A makeup artist can earn anywhere from $40,000 to $70,000 USD in the United States. If you love makeup and keep up-to-date with the latest beauty trends, this incentive, more than anything, should be enough to convince you to pursue a career in the makeup industry.
But how to become a professional makeup artist? Although social media has made it seem that this is as easy as picking up a brush, not everyone has a knack for quickly getting the hang of makeup. We have listed the steps below that can help you kick start this journey the right way.
Start with the Basics
Before you jump to a highly technical makeup look to copy at home, start with the basics. Run to your local drugstore and buy local quality brushes and makeup to set your hand. Practice as much as you can by watching tutorials online and sharpening your skills. Once your hands are steady enough, invest in high-quality makeup and tools.
Join a Cosmetology School
The next most important step in your professional makeup artist journey is to enroll in a cosmetology school. A cosmetology school teaches more than just makeup; they also have courses for skincare, nail care, and other beauty services.
Joining a cosmetology school will help you learn from the best and socialize with some of the top makeup industry artists. A cosmetology school will open up more paths and opportunities for you and get you certified with a license.
Create a Portfolio
Nobody will get their makeup done from you if you have no work to show. Thus, start building up your portfolio earlier on. Make sure you add all the different styles and techniques you specialize in. Take extra care during photography because you know what looks best and from what angle.
Socialize
The key to making it far in the makeup industry is by socializing. A cosmetology school will provide you with multiple chances to catch up with the biggest makeup artists. Also, be sure to make contacts with hairstylists, nail artists, or the costume department. You never know who might come to your door knocking with an opportunity.
Specialize in a Makeup Category
The makeup industry is extremely diversified, and you can find multiple types of professional makeup artists specializing in certain categories. As a makeup artist, you can choose any of the paths like bridal, cinematic, theatric, editorial, special effects, and full-body makeup.
Choosing a particular field to specialize in will further solidify your career and help you pick a particular path. If natural glow is your makeup type, you are better suited for bridal makeup, and if you like to get creative, special effects makeup can be your new job.
Now that you know how to become a professional makeup artist, be sure to follow these steps. Many people can follow a tutorial and become makeup artists, but a cosmetology school license will provide you with the right foundation to start this career on.
Have more questions? If so, contact the experts at Missouri College of Cosmetology.