Makeup Artists' Favorite Places To Work

Makeup artists can work in a variety of settings, including film, television, theatre, fashion, beauty, retail, and weddings. Some makeup artists work in salons, spas, or makeup shops, while others are self-employed and travel to their clients. Traveling makeup artists often charge a fee for their travel expenses, which can vary depending on the distance and the artist's preferences. This fee typically covers the cost of transportation, time spent traveling, and sometimes accommodation if the location is far away. When hiring a traveling makeup artist, it is important to consider their availability, rates, and whether they charge any additional fees for travel.

Freelance makeup artists often work at weddings, photoshoots, parties, etc

Freelance makeup artists are self-employed and often work at weddings, photoshoots, parties, and other special events. They travel to meet their clients and usually don't have a salon, although some may combine working in a salon with their freelance career.

Working as a freelance makeup artist requires good business acumen to market yourself effectively. This involves advertising your skills in relevant publications, such as wedding magazines, and at events such as wedding fairs. It's also important to set up a website with high-quality photographs of your work, along with clear descriptions of your services and prices.

To be successful, freelance makeup artists need a good range of products to suit all skin types, tones, and ages. They should also be fully mobile, with the necessary kit and equipment, such as a portable mirror, and have insurance.

Strong people skills are essential for freelance makeup artists, as they need to communicate effectively with clients to understand their wishes. It's helpful to build up a book of styles and makeup looks to show clients, as a picture can often clarify things better than words.

Freelance makeup artists need to be prepared for the practicalities of their work. This includes the time required to pack up equipment and travel to venues, which may involve early starts. There may also be challenges with setting up in different spaces, such as a lack of tables or space. After the event, it's important to allow time for unpacking, cleaning, and reorganizing equipment, as well as sanitizing brushes and makeup.

When it comes to pricing, freelance makeup artists should consider the costs involved in travelling to their clients. A standard travel fee for a wedding makeup artist, for example, is around $70-$100, but this can increase based on location, the extent of the makeup services, and the artist's reputation. Travel fees may be charged per mile, with a common rate of $0.50 to $1 per mile beyond a certain radius.

Overall, freelance makeup artists need to be adaptable, mobile, and have strong business and people skills to succeed in this competitive industry.

They can work in the film, TV, and theatre industry

Travel makeup artists can work in the film, TV, and theatre industry, collaborating with other creatives to design looks and create character effects. This involves working with actors and talent to apply makeup and prosthetics that align with the production's vision.

Makeup artists in this industry often work as freelancers or self-employed contractors, requiring strong business acumen to manage their finances and taxes. They may also be part of a union, which can provide more stable work and hourly compensation.

The work environment for film, TV, and theatre makeup artists varies, from purpose-built studios to outdoor locations. They may need to relocate temporarily for productions and work long hours, including early mornings and nights.

To succeed in this industry, makeup artists should possess solid artistic abilities, a good understanding of colour theory, and excellent attention to detail. Strong organisational and time management skills are also essential, as well as flexibility to adapt to last-minute changes.

Makeup artists in film, TV, and theatre typically start as trainees and work their way up to assistant roles and eventually become lead makeup artists or designers. Building a network of contacts, having a strong portfolio, and reaching out to unions are crucial steps to finding work in this competitive field.

They can work in the fashion industry, preparing models for photoshoots, etc

Travel makeup artists can work in a variety of settings within the fashion industry, including photoshoots, live runway shows, and advertising campaigns. They are responsible for preparing models' looks for these events, ensuring they are camera-ready and their features are enhanced.

Photoshoots

Makeup artists working on fashion photoshoots may be required to create a range of looks, from natural to fantasy, depending on the client's requirements. They need to have a good understanding of lighting and its impact on makeup, as well as period styles. Additionally, they need to work efficiently and be able to handle the pressure of creating looks within tight deadlines.

Runway Shows

For live runway shows, makeup artists need to be able to work quickly and efficiently. They must be able to handle the pressure of creating looks for multiple models within a limited timeframe. It is crucial to be prepped and maintain a calm demeanor during the fast-paced nature of runway shows.

Advertising Campaigns

Fashion advertising campaigns often require makeup artists to create polished and photogenic looks that will be used in editorial shoots and advertisements. Makeup artists may need to create natural-looking makeup that enhances the models' features rather than covering them up. They must be able to take direction from the client, such as the fashion label, and adapt their skills to suit the desired look.

Other Opportunities

Travel makeup artists in the fashion industry may also find opportunities in modelling agencies and fashion magazines. They can work independently or as part of a team, taking direction from clients and creating looks that align with the latest trends.

Education and Training

To become a makeup artist in the fashion industry, it is beneficial to undertake specialist fashion makeup courses. These courses are offered by both private and public colleges and provide the necessary skills for this specific work environment. While hair and makeup are often separate specialisations, having a background in hairdressing can be advantageous.

Building a Career

Building a successful career as a travel makeup artist in the fashion industry requires dedication, a strategic approach, and a strong network. Creating a professional portfolio that showcases your best work and adapting your skills to suit different clients and occasions are crucial steps. Networking with photographers, hairstylists, models, and designers can open up collaborative opportunities and help expand your connections.

Freelance Work

Many makeup artists in the fashion industry work on a freelance basis, which means they are self-employed and responsible for maintaining business accounts and paying taxes. This provides the flexibility to work with various clients and build a diverse portfolio.

They can work in retail makeup, in a makeup shop, department store, etc

Travel makeup artists can work in various industries, including film, television, theatre, fashion, beauty, and retail. Working in retail makeup involves working in a makeup shop, a department store counter or concession, or a salon or spa.

To work for a makeup brand in a shop, you will likely be trained in-house, although a short course in basic makeup may be useful. Working in retail makeup involves answering customers' questions, giving makeovers, demonstrating application techniques, and selling products, often on a commission basis. This means that strong customer skills are required for this line of work.

In a salon or spa, formal training in beauty therapy or cosmetology is typically required, and some countries may also require a license. Salon and spa work involves performing facials, doing skin consultations, recommending makeup products, and doing makeovers. Makeup looks can range from natural to glamorous, and good working practices, such as washing hands, disinfecting brushes, and keeping the makeup clean, are essential.

Retail makeup artists may also be assigned to various luxury makeup brands, where they greet and advise international customers, apply makeup for customers in the shop, ensure that the shop is properly maintained, and act as a representative of the brand.

They can work in salons or spas, performing facials, skin consultations, etc

Travel makeup artists can work in salons or spas, performing facials, skin consultations, recommending makeup products, and doing makeovers. This is a great way to have stable, salary-based employment as a full-time makeup artist.

To work in a salon or spa, makeup artists typically need some formal training in beauty therapy or cosmetology. Some countries may require that they have a license. They will need to be well-versed in makeup safety, skin types/conditions, makeup techniques, and more. They will also need to have some experience working with clients and be able to showcase a portfolio of their work.

Makeup artists in salons and spas may work as either employees (usually on a commission basis) or as independent contractors, where they rent booth space from the salon owner. They will need to have excellent customer service skills and be able to communicate effectively with clients to understand their requirements.

The makeup looks they create can range from natural to glamorous, and they may need to do camouflage work to cover tattoos or skin pigmentation issues. They will also need to have good working practices, such as washing their hands, disinfecting brushes, and keeping the makeup clean.

Working in a salon or spa is a great option for travel makeup artists who want to have a stable income and work with a variety of clients in a single location.

Frequently asked questions