Becoming a makeup artist requires creativity, passion for your work, and solid skills in applying cosmetics to enhance the look of your clients. Freelancing is a wonderful way to have more flexibility as you can choose your own hours and set up a schedule that works for you. As a freelance makeup artist, you can also decide to accept only jobs that match your interests and skills. You could find yourself working at weddings, film and TV productions, fashion shows, and photoshoots. So what are some strategies that could help you get into the industry and grow your business as a freelance makeup artist?
Start by doing a bit of research and working out the direction, specialisation, or niche you might want to focus on. For example, are you more interested in getting into TV, stage, and film productions? Or do you prefer fashion, bridal, and cosmetic retail events?
Make sure you’ve set up the right business structure (sole trader or company, for example) and applied for an Australian Business Number and Tax File Number if you haven’t already. Do some research into market rates and decide on your prices so you’re ready to give quotes to prospective clients. Review your tools and ensure you have all the equipment you need, from foundations to glues and eyelash curlers.
Freelancing and the makeup industry can be rewarding and hard work at the same time, and you need to stay focused to succeed. Set out a business plan with goals and milestones. You should be able to sell your services by clearly defining what you can deliver for clients. Focusing on exceptional bridal makeup services, for example, could be your goal. If you have a clear goal in mind, you’re more likely to achieve it. Be ready to communicate, chit-chat, and build strong relationships with your clients.
You should already have all the basic skills like skincare, preparation, makeup techniques, and procedures. It’s also important to keep refining your skills by practising and staying knowledgeable about the tools, techniques, and products for different skin types and looks. Practise with friends, family members, and other willing volunteers.
Get the word out there about your business with a strong online presence. Set up a website, social media channels, and paid advertising to reach your target market. You can create a professional-looking website from free templates within hours. Upload photos of your work and keep building your portfolio. If you enjoy writing about makeup, contribute to magazines and blogs in your areas of focus, such as bridal magazines or film production. You can also use traditional promotional channels by passing out business cards and brochures to local businesses and encouraging them to cross-promote their business with yours.
Creativity is an essential quality for makeup artists. You can keep your creative juices flowing by staying aware of new beauty trends. The industry is always evolving so this helps you continue building your competencies as a makeup artist. Make a habit of looking through magazines, keeping clippings of inspiring looks, and checking platforms like Instagram and Pinterest for new ideas. Follow your favourite designers, brands, celebrities, and makeup artists on these channels. Doing makeup courses and getting more training can also enhance your techniques and expose you to new techniques and approaches.
Build your network of prospective clients but also a support network as well. As a freelancer, you’ll be on your own much of the time, so a support network of friends, family, and complementary businesses is important. For example, you might have strong relationships with friends in freelance hairdressing, event planning, catering, and photography. Ask for help if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed.
Time management, communication, customer service, and self-motivation are some of the soft skills or qualities you’ll need to succeed as a freelance makeup artist. If you’re punctual and get the work done on time, clients will be more likely to recommend you and come back for repeat business. You’ll need to be independent and self-motivated as you’ll be your own boss with no manager urging you to get things done. Also, keep lines of communication open and always make the effort to seek feedback from clients after a job so you know how you can improve. Consider using tech tools, such as automated surveys and time-management apps, to manage your jobs and clients more effectively.
Becoming a freelance makeup artist requires dedication and commitment, but you’ll have the freedom to set your own hours and have an opportunity to express your creativity. You should have foundational skills in applying makeup. Start by setting yourself up with the right business structure and tools and by promoting yourself online. Building relationships and a strong network, keeping up-to-date with trends, and developing your soft skills are also crucial for success.
Completing a makeup course can give you the core knowledge you need as a makeup artist or help you update your skills. ICI’s Certificate in Beauty Therapy & Make Up could enable you to become a qualified beauty therapy and makeup artist. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with and learn from very successful, highly qualified, and experienced professionals in the field. The certificate also covers everything from skin science and beauty treatments to designing and applying makeup. Contact us now for more information about the course.
Gladys Mae serves as the General Manager and Head of Student Services at the International Career Institute. Gladys holds a degree in Mass Communication - Broadcast Media from the University of San Jose-Recoletos. She joined ICI in 2010 and has over the past 12 years been instrumental in providing leadership and guidance to staff and students alike. Prior to joining ICI Gladys led a multifaceted career with key roles in the banking and business process outsourcing industries.
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