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Your Makeup Career

Oct 20
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professional makeup products for makeup artist kit

Your Makeup Artist Kit: 5 Budget-Friendly Tips

By Your Makeup Career No Comments

As an MUA, your professional makeup artist kit is critical to your career. After all, it contains all of the tools you need to do your job! As a rule of thumb: sturdy, reliable products are always the way to go. An easy way to tarnish your reputation pretty quickly is to use sub-par cosmetics on your clients – and we know you don’t want that!

This means that one way or another, you’re going to have to invest in your kit.

Now this is all fine and dandy, but what if you’re just starting out and don’t have the biggest budget just yet? While putting money into your professional kit comes with the territory of being a makeup artist, you shouldn’t have to go broke just to get your career off the ground!

Luckily, there are plenty of cost-effective ways you can build your makeup artist kit nowadays. Let’s take a look at 5 examples…

makeup artist products on table

5 Budget-Friendly Ways to Build Your Makeup Artist Kit

1. Know Your Game Plan

This is a logical place to start. It’s important for you to go into your career with a clear understanding of what you want to offer clients. For instance, do you have a specific area of makeup artistry that you wish to focus on (such as bridal, SFX, editorial, etc.)? Do you know who your target clientele is?

Knowing the services you plan to provide will have a direct impact on the type of makeup artist kit you’ll need to put together.

2. Focus on the Fundamentals

From Google ads and social media influencers, to everything in-between, we’re constantly being shown the latest, hottest cosmetics that we supposedly ‘need’ to have in your makeup artist kit. But the truth is, most of these products aren’t necessary. They’ll simply take up valuable room in your makeup kit and burn an unneeded hole in your wallet.

If you’re building your professional makeup kit on a budget, remember to stick to the fundamental tools and products you’ll actually need. While these fundamentals may change, depending on who you ask, in our opinion, the must-have items for your kit should include:

  • A set of brushes
  • A beauty blender
  • Primer
  • Foundation (both liquid and powder)
  • Concealer
  • Bronzer and highlighter
  • A brow pencil
  • Blush
  • Liquid eyeliner
  • Mascara
  • One eyeshadow palette
  • Lipstick and lip gloss
  • Setting spray
  • False lashes and lash glue
  • A travel-friendly case
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Face masks

Of course, you can absolutely add to this list as your career grows and you have more funds to do so. But when first starting out, you can still put together a solid makeup artist kit with these products alone.

3. Invest in Multipurpose Products

Not all makeup can be used for more than its intended purpose, but a lot of products can be. Shop around and research into cosmetics that are multifunctional. Brushes, for example, can be used to apply product to all sorts of different areas of the face. Similarly, plenty of lip colors can be used as blush, and certain eyeshadow colors can easily double as a highlighter.

The key is to know how to creatively use these products correctly. Proper training will teach you how to do exactly that. Once you know how to effectively adapt a makeup product in such a way, you can cut down on your spending by stocking your makeup artist kit with items that specifically serve dual (or more) purposes.

4. Remember: Quality over Quantity

Buying a million brushes is basically throwing money to the wind if they’re not all of economical quality. Sure, it can seem like a good budgeting option to purchase a cheap kit of 30+ brushes. But if they’re constantly shedding and can’t hold products well, you’re just going to wind up buying more brushes before you know it.

The same can be said for massive contour and/or eyeshadow pallets. While you might be inclined to spend little money for a large array of different colors and selections, this could be a poor choice. Cheap eye and face palettes can often mean low-grade ingredients. This makes for a lousy product that falls apart easily, doesn’t apply well, or is generally unhealthy for your client’s skin.

makeup artist brushes on table

While it’s always cost-effective to buy in bulk (i.e. buying pallets versus individual products), all we’re saying is to choose your products carefully. Sometimes, ‘buying in bulk’ means investing in one reputable set of brushes, one reliable eyeshadow palette of 10 or less colors, etc.

Often, that’ll be all you’ll actually need!

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Shop at the Drugstore

There is absolutely nothing wrong with starting your makeup artist kit with a few drugstore brands in the mix. In the beginning, you’re going to be focusing on gaining experience and refining your skills. While continuing your hands-on practice shouldn’t be done with terrible products, it also doesn’t require the most expensive products either.

Fact is, there are tons of drugstore brands that work just as well (or nearly as well) as their pricier counterparts. What truly matters is the performance of that product.

So, do your research! Read what others have to say, and see what sort of cheaper brands offer cosmetics that perform excellently. At the same time, avoid unnecessary spending by researching into the types of makeup and skincare products you shouldn’t be cutting costs for.

woman holding lipstick in cosmetics section of drugstore

At the end of the day, you can build your makeup artist kit in a way that’s both cost-effective and quality-focused. This should be your top priority. Take the time to research into your options, never rush into any decisions, and always invest your money into smart products.

So long as you do that, your professional makeup kit will serve you well as you build a solid, reputable career!

Fun Fact: QC Makeup Academy students & grads have access to awesome discounts from MAJOR makeup brands, such as MAC and Urban Decay. Check out all of QC’s makeup discounts here!

Oct 16
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makeup artist providing online makeup training and classes

Why YOU Should Take QC’s Virtual Makeup Training Course

By Education, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Social distancing has undoubtedly changed the way makeup artists do their jobs, but that won’t stop you from running a successful business! By learning how to effectively provide virtual services, you can continue to book clients, build your brand and make a profit during COVID-19.

Luckily, QC Makeup Academy’s new Virtual Makeup Training provides everything you need to get started on the right foot!

makeup artist wearing mask and working on female client

The Value of Virtual Makeup Training

QC’s flexible, online learning environment allows you to complete your training at your own pace and in your own space. This means no deadlines or rigid schedules! Through our Virtual Makeup Training, you’ll discover:

  • How you can take your makeup and/or skincare business online!
  • How you can expand your business and attract clients from all over the world!
  • How you can earn an income and work with clients from the comfort of your own home!
  • And so much more!

You might be wondering how exactly this mini-course can make all of this possible. The answer is: By teaching you all about the fundamental business components and virtual beauty services that are so high in demand right now.

That way, you know exactly what potential clients are looking for and can provide it to them as soon as you graduate!

What You’ll Learn

Specifically, QC’s Virtual Makeup Training will teach you:

  • The different types of makeup and skincare services you can offer online
  • The essential steps to prepare for and run a full virtual consultation, from the initial contact to the follow-up appointment(s)
  • How to produce high-quality videos
  • Considerations for pricing your virtual services
  • How to educate your clients and communicate effectively through virtual platforms
  • Tips for marketing your online services
makeup artist looking at camera and holding up eyeshadow palette

The best part? Once you complete this one-unit course, you’ll receive a physical certificate that you can highlight in your resume. This certificate will show potential clients – and even prospective employers – that you’ve been trained in virtual consultation services, and that you’re qualified to offer these services as part of your makeup or skincare business.

