November 26, 2022 - Reading time: 10 minutes

Putting on cosmetics has always been one of my favorite hobbies. When I was a small child, I used to love to watch my mother put on her lipstick and foundation because I thought it was so interesting. I was curious as to what she did to achieve such flawless-looking skin. I would ask her if I could try some of her makeup, and she would let me apply a small dab of powder or blush on my cheeks. When I became a gymnast I started applying my own makeup and from then on, I was hooked. When I stopped training I still kept up my skills with makeup, and for a short time considered becoming a MUA.

Now that I am an adult, I have come to the conclusion that a job as a makeup artist is the ideal path for me to take. It combines two of my greatest interests: making other individuals look attractive and assisting others in gaining self-assurance. When I do someone's makeup, one of the things that I find most satisfying is witnessing the metamorphosis that takes place, not only on the surface but also on the inside. When my clients leave my chair, they feel like the very best version of themselves, and that is something that cannot be put a price on.

Why then do you want to become a makeup artist? For me, the answer is clear: doing so brings me joy. And if I could choose anything else to do with my life, it would be to focus on making the happiness of others a priority. To a regard that is what specializing in the field does, by making somebody look their best you are helping them feel their best, bring happiness in that manner is also very rewarding.

But it is much more than just skill.

Like with every art based profession you need to have both talent and networking skills. For many the notion that talent alone is not enough to make it in the competitive field of makeup artistry can be deterring; yet, it is important to understand that you need a lot more than that to be successful. Self-promotion is absolutely necessary if you want to establish a name for yourself in the fashion and beauty industry, just as it is in any other field of work.

There are a number of important things that you can do to advertise your abilities as a makeup artist and get your name out there in the world. To begin, you should think about establishing an online portfolio in the form of a website or a blog. Be sure to include images of your clients' before-and-after transformations, as well as any testimonials they may have to share with you. You can also reach a bigger audience by using social media sites like Instagram and Facebook which means I would need to dust off my old accounts.

You shouldn't just limit yourself to marketing your work on the internet; you should also think about showing off your talents in person. Attend local fashion shows or beauty events and offer your services as a makeup artist to the models or guests at these events. This is an excellent opportunity to meet prospective customers and to display your expertise.

That said, one must not discount the significance of word-of-mouth advertising. Ensure that your customers are pleased with the work that you have provided for them, and urge them to recommend you to their friends. As a makeup artist, your path to success will be paved for you if you focus on delivering high-caliber services and cultivating a solid reputation.

First Impressions Are Beauty's Business

There is no doubting the importance of a first impression, and in the beauty industry, your business card is typically the first sight of your work that potential clients see. Because of this, it is important to make a good first impression. Your business card is an essential piece of promotional material that can assist you in attracting new customers and promoting yourself as a professional makeup artist.

I have seen some very talented artists use some really terrible cards. They didn't set the tone for their skills right or they choose something that wasn't very flattering. For this aspect I was mindful that I chose the ones that both represented me and looked professional. The set that I settled on offered a mix of all of these aspects while looking a little bit cute and playful, not too much to distract from any one point but enough to feel right.

Using business cards effectively can be difficult, but here are some helpful hints:

1. Maintain an air of seriousness.

It is important that the professionalism of your brand is reflected on your business card. Select a high-quality paper material and finish, and steer clear of employing designs that are childish or gimmicky.

2. Make use of compelling imagery.

Use striking pictures on your business card so that it jumps out at potential customers when they see a stack of cards. If you are a makeup artist, you might want to use a close-up shot of one of the looks you've created with cosmetics. You may also make your card stand out by using a striking color scheme or unusual typography.

3. Be sure to include any pertinent information.

Make sure that your contact information is readily available and that it contains all of the pertinent particulars, such as your name, title, telephone number, email address, website URL, and social media handles.

4. Placement should be given careful consideration.

Take some time to plan out where you will place your business cards before you start handing them out. For instance, you may leave them at areas where the people who are most likely to become your customers would see them, such as hair salons, spas, or shops. Alternately, you may distribute them at beauty-industry-related gatherings such as events and meetups.

