The Various Make-Up Artist Career Palettes
Learn About Make-Up & Cosmetology Careers from Sarah Fletcher
Some people know what they want to do when they grow up. Others happen upon a career niche that compliments their various talents as they stumble through life's intrepid journey. Sarah Fletcher discovered her talent in make-up artistry after she had already finished her degree in occupational therapy and was working with autistic children. She enjoyed helping children, and found occupational therapy very rewarding—but she also needed a creative outlet to explore her artistic dexterity.
Sarah grew up in a world of theatrical and singing productions, and was always fascinated with the performing arts. This theatrical exposure helped her develop a keen awareness to a certain performance persona which was unique from ordinary life. She comments, "I liked that make-up could change a persona easily, and I needed a creative outlet other than singing." With this realization, Sarah started learning how to apply make-up from friends in the industry, and eventually went to make-up artist school clinics.
Today Sarah is a successful make-up artist who applies make-up at a variety of events, including movie sets, fashion shows, theatrical productions, photo shoots and special events. If you have been dabbling with make-up artistry and are thinking about becoming a professional make-up artist, this interview will help you learn more about the industry, and may even help you find your make-up career palette.
Make-Up Artist & Cosmetology School Training
Sarah applying make-up to a
model before a photo shoot.
Sarah decided she wanted to pursue make-up artistry as a part time career in 2003 and began by working for an independent make-up distributor. Although she learned a lot about the cosmetology and make-up industry from the distributor, she decided to attend professional school clinics to get more in-depth technique training while still working as an occupational therapist and part time singer. She comments, "Everyone has their own career path, and it's great when you can make professional opportunities fit with your own lifestyle." She was able to do just that. Although she stayed more than busy, she was able to balance all three areas of her professional life—two of which were creative passions—singing and make-up artistry.
Along with make-up and cosmetology school, Sarah says that on-site and hands-on training are crucial in developing your make-up expertise. She recommends you "try to find an internship or another artist who will let you tag along." This will help you learn special techniques in an event setting, and could also help with networking—a crucial aspect of the make-up artistry business.
"Going to school will help you set up a direct link into the industry," Sarah says. Make-up artist and cosmetology school will also help you create a professional portfolio—a necessary component for your business. School can also help to save you both time and energy by linking you into event gigs and artistry jobs. This is especially nice if you choose to go the entrepreneurial route.
From Make-Up School to Establishing a Business
A zombie Sarah created
with her make-up expertise
for a GadZook film.
Most schools require you to purchase your own make-up kit. Otherwise, you can purchase one on your own time. Your kits can vary depending on your specialty. For example, Sarah dabbles with different types of make-up application, including anything from creating zombies for horror flicks to imitating the latest glam look for fashion shoots. Most people choose one specialty of focus and cater their make-up kits accordingly. After multiple events and adding on over the years, you eventually have a really good kit.
If you decide to be an independent contractor, you have to get a small business license. Licensure requirements can vary by state, so you have to make sure you do your research before starting your own business. Some make-up artists also work with an agent—you have to determine the best method for you and your career success.
Make-Up Artist Schedule
Sarah points out that you have to be incredibly flexible in the make-up artistry field: "Gig to gig you'll have a set schedule, depending on the length of the gig. But your schedule constantly changes when you have a new client."
In make-up artistry you also have to be able to work evenings and weekends, because that is when many of the events take place. This has been an asset for Sarah, since make-up artistry is a side business.
Make-Up Artist Work Setting
Work settings can vary as much as the actual artistry event. Sarah has worked at events that are at one location, and events that are at multiple locations. Again, she stresses the importance of being flexible as well as having a reliable car. She also recommends having a make-up kit with wheels, because it can be heavy to transport from one place to another throughout the day.
Preparing for a Make-Up Session or Event
Sarah's make-up interpretation
of the Greek Goddess Daphne.
Sarah always wears comfortable shoes to an event since she she'll probably be on her feet for many hours at a time. It's also a good idea to "wear black so that your outfit colors don't reflect on the make-up subject's face—this can change the color of their skin tone and affect the desired look."
Other things she does to prepare for a session? She always brings her sketch book to do a quick sketch of ideas she may have for creative effects, depending on the type of event. She explains that being prepared with a portfolio and sketch book can really come in handy. "Sometimes people have a lot of input, but sometimes you have complete creative license and need to be full of ideas."
Sarah comments that it's also a good idea to have a picture of the subject/s before the event to be able to plan out ideas and get the appropriate colors and product ready. Also, if you have to reproduce a specific look being used in the same medium, it's important the client provide the same product. For example, it's difficult to match an exact look in a previously filmed scene if a different product is used. You can try to get close, but it's usually not the same.
Projecting Your Image as a Make-Up Artist
In the cosmetology and make-up artistry business, it's not just about networking. Image is crucial. Sarah feels that your image has to project your product. She thinks that, in terms of photo shoots and event make-up, such as wedding make-up, people are more comfortable having their make-up done by someone who is put together well.
If you are doing freelance work, Sarah mentions that it is also important to exude confidence and a somewhat extroverted personality—the ability to acclimate is very important. You have to be comfortable conversing with strangers and making them feel comfortable—especially if you are doing their hair or make-up. Sarah explains, "You have to deal with high stress situations and people gracefully."
It's a Wrap!
Sarah's make-up artistry
for a modeling shoot.
Make-up artistry helped Sarah find her creative niche. Some of her highlights have included collaborating ideas with a talented photographer for multiple artistic modeling shoots, and doing zombie make up for independent films. The rewarding nature of the job has been her favorite part of the job, though. "Helping to boost someone's self confidence is always a good thing," she says. "It's always nice when you feel good at the end of your work day, but even better when you make someone else feel good."
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Sources:
NACCAS, 2006.
American Association of Cosmetology Schools, 2007.
