Hey Blossoms,
As a freelance makeup artist in New York competition is FIERCE! However to succeed, thrive and profit there are a few key steps one must embody and follow. I'm going to tell you ALL how to make money as a makeup artist!
STEP ONE
Know your craft!
No one wants to hire someone that doesn't know what they are doing. So if you need to practice on your smokey eye, then practice. Still having trouble matching foundations to skin tones, then practice. Unsure of those who've paved the way before you, then read/google/ask about them! Ignorance will keep you broke and poor skills will keep you even broker as a MUA. So KNOW what your doing, never think you know it ALL and KEEP PRACTICING! Even veterans get a little dusty.
STEP TWO
Have a STAND OUT business card!
Have you ever been handed a business card and went about your day. Only to find the business card in the depths of your pocket or bag and couldn't remember the face behind the person who handed it to you NOR what exactly they were promoting? No? Well go walk around a busy shopping strip and see all the fliers and business cards you'll be handed or go to a seminar or major event. Look at all your business cards at the end of the day and see if you can remember the person based off their business card. Yea, I'll wait...
Don't get me wrong I know sometimes less is more and in today's economy less is more affordable but don't drown yourself with simplicity. A little color and a photo..(RETOUCHED photo that is!!! ABSOLUTELY No camera phone/digi cam pictures please! Trust me from experience!) can go an extremely long way. To make it easier have your business card match your personality or speciality. If your a special effects MUA design it around that theme, if you want mainly bridal clients then design your card around that theme and so forth. With the ability to custom design the front AND back of a business card the sky isn't even the limit.
Your card will be the LAST thing in a potential client's hand when you depart from them, and stand as an extension of your FIRST IMPRESSION, but the FIRST thing in their hand when they realize they need a MUA for a gig and reach for the business cards they've hoarded( yes hoarded because trust me many cards will be in that pile). Will YOU be remembered through your card or will your card SINK or SWIM?
Here's my OLD card (I placed a digi cam photo! HUGE NO NO! Novice mistake)
When you know better you do better right? Decked out with my logo (my actual lips filled in with Cherry Blossoms ,my namesake inspiration, by a lip brush engraved with my name "Sherry Blossom") and 2 RETOUCHED (albeit slightly) photos from my portfolio...Here is my NEW card(a few changes have been made to it this was a draft copy but it still looks pretty much the same with some info removed/inserted)!
STEP THREE
PORTFOLIO PLEASE!
Goodness I have come across so many MUAs that are still "working on it", their portfolio that is and yet they thrust themselves into the mix and add to the competition already out there.
Are you saying that there are MUAs working and getting clients with no business card, website or hardcopy of their portfolio even? YES I AM!!! So you need to rise to the occasion again,1st with business cards and now with a solid and strong portfolio.
Now my demographics is the everyday woman. Regardless what your market is everyone in the world is VISUAL. They like to SEE what ever it is that you SAY you can do. It's simply human nature. Grandma always said "The proof is in the pudding." And she was right. Now I'm not saying go obtain a encyclopedia sized portfolio filled with every makeup combo known to man (trust me even if you did that you would STILL miss some). but have a few photos in there. If your unsure of how many start off with these categories if you'd like or as they pertain to your business: Bridal, Editorial, Beauty, Special Effects, Avant Garde, Black & White. A few photos in the categories you pick would make for a nice well rounded portfolio.
Now this portfolio can be online, hardcopy OR both. For those of you interested in TV, Print & Film it's best to have both. Sometimes there is no time to sit there and log onto a website. Many top publications have corporate offices where you drop your hardcopy portfolio off to for them to view and you pick it up at a later time or day.
Again since my demographic is the everyday woman its more my choice to have an online portfolio AND a hardcopy portfolio. I notice that most of my work comes through by word of mouth and thus as Grandma said "The proof is in the pudding."
STEP FOUR
It's a new age! TECHNOLOGY RULES! So ABIDE!
