If you love putting on makeup or creating fun looks with cosmetics, you might have considered becoming a professional makeup artist, at least once or twice. Makeup artists work in a variety of areas, such as theater and film, magazines, and fashion. Some specialize in bridal and wedding makeup, others work in funeral homes, preparing bodies for final viewing.
Training to become a makeup artist combines the science of cosmetics with the art of makeup. The following are some signs that a career as a makeup artist (MUA) is right for you.
You Like Working With People
As a professional MUA, you're going to work with a lot of people. You'll work with your clients, who can range from professional models to everyday people who want a special look for a big occasion. In some cases, you'll work with other artists, such as film directors or creative directors, who want you to help them bring their visions and ideas to life.
Working with people as a makeup artist means taking the good with the bad. You might get along well with your clients and they might love everything you do. But there might also be times when communication is difficult or when your clients are uncertain about what they want. There might also be times when you have to tell a client no, such as if they have a condition like pink eye or skin issue that could be exacerbated by makeup.
You're a Good Listener
Being an MUA means combining what you think will work best with what a client wants. If you're doing makeup for someone's wedding and they tell you that they'd like a soft, natural look, you should be able to give that look to them, even if you'd rather create a more dramatic makeup look.
When you're working on a film, a photoshoot, or a runway presentation, you'll need to be able to take direction from the director or designer, rather than create your own styles and looks. You'll need to follow the guidance and instructions given to you, even if you don't agree with them.
You're Creative
Makeup artists are creative people. They like trying new things and exploring the possibilities of makeup and cosmetics. A career as an MUA is right for you if you're excited by the potential of makeup and if you like to play around with it, pushing its boundaries and seeing what it can do.
Part of being creative is being able to solve problems that arise or challenges that might come up when you're working with a client. You might have booked a wedding and had a certain look in mind, only for the bride to tell you she can't wear eye makeup. You'll then want to come up with a solution that works for you and the client.
You Have Thick Skin
Although you'll work with a lot of lovely people in your career as a makeup artist, not everything is going to go smoothly. Some people might be extra critical of your choices or might not like the looks you've produced.
To succeed as an MUA, it helps to take everything with a grain of salt. You need to be resilient and to remember that you can't make everyone happy 100% of the time, even if you try.
You Want a Job You'll Love
Everyone wants a career that will leave them feeling fulfilled and satisfied. If you like working with people, love makeup, and want to work in a job that allows you to be creative, a career as an MUA can be right for you.
Cortiva Institute Massage Therapy and Skin Care Schools offers makeup artist training at our campuses in Florida. To learn more about the program and how to enroll, request more information today.