5. Keep in touch!

After you have handed someone your business card, it is important that you remember to follow up with them. Remember how important I said networking is once you have your foot in the door? There should never be an opportunity left untapped or a contact that is allowed to go cold. Send a short text message or email to the individual to thank them for their time and add a link to your website or portfolio so that they can learn more about your work. You may even choose to thank them for their time in person.

Regardless of how important it seems now there is no guarantee that in the future you may not be able to help one another in some way.

Important Skills to Learn

There are plenty of different aspect of beauty that a MUA can focus on, yet, there are some areas that you cannot ignore no matter whatever else you choose to include in your portfolio of skills. The list was given to me by an instructor when I first showed interest and I worked on each area, not until I was happy, but when the critique on how to improve them stopped.

Mix Colors for Optimum Results

As a makeup artist, one of the most important skills you can have is the ability to mix and match colors. Whether you’re working with eyeshadows, lipsticks, or foundation, being able to create custom colors that complement your client’s features is essential. With so many different products on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which shades to use. But with a little practice, mixing and matching colors will become second nature.

Apply Makeup That Flatters the Individual

Another important skill for makeup artists is knowing how to apply makeup in a way that is flattering for the individual. Everyone’s face is different, so it’s important to tailor your makeup application to each person. Some people may prefer a natural look while others want something more dramatic. It’s your job to figure out what works best for each person and make them look their absolute best.

The Skill to Make Skin Look Even and Smooth

One of the most common concerns people have when it comes to their appearance is their skin. Whether they’re dealing with acne, wrinkles, or dark spots, everyone wants to have smooth, even skin. As a makeup artist, part of your job is to help people achieve that goal. There are a variety of techniques you can use to make skin look smoother and more even, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works best.

Make Eyes Look Open and Vibrant

Another common concern people have is making their eyes look bright and awake. This can be especially difficult if someone has tired-looking eyes or dark circles. But luckily, there are a few tricks you can use as a makeup artist to help brighten up someone’s appearance. From using white eyeliner to applying shimmery eyeshadow, there are plenty of ways to make eyes look brighter and more awake.

Creating Different Looks for Different Occasions

As a makeup artist, it’s also important to be able to create different looks for different occasions. Whether someone is looking for a casual daytime look or a glamorous evening look, you should be able to provide them with what they need. People often book makeup artists for special occasions like weddings or parties, so it’s important that you know how to create a variety of looks that will wow your clients.

November 25, 2022 - Reading time: 9 minutes

As I sit here and type of this note there is a lot of flux in my professional life. The potential for layoffs is pretty high right now in my company and yet I see it as an opportunity to move in a new direction. As you know I have been a lot of things in my life, when I was younger it was more than clear to me that, someday, I would be a professional gymnast at least for several years. Today, my husband and I still go dancing, both of us being rhythmically inclined, though my obsession has subdued to a normal health level from my peak in my early teens.

It should not come as much of a surprise that changing occupations could be a challenging task. After all, starting a new job from scratch in a field that you are not familiar with is not exactly the simplest thing to accomplish, particularly if you do not have any prior experience in the field.

Altering one's line of work can, on the other hand, result in a variety of positive outcomes. It is possible that it will provide you with the opportunity to start over, acquire new skills, and even make more money. Therefore, how can you determine if switching careers is the best choice for you?

Here are some things that should be taken into consideration:

1. Are you dissatisfied with the career that you currently have?
   • If you've come to the conclusion that your current line of work isn't making you happy, it might be time to look into other options. Being unhappy in one's job can result in a wide range of complications, including a decline in productivity, increased absenteeism, and even clinical depression.
2. Do you feel as though you're unable to get out of a rut?
   • When you feel as though you're simply going through the motions in your job and not really getting anywhere, then it's possible that you could benefit from making a switch to something else. Stepping outside of one's comfort zone can lead to the discovery of new opportunities and personal development.
3. Are you interested in taking on a greater challenge?
   • People will frequently remain in the same line of work because they are either reluctant to embrace change or mistakenly believe that they are unable to excel at anything else. If you recognize yourself in any of these descriptions, it may be time to reevaluate the circumstances surrounding you. Putting yourself in uncomfortable situations can be beneficial to your personal and professional development.