I know! I know! What happened to the "old school" or the "day and age when.." Yes I've heard all the stories but the fact still remains that technology HAS taken over and will continue to do so. So if you want to keep up with the wave AND the money then get with the program.
But what does that mean? That means I do not care what Facebook did to your last relationship, get back on it and this time maintain a BUSINESS like profile(give your "friends" a heads up that shenanigans won't be allowed on your page!); clients don't want to read about the drama going on between so and so and how this guy/girl is hitting on you or even what your doing at that exact moment your posting (ok I'm guilty of this but be sure if you MUST post your daily happenings keep it PG13 and DRAMA/VULGAR WORDAGE FREE!)
Get a Twiiter account and LEARN what #hashtags will be most beneficial to you (for all MUAs be sure to follow #makeupchat & #makeupmonday chats!). Ok I understand life can get way to busy for the daily almost hourly upkeep of these said social networks. Here's a solution. BLOG!!! BLOG!!! BLOG!!! Simple websites are fine but people WANT to know what's going on with you, what you like, what your into, what you learn, and of course the occasional freebie (be it exclusive info, great tip, prize or giveaway). Unless your super successful already and random strangers google you by name, a simple website with a few photos and your contact info just will NOT work. FACT: I've bought more from companies/people who are interactive on social networking sites and blog more than from those people/companies who do NOT! So if I'M seeking more than I know others are too and so thats what you should AIM to provide..MORE...just simply because! People want to know that they are not just dollar signs to you. That the only contact or conversation they can have with you is when they are paying for your services. So get off your "anti-technology horse" and go create a FACEBOOK, TWITTER account and START A BLOG! ITS FREE!!!
I have it all!
YOUTUBETWITTERFACEBOOKONLINE PORTFOLIOBEAUTYLISHFORMSPRING and MORE!!!!
STEP FOUR
BRANDING
I'm Sherry Blossom all day everyday! Even when I'm out and about, at school, home or work. No I don't walk around making up strangers, classmates, my family or coworkers. What I mean is I AM THE SOLE REPRESENTATION of my brand..my business. Opportunity rarely gives you a warning before it knocks so I am always making sure to cross my T's and dot my I's. For me this means clean made up face, presentable wardrobe (I'm usually dressed in all black anyway..Universal MUA wardrobe!), business cards on hand, and a great personality with proper diction to match. There is nothing worse than a person that looks and acts all put together and opens their mouth and completely turns you off. PLEASE DO NOT BE THAT PERSON! Every single person you encounter: male/female, young/old can be a potential client or LEAD you to a potential client. I'm not saying treat everyone like your next paycheck I'm saying be sure to keep in mind that you are the SOLE REPRESENTATION of your business if YOU bring ill repute to your OWN BRAND...YOUR BUSINESS remember there is no one else to blame, no one else to fire...the consequences of poor behavior will DIRECTLY affect you. Your REPUTATION is all you have and it MATTERS. This is one profession where what others THINK of you can make or break you. MOST of your business will be by word of mouth and you will see in the field of makeup artistry that its a SMALL SMALL world. So don't BURN BRIDGES!
STEP FIVE
LOWER your EXPENSES & INCREASE your PROFITS
This is a very simple numbers game. Here's what I mean using a very simple list of a few purchases(withdrawals) and a payment (deposit) to show a "month" of expenses and profits: I've made up these numbers and kept it simple so you can get the jest of the idea...
APRIL 2011Spent $100 on a new eyeshadow palette
Spent $50 on a "MUST HAVE" _________(insert anything you like here you know how "must haves" go)
Deposit from 1 Photo shoot gig $200
Total Withdrawal $150
Total Deposit $200
PROFIT FOR APRIL $50!!!Now you already have more than enough eyeshadow palettes and could have made do without that new palette you purchased and that "MUST HAVE" item actually wasn't that great. Now if you would have passed on both your monthly PROFIT could have been
$200 instead of $50!!! So PLEASE
STOP the
FRIVOLOUS SPENDING and you'll start
INCREASING YOUR PROFITS!