Talk about setting yourself apart from the competition!

QC Graduate Katie Stegeman’s Experience with the Virtual Makeup Training Course

Katie Stegeman is a professional makeup artist and the proud owner of Katie Stegeman Beauty. She has graduated from QC Makeup Academy’s Skincare Course and is currently a student in 6 other QC courses. (Wow!)

Recently, Katie also completed our Virtual Makeup Training and was kind enough to share her experience with the program. Here’s what Katie had to say!

makeup training graduate, Katie Stegeman

Why did you enroll in the Virtual Makeup Training Course?

“I enrolled in the Virtual Makeup Course because I felt like now more than ever is the time to learn how to do virtual services well. I think that virtual makeup and beauty services will continue to be valuable long after the pandemic!

Expanding my client reach was also so important to me. Our current world is so technologically-based, but certain services can sometimes be hard to translate to an online platform. But as makeup artists, we do not necessarily have to be hands-on all the time.

The internet has evolved our careers! I really wanted to feel confident in the services I was presenting to my clients, and have professional training behind me so I could do this well.”

What valuable lessons did this course teach you?

“Seeing an actual virtual consultation, and being provided with worksheets and informative research, made all the difference in understanding how to effectively offer virtual makeup and skincare services!

The course walks you through what you’d actually have to do to be extremely successful at virtual consultations. That alone has given me so much more courage and understanding in terms of what I need to do in order to really be great at these services.”

makeup artist looking at laptop and on phone call

In what ways do you feel this additional training will help strengthen your career and/or business as a professional makeup artist?

“Adding this Virtual Makeup Training Course to my makeup and skincare courses could not have been a better choice! I wanted to try and branch out into online skincare and makeup services, but I was not exactly sure how to go about it. So, this course was perfect!”

How does the training provided in this course better prepare you to succeed as a makeup artist during the global pandemic, despite the limitations of social distancing?

“With the current global pandemic, I wanted to be able to still do what I was passionate about. But as I said, I wasn’t exactly sure how to start. Not being able to physically meet with people can absolutely cause makeup artists to struggle to find clients.

Virtual makeup training allows us to offer alternatives! We can conduct online consultations and services with total confidence, and in a way that keeps everyone safe.”

Why would you recommend QC’s Virtual Makeup Training Course to other aspiring makeup artists?

“Having graduated from this course, I feel like I have the knowledge to confidently offer online services now. For new makeup artists who want to find a way to adapt their business to an online platform, there is a lot of value to be found in this course. QC Makeup Academy’s Virtual Makeup Training is a MUST!”

overview of woman typing on laptop, surrounded by makeup products

Note: Want to connect with Katie directly? Join our free Virtual Classroom on Facebook and chat with real QC students, grads, and tutors!

2020 has been a difficult year for all of us, but there’s still time to turn things around! Add virtual makeup training to your repertoire and watch your makeup business soar into 2021!

Until midnight tonight (October 16th, 2020), enroll in QC’s Master Makeup Artistry Course and receive our Virtual Makeup Training absolutely FREE!

Oct 08
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makeup artist doing makeup on female client

How to Become a Makeup Artist: The Top 3 Do’s and Don’ts

By Your Makeup Career No Comments

These days, there are more aspiring makeup artists in the beauty industry than ever before. With the convenience of social media and online shopping, most people can begin trying to make a name for themselves without ever having to leave the house. But if you’re wondering how to become a makeup artist, then you need to know something very important:

A passion for makeup will not be enough to get your foot in the door.

A genuine love of the craft is essential, yes. But this alone won’t allow you to launch an actual career in the field – at least not very successfully, anyway. Think about it: if loving making were all it took to become a makeup artist, everyone and their grandmother would be working in this industry.

The fact is, there are additional skills you’ll absolutely need to have if you want this endeavor to be sustainable for the long-run. In order to best set yourself up for prosperity, we’ve compiled a list of the most important Do’s and Don’ts to follow throughout your journey.

Let’s check them out!

DO: Learn from a Real Makeup Expert

I don’t mean learning makeup from a YouTube influencer. This is not the same as a reputable makeup education. While plenty of online MUAs know their stuff, there are also just as many who don’t. Their technique might be incorrect. They may be very good at applying certain types of makeup to their own faces, they might also have no idea how to work on the face of another.

You, as an aspiring makeup artist, could unknowingly be picking up all the wrong habits.

The best and most effective way to learn proper technique, theory, and application is to train with a real-working industry professional. So, enroll in a course! Receiving a legitimate makeup education will mean that you’ll also earn an actual certification once you graduate. This is guaranteed to look great on your resume and increase your chances of booking clients in the future.

DON’T: Skimp on Business Training

If you truly want a life-long career as an MUA, then business training is a must. Perhaps you dream of being an entrepreneur and starting your very own business. Maybe your aspiration is to work at a makeup counter, or represent a major brand, or join a salon team. How can you do your best work if you have no idea what goes on behind the scenes?

notepad with 'start my own business' written on it

For instance, do you know how to do the following:

  • Conduct a client consultation?
  • Market and promote yourself, both online and in-person?
  • Define your target market?
  • Build a solid brand for yourself and your business?
  • Put together a strong portfolio?
  • Develop your own website?
  • Research into your various competition?
  • Maintain a professional demeanor at all times?
  • Write air-tight contracts?

If you’ve answered “no” to any of these questions, then business training will be your best friend!

DO: Get as Much Experience as You Can

In the beginning, it may be difficult to find jobs with brand new clients. This is simply because you need to build your resume and portfolio first. Luckily, there are tons of ways you can do that!

In addition to practicing on yourself, find friends and family who would be willing to be your model. Try to find people of different ages and genders, who have different skin types and skin tones. It’s essential that you learn how to properly apply makeup on more than one type of face.

woman learning how to become a makeup artist by getting hands-on training on female model

Styled photoshoots and collaborations are another awesome option, too. Not only will you be refining your skills; you’ll also be actively building your network and potentially getting some really great material for your portfolio!

Lastly, never forget the value of continued learning. Even after you obtain a certification, there will always be more courses you can take, so you can add to your qualifications and discover new areas of the industry. The more training you get, the better you’re going to look in the eyes of potential clients!

DON’T: Have a Bad Attitude

In the beauty industry, a lousy attitude is one of the quickest ways to tank your career before it’s even started. Go into things with an open mind. Be willing to accept constructive criticism, always treat your clients with respect, embrace the fact that you’ll always have room to grow, and never assume that this job is an easy one.

