to know how to become a makeup artist? Ready to turn your passion into a professional career? QC Makeup Academy graduate, Angelica Hamlin, reveals why taking part in photoshoots will help you achieve your goals!

How to Become a Makeup Artist: Angelica’s Tips for Working on Photoshoots

Angelica Hamlin is a QC Makeup Academy Student Ambassador. She’s a graduate of QC’s Master Makeup Artistry and Virtual Makeup courses. Moreover, she is currently enrolled in the Skincare certification program.

(Fun fact: Click here to discover why Angelica chose to enroll with QC – even though she was already a licensed cosmetologist!)

Today, Angelica is here to reveal how YOU can become a makeup artist by taking part on photoshoots! Watch the full video below.

Want to connect with Angelica directly? Join QC’s free Virtual Classroom on Facebook today!

How to Become a Makeup Artist: The Value of Stylized Photoshoots

As you learn how to become a makeup artist, you’ll discover the importance of:

Your professional makeup portfolio;
Hands-on training;
Professional etiquette;
And networking with fellow industry experts.

Stylized photoshoots provide you with a unique opportunity to achieve ALL of these goals! In the beginning of your career, you likely won’t know a lot of people or have a large number of clientele right away. However, a styled shoot will give you the chance to meet/work with others in your industry, apply your knowledge on real-life models, and obtain high-quality photos for your portfolio!

Want to learn more about stylized photoshoots and how they can help you become a makeup artist? Keep reading here!

How to Become a Makeup Artist with QC Makeup Academy

QC’s self-paced, online training can get you fully trained and certified in as little as 3-6 months. As a result, you’ll be able to add an internationally-recognized designation to your resume and begin booking clients ASAP!

When you enroll, we provide you with both online and physical copies of your course materials. Plus, most QC courses come with a free starter makeup kit, too! Thus, you’ll have everything you need to get your training underway at your earliest convenience.

Moreover, all of our tutors are legitimate industry experts with decades of in-field experience. The tutor you get paired up with will review all of your work after each unit. Afterwards, they’ll provide you with extensive audio feedback to help you grow and better your craft.

Think you can’t get hands-on experience through an online course? Think again! With our wide variety of practical assignments, you’ll get all sorts of real-world training. Furthermore, our courses will teach you everything you need to know to launch (and run) your very own business. By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running and take the beauty industry by storm!

Additional Perks of Being a QC Student

Not only will QC Makeup Academy teach you how to become a makeup artist… We’ll also give you all sorts of incredible benefits just for enrolling with us! Here are just some of the perks you’ll get as a student:

Major makeup discounts with big-name brands like MAC, Anisa Beauty, Urban Decay, Smashbox Cosmetics, and more!
Competitive tuition and flexible payment options!
50% off ALL future QC courses!
Monthly promos that’ll help you earn more certifications for a fraction of the cost!
Regular makeup challenges (to help you strengthen your skill-set) on our social media and in the Virtual Classroom!
24/7 access to our amazing Student Support Team!
Networking opportunities galore via QC’s tutors and your fellow peers!

Why wait any longer to make your dreams a reality? Enroll with QC Makeup Academy!

May 05

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QC Makeup Academy Virtual Classroom article, May 5 2021, Feature Image

Why YOU Should Join QC Makeup Academy’s Virtual Classroom

By Sarah Seguin About the School, Career Advice, Education, QC Student Ambassador 2 Comments

Want to become a professional makeup artist? Thinking of enrolling with QC Makeup Academy for your certification training?

If so, then you should DEFINITELY join QC’s free Virtual Classroom on Facebook today! 💕

Interested in learning more about this Virtual Classroom first? No problem, we’ve got you covered!

What is the Virtual Classroom?

The Virtual Classroom is a private Facebook group run by QC Makeup Academy. The purpose of the Virtual Classroom is two-fold. Firstly, it’s a safe space for current students and past graduates to gather together, discuss their courses/careers, connect with tutors, and network amongst each other.

Secondly, it’s also a place for prospective students, too! Say you’re not yet enrolled with QC but have been thinking about it. You can simply hop into the group for a 2-week trial, chat with students, get their perspectives, etc. As a result, you’ll have a crystal-clear idea of what YOU can expect once you enroll – before investing any money into your decision!

Pretty cool, huh?

Jordan Garcia Spills the Tea

Jordan Garcia is an aspiring MUA and a current student of QC Makeup Academy’s Master Makeup Artistry Course, Pro Makeup Workshop, and Skincare Course. Fun fact: he is also one of our awesome Student Ambassadors! As a result, he’s got the inside scoop about why QC Makeup Academy is THE makeup school to train with!

Watch Jordan’s full video below and join him as he reveals all of the major perks of joining the Virtual Classroom on Facebook!

Ready to join? Click here to become a member of the Virtual Classroom!

Perks of Enrolling with QC Makeup Academy

Beyond the Virtual Classroom, there are a TON of other reasons why QC Makeup Academy needs to be on your radar! If you dream of working as a professional makeup artist, QC will:

Get you fully trained and certified in as little as 3-6 months!
Pair you with a real industry tutor (with years of experience), to act as your guide up the mountain of success!
Provide you with a start makeup kit!
Give you 2 full years to complete your program!
Provide a self-paced, remote learning environment!
Mail you a physical copy of your course materials, in addition to your online access!
Make you eligible for a BUNCH of amazing makeup discounts from big-name brands!
Teach you everything you need to know about booking clients, marketing yourself, and launching your very own business!
And SO much more!

Another awesome benefit? QC Makeup Academy has been a pioneer of the online learning experience since 1984 and holds a solid A+ ranking with the Better Business Bureau. Moreover, all of our certifications are internationally-recognized. Thus, once you graduate, you can use your expertise to service clients anywhere you want!

