Have you ever dreamed of becoming a professional makeup artist but weren’t sure what it truly involves? Curious about what a career in the makeup world means and wondering if it’s the right path for you? Imagine this: your client’s face is your canvas, and you are the artist bringing their vision to life.
We’ve created a quick overview of the essential skills every great makeup artist should possess to help guide you in taking the first step toward becoming one. Dive in and see if you’re ready to turn your passion into a career!
Creativity - One of the Most Important Skills for a Professional Makeup Artist
Creativity is, without doubt, the most important skill you need to have to become a professional MUA. Creativity is not limited to only creating looks that make people gasp but also on the artistic vision, adaptability and conceptualization. Creativity helps you establish new trends, new techniques or use unexpected materials for creating revolutionary looks. Creativity implies conceptualization as well, as it makes you visualize something before it even exists.
The good part about creativity is that it knows no limits. You can find your inspiration in art, fashion, nature, mythology and then morph it into makeup looks. Just as in any other form of art, feelings are expressed and you can tell a story through makeup as well.
Proper Knowledge of Different Makeup Techniques
Makeup techniques proficiency is another must-have skill for anyone aspiring to become a professional makeup artist.
First of all, skin preparation is a crucial step in any makeup routine and even more so for professional looks, as it ensures a lasting effect of the makeup look, but also that the skin is prepared according to its type and needs and it is protected. Applying makeup in accordance with one person’s bone and facial structure is just as important. For example, blush application differs, depending on the person’s face shape. Eye-makeup is another complex area, as it is not only limited to different makeup styles and techniques, but also how to apply them in accordance with the customer’s eye shape. Brows can make or break one’s physical appearance, so they are extremely important as well, as they have to be adjusted according to one’s facial structure and features.
As a professional makeup artist, your set of skills is extended beyond creating everyday or special events looks and you must master fantasy or special effects makeup. These looks are usually industry-specific, like the television and film ones, but not limited to them. Skills in SFX (special effects makeups) and airbrushing are also a very strong addition to your portfolio as a professional makeup artist.
Makeup techniques proficiency includes a strong knowledge on the different types of products in the market, and how and when to use cream-based, powder or liquid products.
Understanding Color Theory - An Essential Skill to Boost Your Professional Value
A professional makeup artist needs to have a proper understanding and strong theoretical background in color theory. As previously mentioned, the most important purpose of makeup is to enhance one person’s features.
To do so, you need to be able to find the right colors to match your customer’s skin tone and undertone. The Real Color Wheel is one (if not) the most accurate resource for eye color and lips. Color harmony is an important part of color theory as they help you find the suitable shade and palette of color that is pleasant to the eye. finding the right color harmony in art. The colors are divided into warm, cold and hybrid. In the world of makeup, contrasts are everything: increasing contrasts make the face look younger and the use of the right cosmetics increase the contrasts of the face that declines with age.
Color theory is a crucial skill for professional makeup artists as colors add depth and dimension to the face. Knowing where to use darker and lighter colors enables you to accentuate certain areas of the face or, on the contrary, minimize imperfections. This is especially applied in contouring techniques and blush and highlighter placements. Who would have thought you can make your nose smaller or your cheekbones more sculpted using only makeup?
Time Management
Setting realistic time-guidelines is another essential skill you need to master as professional MUA. You need to be able to estimate how long a certain look will take to create, based on its complexity, but also take a “margin” to fix eventual correction or respond to your customer’s needs. There are different mobile apps that help you estimate and keep track of timing. Additionally, you must be realistic with your time management, meaning not overbooking yourself. A makeup appointment does not mean only the look itself, but also pre and post-appointment activities, meaning cleaning the space and tools and preparing for the next appointment, to which you add your personal time for breaks. Using daily planners can be a useful tool for you, as it helps you visualize and keep track of your time and prevent double booking or overbooking.
Communication and Marketing Skills
Communication is key and the makeup industry is no stranger to it. As a professional makeup artist, you need to communicate efficiently with your customers and be able to provide advice or consultation to them. Thus, you must listen to their vision and preferences then adapt them to the customer’s facial features. Communication implies receiving feedback and critique as well, as they help you improve and build sustainable relationships for the future, expand your network and open yourself for different collaborations.
Understanding basic marketing is another important part of this set of skills. You do not need to be a marketing guru, but knowing how to advertise yourself, as well as social media trends awareness are important. As a professional MUA, you need to show off your work in the best way possible. Knowing how to promote your work not only helps you build a portfolio, but it also helps you create your personal brand efficiently. This means that your aesthetics and brand identity will be easily recognizable, based on the before-after shots, testimonials or reactions, enlarging your customers' poll but also connecting to your audience. Being authentic and finding your way are the key here, as it can be easy to fall in the trap of following certain influencers and their short-lived trends.
Add a pinch of attention to details to each of the previously mentioned skills and you might have a recipe for success. More importantly, mind the fact that great things take time and you should be patient with yourself. As education is the key behind every successful story, so is educating yourself in the domain of makeup. At the Make Up Institute Stockholm, you have a chance to develop these skills and start your professional makeup artist career. Could you imagine that you can become a certified international makeup artist and hairstylist within 20 weeks?
Read more about our International Master Makeup Artist course and let yourself be the future trendsetter, awarded makeup artist or a star in makeup. Visit our website and if you have any more questions, please feel free to contact us at info@mist.com.
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