If you’re perpetually radiating negativity, the people around you will notice. That will be the reputation you establish for yourself. Ask yourself: would YOU want to work with someone like that?

Remember, you’re doing this because you love it! Yes, being a makeup artist is challenging… but it’s also meant to be a lot of fun. So, enjoy the ride!

makeup products on black surface

DO: Invest in Your Makeup Products

To become a makeup artist, you’ll need to build a professional makeup kit to use when working with clients. While this won’t always come cheap, trust us: it’s worth the investment. Remember: you can build it as you grow. There’s no need for you to have absolutely everything right off the bat.

Start by creating a list of the must-have products you want in your makeup kit. Then research online and see what sort of prices you can buy them for. While certain products are worth the extra pennies, there are also plenty of cosmetics and tools that you can get for a lower price.

Want a seriously useful tip? There are tons of drugstore brands that are just as good as their expensive counterparts. For even more budget-friendly suggestions, check out this helpful article.

DON’T: Go into Anything Unprepared

This is just good life advice in general. But if you’re wondering how to become a makeup artist and find true success, this might be the most important lesson in this list!

woman making to do list

The more information you have, and the more legwork you put in, the better off you’ll be when the time comes to put things into action. For instance, make sure you do TONS of research before enrolling in any makeup courses. Ensure that the school in question is:

  • Properly accredited
  • Has positive reviews
  • Offers content-rich courses with plenty of hands-on training
  • Employs tutors who actually work within the industry

The same thing can be said about your professional makeup kit. Never invest in a product until you’ve read up on it, know its ingredients, and trust that it’ll be valuable to you.

Lastly, but just as importantly: always be as prepared as possible for any consultations and appointments you have with clients. Have all of your tools ready to go, and compile any and every question you’d like to ask them. As the professional, it’s your job to know what you’re doing. The last thing you want to do is give your client the impression that they’re working with an amateur.

If you’re serious about becoming a makeup artist, you have to be ready and willing to put in the work. Success doesn’t happen overnight. But with the right mindset and a strong work ethic, trust that success WILL find its way to you and your makeup business!

Become a makeup artist and earn your certification in as little as 3-6 months! Enroll today in any of QC Makeup Academy’s wide variety of internationally-leading online courses!

Oct 07
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makeup artist holding up makeup brushes

5 Rules for Naming Your Makeup Business

By Your Makeup Career No Comments

If you have dreams of becoming a professional MUA and launching your very own makeup business, then you’ve come to the right place! Chances are, you’ve already completed your professional training at a reputable makeup school, or are currently in the process of completing your course. (And if you aren’t? That’s the very first – and most important – place to start!)

Once you’ve earned your certification, your next goal is likely to start your very own business. This, of course, is an awesome idea. After all, who doesn’t dream of being their own boss? The thing is, starting a makeup business isn’t the kind of decision you should leap right into. It requires time, careful planning, and serious contemplation.

Logically, before you start any sort of business, you should begin by figuring out what you want to call it. For some, this can be a bit tricky. But with our handy tips, it doesn’t have to be! Let’s take a look at the basic essentials you need to consider when it comes to choosing a name for your makeup business.

makeup products on pink surface

First Thing’s First…

In order to know what you want your business to be called, you need to have a thorough understanding of what you want your business to be about. Take the time to really sit down and think about what you want your brand to be. Here are a few helpful questions to consider:

  • Do you specialize in any particular areas of makeup artistry (i.e. bridal, editorial, airbrush, SFX, etc.)?
  • Are your services catered to a specific demographic, or are they suitable for all ages, genders, etc.?
  • Do you intend to offer any additional services, such as: makeup lessons, hair or fashion styling, henna, writing for beauty blogs, etc.?
  • Do you have a unique niche that can help set you apart from the competition?
  • What is the overall mission of your business?
  • What do you want your company values to be?

Think about some of the makeup artists you really admire. Does anything automatically come to mind as soon as you think of them – such as a color, a sound, a feeling, etc.? What would you consider their brand to be? How do they achieve this? Is there anything they could be doing differently?

Now turn the spotlight back to your own makeup business. Ideally, how will you want the world to see you and your business? Are there certain emotions, colors, images, etc. that you’d like to be associated with your brand? If so, you might be able to work that into the name of your makeup business!

makeup artist on laptop, surrounding by makeup products on table

Create a Short List

Inspiration can be found everywhere, so don’t rush yourself to try and think up a business name at the drop of a hat. Instead, give yourself some time to look around, get inspired, and let the creative wheels turn in your head.

Once some promising ideas start to come to you, write them down! As the list grows, you can always go back, revise it, and narrow things back down. Once you’ve finalized your short list, rank the names in order of most to least favorite.

The exciting thing about getting to pick your own business name is that you can get as creative as you want! So, don’t hesitate to explore the furthest corners of your imagination. Here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling:

  • Proper names
  • (Simple!) word games
  • Words in other languages
  • Synonyms
  • ClichĂŠs or popular phrases
  • Puns
  • Names from books, mythology, or other works of fiction
makeup artist doing makeup on client

5 Rules for Naming Your Makeup Business

There are plenty of ways for a business name to miss the mark, so it’s important that you do your research.

Consider some of the most memorable business names you’ve come across throughout your life. What makes them stand out to you? Why do you like them so much? Does it appeal to the targeted audience? If so, how does it achieve that?

Here are 5 rules you should absolutely abide by when naming your own business:

1 – Be original, but be relevant.

The name of your makeup business shouldn’t be a carbon copy of some other business name. At the same time, it should be able to convey to potential clients a sense of what your business does/provides.

On that note, try to avoid business names like, “Makeup by [Insert Name]”. There are far too many MUAs with that sort of name. This can easily make it difficult for your business to really shine amongst its competitors.

2 – Be mindful of the spelling.

If your business name contains a commonly misspelled word, you’re increasing your chances of potential clients struggling to find you (especially online). Similarly, consider the scope of your makeup business as a whole.

Who is your target demographic? Do you intend to remain local, or do you want your business to go global? The wording you choose in your name has an impact on these factors.

up-close shot of makeup brushes

3 – Don’t overcomplicate things.

Keep it simple! Short and snappy business names are easy to remember and fun to say. Longer business names can be a mouthful, and are likelier to be forgotten. This is definitely not the impact you want your business to make!

4 – Make it internet-friendly.

The ideal scenario here is that your website can read as “www.YourBusinessName.com”. If another makeup business has already registered that domain name, you’ll need to consider alternate routes. If your business name isn’t already a registered web domain, jump on that opportunity immediately!

5 – Register your name.

On that note, it’s critical that as soon as you’ve decided on the name of your makeup business (and it isn’t already registered with another company), you get it legally registered. That way, you own it. No one can take it from you!