That is simpler said than done for most. When I am left with a tricky situation I feel it is useful to go through a list of pros and cons, usually, I never need to write them down but with my current situation I did. When I was working to become a gymnast there was a need to do my own makeup when we would preform. That left me with an interest in makeup artistry when my gymnastic career was no longer relevant. That left me always wondering if it was life sending me a message.

Breaking It Further Down

While my list looked a little bit different when I jotted it down this is what, in essence, it boiled down to. A number of the points were slightly different and I have already taken some courses on cosmetology when I was younger so point three of the cons list are less relevant to me now than they were when I was making my thoughts about the career choice in my teens.

First the Pros

1. It's never too late to switch gears in your professional life. Many people believe that your twenties are the best time to "discover yourself," but this does not mean that you have to remain in the same job for the rest of your life. It is acceptable to seek new employment if you feel that you are not content in your current position.

2. Having a shift in routine can be refreshing. Altering your line of work could provide you with a revitalized sense of purpose if you've been feeling like you're caught in a rut. Beginning one's career anew in a different sector or domain might be an exciting prospect.

3. It's possible that you have more skills and experience than you give yourself credit for. When making a transition to a new line of work, you might be surprised to find that many of the abilities you gained in your prior position are transferable to the new industry.

4. Switching to a new line of work may provide a more favorable work-life balance. If you're having trouble striking a healthy balance between your work and personal life in your current line of work, you might benefit from making a change. Think about getting a job that can either provide you with more adaptable working hours or let you do some of your job from home.

Now for the Cons

1. Making a significant change in one's line of work can be a stressful and intimidating experience. There will be a great deal of uncertainty, and it is possible that your income and job title will need to be reset to their most basic levels.

2. You are going to have to do some research. It is essential to make a decision regarding changing occupations after gathering sufficient information. Be sure to conduct exhaustive study on potential new lines of work before making the transition.

3. You might be required to get additional training or return to school. Before starting your new career, you could be required to complete a certain number of classes or receive further training, and this need will vary according to the industry that you will be working in. This can make the process of switching careers more time-consuming and expensive.

My Dream Job?

Would it be my dream job? I am note able to answer that with a resounding yes. My current job is fine, while not rewarding, I also don't hate it. But how many of us can say that, the majority most likely since we would have a lot more career flux going on.

One aspect of becoming a makeup artist is that one is pretty free, you work for somebody else if it doesn't work out, you can be freelance, or start your own salon and hire others to do the work. No matter what my path is is would still love to find my dream job.

Finding the right career is one of the most rewarding things you can do. It can be a difficult and time-consuming process, but it’s worth it in the end. There are a few key things to keep in mind when searching for the right career.

Think about what you’re passionate about. What are you interested in? What drives you? When you find a career that you’re passionate about, it won’t feel like work. You’ll be excited to get up and go to your job every day.

You should also consider your skills and strengths, honestly. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? Matching your skills and interests with a career is a great way to find satisfaction in your work.

By researching different careers and by talking to people who are already working in those fields you can get a realistic idea of what the day-to-day tasks are like and whether or not you would enjoy them. Once you have a better understanding of what a particular career entails, you can make a more informed decision about whether or not it’s the right fit for you.

Finally, don’t be afraid to take risks. Trying something new can be scary, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Stepping outside of your comfort zone may just lead you to the perfect career for you.

Searching for the right career can be daunting, but it’s also an exciting journey. By keeping these things in mind, you’ll be well on your way to finding a career that you love.

Wow, today's essay got a lot longer than I had planned, it really was just going to be a note at first but my finger kept typing and this is what we ended up with. There is a sense of clarity that I now have after writing this wasn't there when the first words rolled across the screen which is positive sign. Wish me luck, my deliberation has been long and my path getting to the decision to move forward even longer!