Good day, beauty enthusiast,
My name is Christine Nobles, and I have been in the Film and modeling industry for over 17 years. I have my own Business doing weddings and private clients, however I also independently work for TV and Film productions all over Australia, including Channel 7 and ABC. When I started, I used to live in the Czech Republic. My career was as a theater actress and a photo-model. Later, I started a modeling agency that grew all across Europe. I performed makeup artistry when needed. In my early 20’s, I left to Australia for a better lifestyle and started my own Business as a Professional MUA. I Went across the world to study Makeup Artistry in Prague. Later, I also turned into Photography and Hair-styling. Now, I am a creative producer working all over the world. Learn 10 Simple Steps to Become a Professional Makeup Artist Worldwide!
1. Make Sure It’s Your Calling!
At first, being a makeup artist requires a high level of self-motivation. You are your boss, and that requires discipline. It would be best if you liked working with people. Extrovert personalities thrive in this type of environment. You are required to be creative and have a certain level of experience. Being fit and healthy often helps with long days carrying heavy equipment. If you work for production, you must be very efficient with your time. That comes with practice. Doing this job, you should desire to be your client’s best friend and help them feel good about themselves. Also, mental health plays a significant role in this job. Technically, you are an artist but practically also a therapist, support, and, in many cases, part of people’s families. Or at least that is how it feels to be part of people’s weddings and special occasions.
2. Practice Makes Perfect!
Please invite your friends on Friday night to your place and practice makeup on them from YouTube Tutorials. Experiment with colors and shapes. You will not be charging money for the service now; however, you are learning and gaining knowledge. Ensure you use basic hygiene protocol to keep your products sterile to avoid spreading infections and skin diseases. You can prevent this by using new brushes for each person and disinfecting your sponges regularly. Also, get makeup disinfection spray. Your experience will be helpful in your future education.
3. Seek Professional Makeup School
Once you are comfortable that this is what you want to do, find a Professional makeup school. If you are from a small town, you will have to travel. It is an investment in your future career and a passion. Do not hesitate to spend money as this will help you to make money and do what you love. In some countries, having a certificate is a must to start a business. Even if it’s not required, I strongly recommend that. Certification helps you to gain trust and credibility on the market. Makeup schools often offer discounts for high-quality products and equipment. As a result, you will feel more comfortable and confident in seeking paying clients.
4. Shop Around For Products.
You will need some essential equipment to start with. I highly recommend purchasing a ring light to match foundations well. A director’s fold-up chair will make your customers comfortable and protect your back from banding. You can also take it with you while providing mobile service. A makeup kit is a must for separating your products and finding things fast while working. Quality brushes and sponges will make your life so much easier. And last will be makeup products. Make sure that you have everything spare in case you run out. My favorite brands are Makeup Forever, M.A.C. Huda Beauty, and La Maqualage De MaqPro Paris. Make sure you have some savings available. This step can be pricey!
5. Focus On Finance!
At this stage, you should have figured out what makes you money and what doesn’t. Although some things are more fun, you must treat them as a business. What works personally for me are Weddings, Gala Balls, and Engagement parties — everything where there is high pressure on a result. I also love working for Film, TV Productions and Photographers. You might need an extra course for this as it differs from a function makeup. Any additional specializations can increase your pay. Make sure you put some money aside every year to buy new products, upskill at courses, and have enough to pay taxes. Look at your annual income and how much you spend on products. This will help you adjust your prices to be more profitable.
6. Make It a Full-Time Career!
This might take an average of 2 to 5 years. It might be easier to make a living in a high-demand location. Be also mindful of competition. Some cities are only seasonal but might mean more significant opportunities. I recommend getting as many skills as possible. Some makeup artists combine their services with skincare and product selling, and others do brow shaping, lash extensions, tattooing, nails, etc. I added to my services hairstyling and photography. Be bold and tweak your prices with growing inflation and more experience! If you do your job for 20 years, you can charge more than someone in their second year. Know your worth! We all struggle with whether you are “good enough” to charge more.
As long as your clients are leaving happy with a big smile on their faces, leaving you fantastic reviews on your work, you can be sure they will return for quality service and pay more.
7. Become a Master!
You have been in the industry now for many years, and you have successfully operated the business. You have an endless amount of knowledge and expertise. People trust you and respect you. You are no longer stressed about a challenge because there are not many things you haven’t done. People come to seek advice. This is the moment you know you have mastered your craft. It’s time to share your mastery with others. Be bold and teach skills to your clients in one-on-one sessions. You can also do a public masterclass, write a book, or a magazine article. Make an online course or start a blog. Do behind-the-scenes YouTube videos! You can help others make their dreams come true in endless ways.
8. Call To ACTION!
Are you feeling overwhelmed with the amount of work? I would, too! It’s a lot to take in! My advice is to take one day at a time. If this is your calling, you will enjoy it so much that nothing can hinder success. Save this blog post as a long-term guide, and slowly take 1 step at a time and breathe! You will make an excellent MUA! I wish you lots of joy and success on your journey. IT’S SO WORTH IT!
Please reach out if you have any questions. I can also invite you to my YouTube Channel, where I do some Makeup and photography workshops.
Please feel free to reach me on my social media:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWylR-7Bz–1m3SxllVgMXA
https://www.facebook.com/ChristineNoblesMakeupartist
https://www.instagram.com/christinenobles_makeupartist/
https://www.pinterest.com.au/ChristineNoblesWorldwide/
Want to know more? Read another blog post:
Was moving to Australia and gaining residency worth the hype?