Yes, there will be paperwork involved, but trust me, it’ll be worth it in the long run. Plus, you’ll also eliminate the chance of accidentally using someone else’s legally-owned business name (which can make for a potentially sticky situation down the road).

makeup artist and hair stylist working on client

When it comes to starting up your own makeup business, choosing a strong, memorable name that properly reflects your brand is an essential step towards success. So, what are you waiting for? Start brainstorming!

Haven’t earned your certification yet? Until October 16th, 2020, enroll in QC Makeup Academy’s leading online Master Makeup Artistry Course and get our new Virtual Makeup Training – absolutely FREE!

Sep 09
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makeup artist training on model

5 Reasons Why Continued Makeup Artist Training is Critical!

By From the Experts, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Australian MUA, Charlotte Ravet, 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 artist 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.

Today, she reveals 5 critical reasons why continued makeup artist training is not only strongly recommended – it’s ESSENTIAL!

If you love makeup, you probably also love watching masterclasses that explore new trends. It’s probably safe to say that you enjoy trying new styles on both yourself and on models, too!

Once you finish your makeup artist training, earn your certificate, and start booking your first clients, you might think your time for learning is over. But you’d be wrong! The fact is, those who choose not to continue training and improving their skills are often the ones who fall short in this industry.

Today, I’d like to share with you my top 5 reasons for why continuing your makeup artist training will not only make YOU a stronger professional – it’ll take your career to new, exciting heights!

Fill Your Basket

As an educator, I had the pleasure of listening to one of my dear friends – makeup artist extraordinaire and incredible trainer – introduce herself to new students. This woman had over 30 years of industry experience. Yet all the same, she explained to her class that every year, she would build upon her skills by signing up for a makeup course.

She explained that it was like filling a shopping basket at the grocery store, and cooking up amazing, new recipes. This is a fantastic way to approach your makeup artist training!

Think of it as you continually improving your skills and learning new techniques for a profession you’re truly passionate about! Because at the end of the day, makeup is not only a job; it’s your passion!

Never Be Out of Work

In these uncertain times, learning a new skill is probably the best gift you can give yourself. After all, this will help you stand out from the competition in the long run!

When I first began my makeup career over 15 years ago, the team I worked with consisted of one makeup artist and one hair professional for every shoot. These days, budgets have been slashed, and TV channels are reducing their overall spend.

TV networks have begun employing makeup artists who can do it all. Makeup, hair, fashion styling – you name it. Financially, it’s in the network’s best interest to save money by hiring one expert capable of all these things, rather than a separate artist for each one.

I distinctly recall working for one of these networks. They offered me a four-month contract for one of their blockbuster TV shows. But the catch was that I needed to do the hair styling, too, in addition to makeup. I bet you can guess the problem: I didn’t have any experience with styling hair professionally!

But I was willing to learn.

I had only two months to prepare myself. So, I gave it my all. I was determined to master the ins and outs of doing creative hair styling, and I never looked back! These days, I actually really enjoy doing hair. In my own business, offering this additional service allows me to significantly increase my client bookings!

makeup artist training - putting eyeshadow on client

I’m often considering new skills to learn, in order for me to tap into brand new areas of my makeup business. For example: if you’ve already learned beauty and fashion makeup, why not continue your makeup artist training by adding special effects makeup to your resume? Airbrushing is also in high demand for the TV, bridal, and editorial industries!

Be Inspired and Find Your Niche

Who inspires you?

90% of the time, we’re inspired by other artists! Learning from others can be an excellent way of continuing your makeup artist training. Personally, after I attending makeup masterclasses, I’m always SO inspired! By watching other artists’ tips and tricks, I find that I can’t wait to give it a try myself and put it into practice.

I feel like that sort of training adds special spice to my new, creative recipe! When I learn something new, I’ll tend to practice this technique until it becomes ‘mine’. By that, I mean blending that new skill-set with what I already know, in order to create my very own technique.

After a few years, all MUAs develop a personal style. They can take what they love from their make artist training, and leave behind what they don’t. Then, they take it one step further by adding their own tips into the mix! The final result is something informative, effective, and unique to you.

The more you learn, the more you’re going to perfect your very own technique. You might even discover your niche; what it is about your style that makes you truly unique!

Knowing the Latest Trends

As a makeup artist, it’s our role to perfectly understand what’s currently on trend and what isn’t. This is why is can be useful for you to:

  • Follow relevant accounts on social media (i.e. Brands, magazines, fellow makeup artists, etc.)
  • Watch makeup programs (i.e. Glow up, Face Off, etc.)
  • Read makeup books, etc.

Keep in mind that while all of these methods of additional learning are essential, they’re NOT enough to learn how to actually recreate the latest trends on a model.

makeup artist training on model

Makeup trends evolve very quickly. We can’t recreate all of the latest looks just by observing an image. Professional makeup artist training is crucial when it comes to taking an image in your mind and creating it on a living, breathing person.

Your technique will make all the difference between you being a true expert, versus just another makeup enthusiast. Each trend and look must be perfectly executed when you’re working with a team of professionals. A proper makeup education is the only real way to get to this level of expertise.

Working with the Latest Technology

Imagine: back when I originally did my makeup artist training, airbrushing did not exist!

Hard to believe, right? Now, could you imagine if I chose not to learn this incredibly useful skill, since it would require additional education? I would’ve been seriously selling myself short – not to mention putting my career at a major disadvantage!

As a makeup artist, you’ll often be working with photographers, videographers, and fashion designers. In order to continue finding work in this industry, it’s critical that we follow trends and master the latest techniques.

I’ll give another example. Back when high definition first became a thing, brands and experienced makeup artists alike were faced with a never-before-seen challenge. They needed to make new products, and learn new makeup application techniques. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be able to create such flawless looks anymore. The industry needed to adapt in order to progress.

When it comes to understanding a new technology, or a new method of application, professional makeup training is the ONLY way to go! Many of these things are not capable of being self-taught – at least, not if you want to perform at the level your clients will expect from you. Guidance from an actual industry expert is critical.

As such, whenever new technologies or techniques hit the market, I will always find a new course that will teach it to me. Makeup is constantly evolving – but this is what makes our job so exciting!

Imagine a chef with only one or two recipes on his menu. After the first visit to his restaurant, it wouldn’t be all that enticing anymore, would it? I feel this is how we should all consider further makeup artist training. By adding something new to your business, you can attract a larger clientele to your ‘makeup menu’!

If you’ve chosen to pursue a career in makeup artistry, you’ll find that every day brings something different. There will always something new to learn; a new challenge to face. This is what makes you work creative, challenging, and  above all else, fun!

As the old saying goes: “Do what you love, and you will NEVER work a day in your life!”