STEP SIX
NETWORK with EVERYONE even FELLOW MUAs & ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST b/c the WORLD is WATCHING!
This is a huge one! Remember I said this makeup artistry world is really small well let me correct that its really really really small. I PROMISE you that you will soon work a gig with other MUAs and I assure you that you will work more gigs with those same MUAs again at some point. The Fashion/Beauty/Makeup/Photography and now even Natural Hair/Jewelry/Clothing world are integrating. It's like playing that game "6 degrees of separation". No matter how distant you think 2 people may be in any of these fields I BET there is a MUA that I can connect to them. Whether I have to go 20 rounds to make the connection I assure you a connection will be made.
So what does that mean for me? If your a type A personality your fine I'm sure you understand the need to network, to not disrespect anyone, to do your job, to keep your mouth closed, to not burn bridges or step on toes but for you ALPHA MALES & FEMALES you will need to RELAX and quickly or your business will meet its demise before you have a chance to clean your next roll of brushes. That's ALL it takes! One wrong move,one bad statement, one tardiness and it can be all over between you and that client or fellow MUA and the rest will be a domino effect. Don't believe me when I say that the industry is small and befriending other MUAs is a positive and not a negative well here's a story. One of my first jobs when I began was referred to me by ANOTHER MUA who could not make the shoot and asked me to take her place! From that single act alone I have made SO MANY connections!
Still unconvinced here's another story about professionalism and not burning bridges(no matter WHAT!): I tested with a photographer ,who I never received my photos from, and 6 months later was hired by a stranger via online ad to do work on a shoot for their friend. I arrived at the photography studio to be greeted by that SAME photographer. I remained neutral and did my job and at the end of the shoot the photographer spoke of needing my services as an in-house MUA for the studio (due to the photographers POOR IMPRESSION from our initial meet up I remained respectful but was relieved when there was talk of getting back to me with more info as I really didn't want to have to politely declined right in their face!).
And yet another story, I was chatting with a woman randomly and before our departure found out she was the Makeup supervisor for Phantom of The Opera that same day I chatted with another woman randomly only to find out a few days later that woman was the creator of a VERY popular blog site and surprisingly knew who I was at the time but I didn't know who she was. She later told me "You pop up everywhere!". I asked if that was a good thing and she said "Yes especially in this industry." I'd like to add to that and say as long as it's POSITIVE things your popping up end then keep it up! ...POINT MADE! I have soo many stories like this but the moral is: Network, make connections, be respectful, humble and kind you NEVER know WHO you will run into again or what doors they can (if any) will open for you!
STEP SEVEN
CHARGE A REASONABLE FEE!
Uh oh I'm sure I'll get flack about this but I don't believe in trying to get rich off every client. I have a flat fee that I believe is very reasonable. Although the beauty industry is a billion dollar industry we are STILL in a recession and my demographic are everyday woman be it college students, working moms, at home moms even retirees. I understand that sometimes getting their makeup done by a professional makeup artist is done on a special occasion and usually a "splurge" that they treat themselves to. I understand because I WAS THEM at one point before I turned my love for makeup and makeup artistry into a business! My fees can be located at the bottom of this very website and are current. I freelance and so I do have a full time career. However because I freelance and don't do makeup 40hrs a week/5 days a week does NOT mean I give subpar service I actually do my very best to give the absolute BEST service. I'm always told I should charge more. For now the prices are what they are. So ladies/gents enjoy it now! My profit potential is insane! Imagine 10 people that have $35 but not $50 but want their makeup done. There is no bargaining at makeup counters the price is just the price(most counters charge a $50 minimum fee) and many freelancers charge an equal amount or sometimes MORE! So under other circumstances those persons would be without their makeup done (unless they scrounge up the difference or WANT to part with the extra money..usually not) .When they see my work and prices its a deal they just can't beat. So 10 UNHAPPY customers just became 10 HAPPY clients. Imagine those 10 HAPPY clients know 10 other UNHAPPY POTENTIAL clients EACH. That's 100 more people to know of my "can't be beat deal" and the rest is HERSTORY! Now of course its not JUST that simple but you get my idea.
