Part 1 – Mikala Ewald
So you want to become a professional makeup artist, but have no idea how to begin? I have compiled a comprehensive list of the steps necessary to become a professional makeup artist.
Step One: Learn Your Craft
Today, education is a key requirement for careers in any and every type of professional environment, and makeup artistry is no exception. Most people probably do not realize the number of skills and the amount of information that is necessary to become a skilled makeup artist-this art form requires much more than just a bag of makeup and some brushes.
In order to succeed as a makeup artist, you must be passionate about your artistry. The makeup artistry industry is very competitive and usually requires ample amounts of your time, energy, and volunteer services while you are just starting out. Before deciding to take your makeup artistry career to the next level, it is important to do your research and decide if you are willing to give your all to succeed in this competitive industry.
Once you have decided to commit to becoming a professional makeup artist, it is time to choose a school. Makeup artist education comes in a variety of forms; you may attend a strictly makeup artistry school, you may choose to get your esthetics license (makeup artistry, skin care and treatments, hair removal), or you might decide to get your cosmetology license which can include training in all of the aforementioned skills as well as hair styling, cutting, and coloring. Before making your final decision, you must research the laws regulating makeup artistry for the state in which you are planning to practice (you may be required to have a license in order to apply products) as well as research different schools extensively in order to choose the one that is the best fit for you. Different types of makeup artistry schools may only target specific areas of the craft, and you need to ensure you will be obtaining all the skills necessary to reach the goals you have set for yourself.
Below, I have provided a list of some vital educational building blocks that all potential makeup artists should look for and consider when choosing a school.
- Color Theory
- Contouring
- Face Shapes and Structures
- Sanitation
- Blending
- Tools of the Trade (brushes and disposables)
- Product Ingredients
- Customer Service Skills
- Marketing
- Entrepreneurship and Business Operations