Ready to start your makeup artist training? Until September 18th, enroll in QC Makeup Academy’s leading online Master Makeup Artistry Course, and get ANY Advanced Course absolutely FREE!

Aug 13
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Life Before Social Media: How Makeup Artists Used to Network

By From the Experts, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Australian MUA, Charlotte Ravet, 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 provides 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.

Here, she reveals how makeup artists USED to network, before the age of social media – as well as old-school tricks that STILL work today!

Before Social Media

In the last 10+ years, the creative industry has seen a big change. What’s the predominantly defining factor responsible for this change? Social media, of course!

When I started my career as a makeup artist, the industry had very little presence in the online world. Since there were limited resources to look into, I’ll admit that I barely knew what the profession was at first. I knew that makeup artists were in-demand for magazines and TV, but that was pretty much it. The concept of “influencers” didn’t exist back then. Makeup artists didn’t get anywhere near the amount of exposure they have now.

Rather, it was considered ‘backstage’ work. The requirements were always to do makeup on other people for a specific need: weddings, TV, fashion runways, films, etc. If the real world was like Harry Potter, then makeup artists would have been the ones always wearing the Invisibility Cloak. Before the dawn of social media, our work would be showcased, but those of us responsible for it were almost never seen.

I had wonderful training in Paris, which taught me everything I could ask for in terms of makeup techniques. But I didn’t know much about networking, or how to actually find work as a makeup artist. At the time, you had to trust that although you couldn’t physically see all the potential work opportunities for makeup artists out there, there was still very much a need for our services.

Through a mutual acquaintance, I was given the opportunity to do an internship with a TV channel. That word-of-mouth recommendation was how I started working in that part of the industry. Naturally, I became friends with the crew and TV presenters, and stayed on as a full-time employee for the TV channel for a year. After I resigned, I began freelancing.

As scary as it can seem now to enter the freelancing world, it felt even more daunting in the days before social media. But I knew I had created a solid network during my first year in the business, and from this, I was able to quickly become an in-demand MUA.

For fashion work, I likewise networked the old-fashioned way (excuse the pun). I researched photographers and contacted them through their websites, in order to do some test and editorial work. I selected photographers who, like me, were just starting out, but who were already working with agency models.

Even now, it’s important to connect with photographers who have a similar level of experience as you! This way, you can grow together.

Social Media Changes the Game

Then came the fateful day when someone asked for my Instagram. I had NO clue what that was! Mainstream social media platforms took a bit more time to arrive in France and gain popularity, so it took me a few years before I truly understood all the potential it had to offer.

Before social media, work opportunities came primarily from your inner industry circle, or by word-of-mouth. If you wanted to work as a studio makeup artist, you couldn’t afford to be shy or lazy. I remember contacting countless photographers, agencies, TV channels, etc., only to be met with radio silence. But even to this day, that’s just how it works!

The hardest part about starting a career as a makeup artist is getting that first opportunity to shine. But once you do, the next ones WILL follow. This was true back then, and still holds true today.

Old School Tricks that Still Work Today

It’s worth pointing out that some of the networking tricks we had before social media are still very useful and effective today. For instance, I still tend to follow the same old-school strategies when I want to extend my network. I’ll contact photographers or agencies, wait 2 to 3 days, and if I haven’t heard back by then, I’ll give them a call!

Yes, it can feel scary to do this – especially in this day and age. But you need to keep in mind that these photographers and agencies might receive 100+ emails per week from other makeup artists, stylists, and so on.

So many people are quick to make the initial contact, but then fail to follow-up on their efforts afterwards. This is the fatal flaw that can make you fall through the cracks. Follow-up is essential! It shows motivation, and trust me, other people will take notice.

So, I give them a call and ask for an opportunity to come by in-person to show my portfolio. You can also do this if you want to assist experienced makeup artists. In light of COVID-19, in-person appointments still may not be an option yet in your area. But virtual appointments may be an alternate option – at least, until physical meetings are allowed again!

My Personal Recommendation: LinkedIn

While there are many benefits of networking through popular social media platforms, like Instagram and Facebook, one of my personal recommendations is LinkedIn. In my opinion, LinkedIn is the BEST way to get in touch directly with the companies you want to work with.

You can interact with professionals working for a brand or TV channel, and send them a direct message. Since the purpose of LinkedIn is to provide a professional social platform, you’ll likewise need to conduct yourself in an extremely extremely professional way when messaging these people. Have your resume ready. Let them know:

  • Who you are
  • Why you want to work with them
  • What role within their company you think would best suit you
  • Whether you’re seeking an internship, a chance to assist experienced makeup artists, etc.
  • How they can benefit from working with YOU

That last point is best approached with subtly and poise. You don’t want to come off as arrogant. Make sure you do your research on the company, as well as the person you’re contacting. If you’re clueless about who they are and what they do as a brand, believe me, they’ll be able to tell.

Whenever possible, try not to contact the actual CEO of the company. Even if it’s possible, keep in mind that they likely get hundreds of messages every day. This means that chances are, your message will get lost in a sea of countless requests, and won’t reach the person or service that could have actually helped you.

Maintain Your Network!

This is my last major piece of advice, because I can’t stress enough how important this is!

Save all the emails addresses and contact details from the people you’ve worked with, and create newsletters to share your latest projects. If you can, make contact here and there to acknowledge birthdays, holidays, and any special events for that individual (i.e. if they get married, are having a baby, etc.). This is ALWAYS a way to stay connected with your clients and remind them of you.

Personally, I wish I had been more active on Instagram when it first became a thing. But I didn’t grow my network with social media, and as I mentioned before, I didn’t fully understand its full potential at first. While it didn’t necessarily affect my own career, it can absolutely have a positive impact on yours!

Social media platforms can be a wonderful way for you to network, by allowing you the opportunity to:

  • Set up private bookings
  • Connect with brands
  • Showcase your work on a larger scale
  • Get noticed by a larger audience
  • Interact directly with potential clients
  • And so much more!

The thing about the internet, though, is that there’s very little privacy. Once something is put out there, chances are, it’ll live there forever (even if you try to delete it). So, I recommend always being careful with what you post, along with the message you’re sharing with the world.

Online, people like to know you personally, but I’m still very careful of not sharing any personal information, or details that I don’t want associated with my business’s brand. Rather, I carefully choose to only post content that:

  • Best promotes the professional image of myself that I want to convey to others
  • Helps build my brand
  • Shows my followers what I like, and what inspires me
  • Showcases the very best of my work

I focus on sharing images which represent me or the makeup I create, rather than sharing content that will do nothing more than get ‘likes’. I want people who look at my page to identify what I’m capable of doing, both as an educator and a makeup artist.