STEP EIGHT
ANSWER ANY/ALL MAKEUP QUESTIONS ASKED!
This should be a no brainer but some MUAs like to hold on to "information" afraid to let it seep for fear that those persons who are novices to makeup will gain knowledge and therefore might no longer seek a MUA services. Now I'm not saying that this DOESNT happen because it does BUT we ALL know how vast makeup is its more than just a foundation, mascara and lipstick. So unless the people your giving makeup information to are working towards becoming MUAs they will NEVER be at your level of expertise and thus your services will STILL be needed.
We all know how much money we've dropped on building a kit, makeup artistry books, makeup school, makeup classes, makeup seminars, makeup shows. So much blood, sweat and tears to make OTHERS LOOK their best. So trust me YOUR SERVICES ARE NEEDED!! Not many people know what you DO! So don't be afraid or hesitant to give back to those that come to you seeking help:
What's the best foundation for oily skin? What's the best concealer? What eyeshadows do you prefer? These are just some of the most frequently asked questions we as MUAs get asked. These questions aren't even the tip of the iceberg to the world of makeup, it's like one little snowflake on top of the TIP of the iceberg! Answer them all (no matter how repetitive they may become) you ARE your BRAND so don't be afraid to be BRANDED as a MAKEUP GURU (in your circle). It's okay to be the GO TO person for sound makeup advice just be sure your telling whole truths and not whole lies. Just be sure the information your giving to people who trust your expertise, judgement and answers are complete and your generosity will be appreciated, cultivated and ultimately lead to
CLIENTS!STEP NINE
DO MAKEUP FOR FREE!
WHAT?!! DID YOU SAY FOR FREE!!?? Why YES , YES I DID! There is a method to my madness folks. Nothing in life is ever truly free. I've volunteered my makeup artistry services to many fundraising functions, awareness events and even school/college/church fashion shows. In each event I was able to showcase my skills and abilities, practice on different skin tones AND network! (pass out business cards, talk about makeup with other MUAs at times & chat with key people) All of this is invaluable. The gift that can keep on giving! Trust me not only does volunteering your services feel good on the inside it can feel good to your bank account in the near/far future when you hand out your business cards to potential clients. Even if nothing comes from it, I still go home from these events feeling good. Many times the "models" you do in these events have never had their makeup done professionally. Yes I'm a sap and seeing those awesome smiles when they look in the mirror makes me smile. When I get a call from a person who requests my services who was referred by one of the persons I made up or was an attendee to one of those events I did for "FREE" THAT makes me smile EVEN MORE!!!
STEP TEN
FOLLOW ALL THESE STEPS(if your current plan isn't making you a profit) or INCORPORATE THE ONES YOU DONT FOLLOW YET(to increase your profits)
Follow these above steps and I promise you will MAKE MONEY! Ok maybe not filthy rich but depending on your demographic and how much you dedicate to your business and your fees you can get a nice piece of change every day/week/month/year it's all up to you!!! Also remember that not only monetary gain can be obtained from following these steps too but CONNECTIONS! In many fields it can be a matter of WHO you KNOW not just WHAT you know but PLEASE PLEASE (I can not stress this enough) BE GENUINE & HUMBLE! This entire list will not benefit you if you are NOT GENUINE & HUMBLE!
GENEROUSNESS & HUMILITY ARE THE BATTERY of this PROFIT LOCOMOTIVE!
Really Sherry Blossom? Is it true? Why does it work? IT works because it has YOU..YOUR BRAND...YOUR BUSINESS in CONSTANT rotation! All day and everyday!! Your bound to get feedback, business, network, make connections, gain future clientele. All these are imperative to a successful business and a
SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS PROFITS!!!So do you have any other money making tips? Have you tried any of the above tips to improve your clientele?
Until Next Time,
Later Blossoms