Turn your dreams into a reality today! Enroll with QC Makeup Academy and make 2021 the year you pursue your ultimate dream!

Apr 30

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The 6 Best Ways to Market Your Makeup Portfolio

By Gabrielle Rivera Career Advice, From the Experts, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Want to know how to properly market your makeup portfolio? Professional MUA, Gabrielle Rivera, reveals 6 of the best ways to get it seen by the masses!

Gabrielle is a QC Makeup Academy Graduate. Visit her Instagram here!

Being a Makeup Artist in the 21st Century

As a professional makeup artist, you’ll quickly realize how saturated this career field can be. At the beginning of your career, you might feel that it’s difficult to stand out above the rest. One of the single greatest things you can do to get your name out there and shine is to not only have a solid makeup portfolio – but know how to market it correctly.

So, I’m going to share with you today 6 ways to market your makeup portfolio online. In my opinion, these 6 methods are the best! If maximized properly, they’ll help you grow your business, gain clientele, and open all sorts of doors for networking!

6 Ways You Should Market Your Makeup Portfolio

1. Website vs. Social Media

When building your business, it’s always important to remember that you are a professional. It’s easy for many to get swept away by social media and the audience that “influencers” receive.

Yes, having a following on social media platforms can benefit your business because it can help you gain exposure. But at the same time, you’ll also be limiting potential clientele by only having your business and/or makeup portfolio on social media.

As an industry professional, if you want others to take you and your business seriously, using only social media is NOT be the way to go. Social media is an outlet that is extremely saturated with other makeup artists. These makeup artists are all promoting their work, same as you. However, when clients see that you have a social media presence AS WELL AS a professional website and makeup portfolio, they’ll be all the more inclined to work with you.

Having a professional website that showcases your portfolio will help put you above the rest because it’ll show your dedication and overall professionalism.

2. Know Your Brand

When it comes to marketing your makeup portfolio, another key tip is to seriously plan out the type of branding you envision for your business and work. Branding allows potential clients to visually understand your style. Your brand will give people a sense of who you are as a creator, an artist, and a professional.

When you carefully plan out the branding of your business and makeup portfolio, you are telling the world what it is you offer. If you’re not sure how to brand your business, think about your logo, color scheme(s), and the overall style of makeup/photography that will best suit you.

3. Know Your “Why”

Showcasing your skills and previous work is monumental when developing your makeup portfolio. Just keep in mind that your portfolio should also allow potential clients the chance to better get to know YOU, too!

Building a rapport with people is a major part of gaining loyal, long-term clients. Moreover, building rapport is critical for your networking opportunities. When building your website, make sure to create an eye-catching Homepage. Take it one step further by creating an About Me section that lets clients feel like they’re getting a glimpse into your life – and into who you are as a person.

In this industry, you’ll quickly find that most clients want to know your WHY. For example, why did you choose this field, and what drives you to be your very best? Why are you passionate about this line of work?

Clients want to know that to you, it’s about more than just making money. They want to book with someone who will provide them with some type of personal experience. Marketing a successful makeup portfolio is all about creating a lasting impression for clients… and a simple way to do this is by letting them get to know you.

4. Maximize Your Makeup Portfolio By Showcasing Your BEST Work

When I think about what makes a successful makeup portfolio, I try to put myself in the shoes of the customer. As a prospective client, I would want to see clean work, the versatility of skill or style, and clear, crisp images.

A big part of marketing your portfolio comes down to your images. There’s a lot to be said about the artists who go above and beyond; taking the time to ensure that the application, lighting, and quality of their photos always showcase their best work.

Obviously, high-quality photos are a MUST for any professional makeup portfolio. But there’s a lot more to it than just that! The organization and presentation of your photos can also help to make your portfolio successful, too. As you’re developing your own portfolio, ask yourself: do you prefer the “less is more” approach? Or do you prefer to provide more samples so that clients can see a wider range of your work?

5. Pair Your Makeup Portfolio with Testimonials on Your Website

As I mentioned earlier, social media is undoubtedly a great tool to help your business gain exposure. But if you want to set yourself apart from other artists on social media, include a Testimonials section on your professional website or makeup portfolio!

Just like with restaurants or movies, potential customers will often seek out reviews to get a better idea of your business – before they take the leap and book with you. Reviews will help them make their decision about you. So, make sure to give past clients the opportunity to write a testimonial about their experience with you! Furthermore, showcase these raving reviews directly on your website. As a result, potential clients will have a better understanding of what their own experience will be if they work with you.

In my experience, reviews are a great way to help alleviate any reservations a client might have about booking with your business. When they see how many people have had great experiences with you, it’ll reassure new clients that you truly are the best fit for their needs!

6. Make Yourself Accessible

My last tip to help you market your makeup portfolio is to make it easy for clients to contact you! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard clients complain that they didn’t know how to contact an MUA, or had trouble finding their contact information.

This doesn’t need to be complicated either. On your website, all you need to do is clearly list your:

Full name
Email
Business address
Phone number

Making this information public and easy to find will really go a long way! You don’t want clients to have a difficult time when navigating your makeup portfolio and/or website. You especially don’t want them to struggle with finding your contact information. If they do, it’ll drastically lower the chances of them wanting to book with you.

Likewise, on every platform you’re using, make sure to indicate the easiest or preferred way for client communication. This will help:

Ensure that you don’t miss any potential clients who are trying to reach out to you;
Keep your client contacts organized and in one place;
Keep a consistent and reliable source of contact with your client.

I guarantee that if you apply these 6 tips, you’ll be able to market your makeup portfolio successfully!

Got any additional tips to add to this list? Let me know in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

Learn everything you need to know about creating a strong, professional makeup portfolio by enrolling in QC Makeup Academy’s online Portfolio Development Workshop!