My Final Thoughts

If you want a career as a makeup artist, and wish to work in several different areas of the beauty industry, here’s what you should consider doing:

  1. Create more than one business website and/or social media channels. Make one strictly for private clients, and another for studio and advertising work. An Instagram profile is not enough to showcase your work for clients or companies. You will also need a resume, contact details for your business, your list of available services, rates, etc. This is where an actual website is necessary. You have to have online visibility which looks professional, and showcases your work from the best angle.
  2. Have business cards, as well as a business page on both Facebook and Instagram. Keep another account to share your private life with your friends and family. Mixing your business content with your personal, private social media account can make you seem unprofessional.
  3. Always remember that social media is a wonderful way to get noticed, but the work doesn’t stop there! You’ll still need other marketing tools and solid business training, in order to create a strong industry network. Set your expectations, and focus your energy on getting noticed by the people you WANT to work with!

Start your career as a makeup artist by earning a DOUBLE certification! Until August 21st, enroll in QC’s leading online Master Makeup Artistry Course, and get ANY Advanced Course absolutely free!

Aug 12
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4 Ways My Makeup Artist Certification Has Helped Me Succeed in the Industry

By Education, From the Experts, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Gabrielle Rivera is a QC Makeup Academy graduate and professional makeup artist. To see more of her work, visit her Instagram here.

With YouTube and social media being an immediate source of information, many people might think: “I don’t really need a makeup artist certification. I can just learn from watching videos.”

Although information is easily accessible today, does it necessarily mean that you’re learning the correct information? How can you even be certain that you’re learning from a skilled industry professional?

I myself have learned a lot from watching makeup artists on YouTube. But there are certain things that influencers won’t disclose, explain, or possibly have knowledge of when it comes to a professional makeup business.

For instance, these social media artists mostly apply makeup on themselves, rather than on models. Not to mention, they generally stick with trendy techniques that are popular at that time. You won’t really learn anything about classic technique or makeup theory – both of which are essential if you want to turn this into a career.

If you only learn from influencers or are self-taught, I ask you:

  • What about Special Effects makeup?
  • Don’t you want to know how to do makeup for film, television, and/or live theater?
  • What if you encounter a client with mature skin?
  • Do you know how to properly apply makeup on a man?

These are questions to consider when debating if a makeup artist certification is right for you. Here’s my insight as a professional…

4 ways that my makeup artist certification has benefited MY professional career:

1 – Being Seen as a Professional

The beauty industry is a highly saturated field. In order to see your business flourish, you have to be seen and acknowledged – not just as an artist, but as a professional. After all, you want others to take you seriously. If your fellow industry pros acknowledge your proficiency, a lot more opportunities will open up for your business.

With a makeup artist certification, such as the kind you can earn from QC Makeup Academy, you’re learning the side of becoming an MUA that goes far beyond makeup application. When I was earning my own certification, I found that I was able to study and apply business techniques in a real-world setting!

Once potential clients see that you have obtained a legitimate makeup artist certification, they’ll understand that you take your career seriously. Your certification is proof that you took the time to learn more about your craft, and dedicated yourself to providing clientele with the best possible services.

Now, here’s a fun little fact for you: not only does a makeup artist certification help you with clients, it can also help you save money! After graduating from QC Makeup Academy, I was able to apply as a professional MUA for certain online retailers (such as Urban Decay, Sigma, and MAC – just to name a few).

There, I could shop for products at a discounted price! This helps me to regularly restock and build up my professional kit without breaking the bank. I’d definitely call that a great advantage!

2 – Becoming a Legitimate Business

If this is your first time starting your own business, legitimizing it can be a step that often overwhelms and confuses the best of us. However, the right school will ensure you’re properly prepared as you earn your makeup artist certification. In QC Makeup Academy’s courses, for example, you’re provided with an entire unit devoted to Business education.

The Business unit of my certification is one that I valued the most. With that unit, I learned:

  • Marketing and promotion techniques
  • Tips on working with potential clients
  • How to “Seal the Deal” on reluctant clients
  • Creating professional contracts
  • And so much more!

Although QC’s Business units are technically “optional”, I strongly recommend you take advantage of them. They’re a key component to you knowing how to make your future business legitimate, and run it properly.

As a professional MUA, the skills and tips learned through my makeup artist certification have truly helped me to sell, market, and grow my business. For starters, I’ve had many clients express to me that the professional contracts I’ve developed have set me apart from other makeup artists they’ve worked with in the past!

Likewise, I’ve been able to easily apply the knowledge learned through my course in order to register my business, update my business kit with essentials, and map out financing and bookkeeping for my business.

3 – Contracts and Pricing

One of the biggest challenges you may face as a new artist, or even an experienced one, is setting prices. Something we’ve all experienced when dealing with potential clients is hearing, “Wow, your prices are high,” or, “I know someone who will do it cheaper.”

But you’ve worked hard to obtain your makeup artist certification, and what sets you apart is that you do have proper business training! So, don’t worry. You’ll be able to promote yourself effectively to clients like these in a professional way; one that helps them understand just how valuable your services are.

Obtaining a makeup artist certification allows you to market yourself as a true industry expert who has put the time, training, and research into your craft. This can help you to determine your pricing accordingly, in order to reflect that.

Additionally, make sure that with each client, you always have a professional, written contract. This contract should include your set pricing, policies, and any other critical information relevant to your business and services. A strong contract will provide your client with a sense of comfort; they’ll be able to see that you uphold your business and professionalism to a high standard.

Plus, contracts also protect you and your business when dealing with clients. They’re also a great resource to help you maintain your bookkeeping and business records!

4 – My Clients

Lastly, but just as importantly, you can learn ALL about your clients through a makeup artist certification course.

Clients are the foundation of your business! Knowing how to properly apply makeup to all skin types, face shapes, eye shapes, and for specific platforms is all going to make your business stand out from the rest.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, social media can be a great place to learn about techniques and products. However, it also limits you to what’s popular or mainstream – which may not be techniques you can apply for all clients or settings. Social media won’t teach you:

  • Which products to use for different skin types and textures
  • Makeup theory and foundational techniques
  • How to apply makeup for film and television, versus makeup for photography, or makeup for theater
  • Etc.

These are all skills you need to have in order to best service your future clients! The more you limit yourself, the more you’ll limit the number of clients you can offer your services to.

If you want to invest in your career and your business, I would highly recommend enrolling in a professional course and getting a makeup artist certification. Personally, I strongly recommend the Master Makeup Artistry Course offered at QC Makeup Academy (which is the course I took)!

The insight learned from this course has set me apart from my peers. Even more than that, it taught me how to become a better boss, a better businesswomen, and a better makeup artist overall.

Until August 21st, earn a DOUBLE makeup artist certification. Enroll in QC’s Master Makeup Artistry Course, and get ANY Advanced Course at no additional cost! 

Jul 29
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Nathan Johnson’s Top 10 Blog Posts of All Time!

By Education, From the Experts, Makeup Tips and Tricks, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Over the years, QC executive instructor and celebrity makeup artist, Nathan Johnson, has had many pearls of wisdom to share! From his informative webinars, to his support for students and grads in the QC Virtual Classroom, to the expertise shared in the makeup artistry classes he teaches – Nathan has made it his mission to help others prosper in their dreams of becoming professional MUAs!

Did you also know that he’s one heck of a writer?

It’s true! (Jack of all trades, or what?) Through his blogs with QC, others have learned, grown, and become even better artists through Nathan’s many makeup tips, industry insights, and secrets for success.

Let’s all put our feet up, with a tall glass of water in hand (stay hydrated – there’s our PSA), and look back on the 10 most popular blog articles Nathan’s written for us!

10. Building a Makeup Kit: Professional vs. Drugstore Cosmetics

There’s a common misconception that in order to be the best makeup artist, you should only use the fanciest, most expensive products. The fact is, this just isn’t correct. In reality, there are plenty of cases where drugstore brands can work just as well for your professional makeup kit!

From foundations, to powders, to other types of makeup products – Nathan breaks down where you can afford to save a few bucks, versus where the price is worth paying!

9. Building a Portfolio: What Every Makeup Artist Should Know

As a professional makeup artist, there’s no way around it: you’re going to NEED to have a strong portfolio of your past work. Not having one can sink your business before it’s even had a chance to get off the ground.

But never fear, because Nathan is here! In this awesome article, he breaks down his 6 top tips for putting together a portfolio that’s sure to WOW your clients!

8. Part 2: What I Wish Everyone Knew When Starting a Career as a Makeup Artist

What better way to get a leg up on the competition than to get insider secrets from a notable MUA in the industry? Here, Nathan reveals 2 key things that he wants YOU to know as you journey towards your dream career.

Trust us: these 2 tips will take you to the next level!

7. 6 Ways to Become a Better Makeup Artist

Speaking of taking your MUA journey to the next level, Nathan’s got 6 more tips to help you prosper in the beauty industry! Who you should be stalking on social media, why practice matters – all of these (and MORE) are covered in this article.

Want to set yourself up for success? The answers are here!

6. Nathan’s Guide to Working as a Celebrity Makeup Artist

If your dream is to work with Hollywood’s elite, you’ll need to know how to present yourself professionally. After all, celebrities are people, just like us. This means, treating them like any other client.

As a professional celebrity MUA himself, Nathan draws on his experience and insider knowledge to provide you with 5 secrets to working with the A-listers – and how to refrain from acting starstruck!

5. Stress-Free Secrets to Travelling with Your Makeup Kit

Travelling is a regular part of every makeup artist’s life. But having to lug along ALL of your products wherever you go? Talk about a nightmare!

Don’t let your makeup kit turn you into a stress case. With these 6 tips, Nathan will help you minimize your baggage, know how to choose only the best products, and ensure you never have any makeup mishaps along the way!

4. Insurance for Makeup Artists: Do You Need It?

As a makeup artist, do you really need to worry about getting insurance? What is it anyway, and how can it benefit you?

Whether you want to know the difference types of insurance available to you, how much it costs, or the pros (and cons) of getting it – Nathan’s here to guide the way!

3. How to Become a Celebrity Makeup Artist

Let’s circle back around to working with celebrities, shall we? This is the dream for many of us, isn’t it? Working with stars, ascending the ranks, and become a well-known name in the world of makeup artistry. But that kind of dream is not realistic… right?

Wrong!

In this wildly popular article, Nathan reflects upon his own journey, and reveals some of the steps he took to become a celebrity makeup artist. You’re definitely not going to want to miss this!

(How else will you learn Nathan’s top 2 tips for breaking into this industry?)

2. Why I Love My Job as a Makeup Artist

Excitement, new friends, travel, money… These are just a small handful of the wicked perks you’ll get by becoming a makeup artist!

With 26 years and counting in the beauty industry, Nathan lists 10 of the GREATEST reasons why he absolutely loves being a professional MUA… and why YOU will, too!

1. Career Options for Makeup Artists

DING, DING, DING – WE HAVE A WINNER! In Nathan’s most popular blog of all time, he explores 14 exciting career paths that your makeup training and certification(s) can lead you to!

Want to be start your very own business? Do makeup for film and television? Work in a spa? Develop a brand-new cosmetics line?

All of these opportunities (and MUCH more) are at your feet, waiting for you to discover them! So, what are you waiting for? Keep reading, get motivated, and make today the day you turn your dreams into a reality!

Which makeup artistry classes are right for you? Check out all that QC Makeup Academy has to offer, and earn your professional certification in as little as 3-6 months!

Jul 23
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3 Ways to Retain Long-Term Clients for Your Makeup Business

By Your Makeup Career No Comments

A career in makeup artistry means your business is – and always will be – client-focused. You’re providing customer service, after all! So, here’s a question to ponder: is it more worth it to acquire new customers, or retain the ones you already have?

Obviously, both are important for sustaining a successful business. But if we absolutely HAD to rank one above the other, the fact is, repeat customers are your most beneficial resource! Not only are they proven to spend 3 times more money than brand new clients; they’re more likely to bring you more bookings in the future. Not to mention, they save you money. (New clients are shown to cost 5 times as much money to acquire!)

Repeat customers are key to your career in makeup artistry. This means you’re going to need to know how to bring a happy customer back for the long term. Luckily, there are tons of options at your disposal!

Here are 3 strategies you can incorporate into the business that aims to keep your clients coming back to you, time and time again!

1. Provide the best possible customer experience!

Excellent customer service is crucial for ANY job where you’re dealing with the public. Being a makeup artist means you need awesome people skills – at all times. The best makeup job in the world won’t matter if it’s paired with a lousy attitude.

There are numerous stats to back this up, too. For instance, a survey done by 24/7 revealed that 47% of customers would choose (within a mere 24 hours) to take their business elsewhere after receiving poor customer service. Moreover, a client who had a wholly satisfactory experience with you will have a tendency to become a repeat customer, as opposed to those who merely have an “okay” experience.

In fact, these clients who are “totally satisfied” are likely to deliver 2.6 times as much revenue for your business in the long haul! WOW!

2. Offer Personalized Incentives

Your clients don’t want to feel like just another paycheck in your pocket. They want to trust that you see them as human beings; that you’re on their side and value them. This is where a personalized incentive of some kind can make all the difference!

A whopping 60% of customers tend to stay loyal to a brand that offers them rewards of some kind. There are plenty of different ways you can go about providing this type of incentive. Some examples include:

  • Loyalty programs – i.e. a membership/rewards account with your business, points programs, VIP client programs (subscription-based), tier programs (each level offering different types of discounts), etc.
  • Charity programs– i.e. demonstrating that you and your client share mutual values, by welcoming them to donate to an important charitable cause.
  • Exclusive discounts and promotions– i.e. offered privately to those subscribed to a mailing list, those following your social media channels, etc.
  • Birthday promos– i.e. customers who provide their date of birth will receive some sort of discount or special gift whenever their birthday rolls around.
  • And so much more!

The secret behind the success of personalized incentives is that, above all else, it demonstrates to your client that you care about THEM! You’re willing to offer them fun, practical ways to save money, while still receiving the same high-quality service. These are the types of efforts that go a LONG way, and help cultivate long-term relationships with clients who will grow to truly appreciate the way you run your business.

3. Create a Referral Program

Any professional MUA will tell you that word of mouth is a MAJOR contributor to the overall prosperity of your career in makeup artistry! Happy customers are more likely to come back to you in the future – and they’re also more likely to recommend you to people they know as well.

You can drastically increase this probability if you give them an added reason to refer you to their friends and family. Referral programs are the obvious strategy!

There’s no “one size fits all” way for you to go about setting this up. You can set your own parameters for the rules, as well as the reward. For example, you can create your program so that whenever an existing client recommends you to someone, and it results in a new booking from that referred person, your existing client gets 50% off their next appointment with you.

A solid referral program works in favor of both you and your long-term clients. It gets you more customers while keeping the ones you already have, which all lead to an increase in profits. At the same time, it also gets your existing clients excited about recommending you while gifting them with a special reward that personally benefits them.

At the end of the day, EVERY client is fundamental for your business and career in makeup artistry. But many businesses don’t truly understand the importance of existing customer retention. By making this a primary focus in your business strategies, you’ll be setting yourself up for years of success in the makeup industry!

Can you think of other ways to retain long-term clients? Let us know in the comments below!

Another way to impress clients is by ensuring them that you’re truly the best of the bet! Enroll in QC’s internationally-leading online Master Makeup Artistry Course, and sky-rocket above the competition by earning your professional MUA certification!

Jul 17
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2 MORE (But Just as Awesome) Tips to Starting Your Own Makeup Business!

By From the Experts, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Gabrielle Rivera is a QC Makeup Academy graduate and professional makeup artist. To see more of her work, visit her Instagram here.

Yesterday, Gabrielle shared 3 of her best tips for starting your very own makeup business, and setting yourself up for maximum success! Today, she’s back to reveal 2 more incredible tips. Let’s dive back in, shall we?

1. Advertising and Promoting

Like with any business, you’ll have to advertise and promote your services. Luckily, we live in the age of technology! Compared to those who came before us, we’re truly at an advantage when it comes to resources that can help us get our name out there.

Your marketing strategies can truly help your business flourish – if done correctly!

Create a Professional Website

Something that many MUAs overlook is the power of a professional website. Some artists believe that using social media is enough… But it isn’t! As great as social media can be to get your work seen by the public, there’s something to be said about creating a strong business website and portfolio online.

By limiting your business strictly to social media, you risk missing out on potential clientele and other businesses that would want to work with you. But when you have a professional website, you can also showcase exclusive work that isn’t shown on social media.

Plus, a website provides your clients the option to schedule, book, and pay for your services directly (instead of always having to speak with you through “DM’s”).

For example, Wix is a great website-hosting platform that can help you put together your business’s site. If you aren’t the most tech-savvy person in the world, no worries!

This kind of hosting platform makes designing everything simple, easy, and customizable. Because it also has hundreds of add-ons, you can enhance your website and connection with clients, depending on how fancy you want to get!

Create a Professional Portfolio

When deciding which photos to upload to the portfolio on your professional website, remember that it truly is about quality over quantity.

Your portfolio images should:

  • Be well-lit and clear
  • Ensure that any backgrounds are free of clutter
  • Stay consistent
  • Be of high-quality (this means no selfies!)

A strong portfolio will show potential clients that you take every aspect of your work and business seriously.

2. Social Media Do’s and Don’ts

Don’ts:

DON’T only create content that are recreations of another artist’s work, or only copy popular trends!

Unfortunately, I see this way too often on social media. If all you do is recreate another artist’s work, or copy popular trends, your content probably won’t attract an overly large audience. After all, people want to have their interest piqued. They want to see things that are new, fresh, and exciting!

Regurgitating looks that have already been done, and not coming up with anything of your own, will drop you into social media obscurity pretty fast. Whenever possible, always aim for originality!

DON’T display a pricing list for your services on your social media!

When I first started my brand, I saw a lot of other social media artists posting a price list for their services. So, I did too. What ends up happening is this:

  1. Potential clients see your price list
  2. They immediately make a snap decision that your prices are too high – without even looking at the quality of your work
  3. They’ll leave in favor of pursuing a “cheaper” artist

Instead, my recommendation is to omit this info from your social media altogether. When potential clients message you, guide them to your professional website. From there, they can see all of the services you offer, paired with client photos and reviews.

This will allow them to get a full, proper idea of your makeup business. They won’t just thinking of a price; they’ll see the quality of the work you provide!

Do’s:

DO post consistently, and showcase different types of clients!

A great way to stay relevant in a heavily saturated field (like social media) is to post your work consistently. Followers and clients want to see that you are booked and busy! Most importantly, make sure that you’re not only posting photos of yourself, or one type of client. To grow your brand, remember to show diversity with your clientele, as well as the looks you create.

DO post your professional website!

Social media can be a great way to help grow your business, but remember to remind your followers about your actual business website. By promoting your site, others can re-post it, or share it with someone they know. These are all potential opportunities for you to gain more clientele.  

DO post when you take professional makeup training, courses, and/or receive a certificate!

Although you may think this isn’t necessary, it absolutely is! Clients want to know that you are always looking to grow in your field. Especially with everything currently going on in the world, if they see you keeping up-to-date with the latest health and safety protocols, they’re guaranteed to be impressed!

Taking online courses, furthering your makeup training, and completing certificate programs shows your clientele that you’re serious about always providing the best quality of products, skill, and safety.

If you’re just starting your business, QC Makeup Academy’s Master Makeup Artistry Course offers a FULL unit on Business that shares vital tips and tricks to help you get started and growing your brand! Though this Unit is optional, I strongly recommend taking advantage of it. It can make all the difference in the success of your makeup business!

Ready to start your makeup training? Enroll today in QC’s leading online Master Makeup Artistry Course!