Shades Professional Makeup
Hi beauties:
This post is about marketing and
advertising yourself as a makeup artist.
Whether you're the new kid on the
block or a veteran makeup artist, it is important that people know about you
and what you do (services you offer as a makeup artist).
There are numerous ways to
advertise yourself as a makeup artist. Some free ways and some not so free.
If you're completely new to the
fabulous and dynamic world of makeup artistry, you will need to have pictures
to show the world what you can do. Unless you're walking around with Irish
lucky charms or that pot-o-gold, chances are, your first face is not going to
be that of a celebrity so who do you work on? Yourself, friends and
family.........initially, your friends and family are going to be some of your
best clients. Use them to practice on.
Outside of friends and family,
you will need to find other (preferably inexpensive/ free) ways of advertising
yourself.
SOCIAL NETWORKS
For new comers, it is probably
best to take baby steps and utilize free mediums such as social networks
(Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, MySpace, YouTube etc). Social networks have blown up
over the last few years and everyone uses them. By creating fan pages and
blogs, you are opening up yourself to a wealth of knowledge from other industry
professionals and even some amateurs who you can also learn from. You are also
reaching out to international arena. It is a very inexpensive way of
advertising yourself. As a matter of fact, it's all FREE!!!
For seasoned artists, social
networks are also useful. If celebrities can have Facebook and MySpace pages,
then why can't you?
Outside of these social networks
are also blogs and forums specifically for artists whether fashion design,
photography or makeup.
Model Mayhem is the number 1
portfolio website for professional models and photographers. It is a network
for professional and amateur models, photographers, makeup artists and stylist
to meet and exchange talents. It is one of the most popular networking sites
for people in the industry. Again, the best part is that it is FREE!
WORD OF MOUTH
Word of mouth can either be a
good thing or bad thing. It can either lift you up or tear you down. Although
your makeup style may differ from someone else's, if your clients (family,
friends) are pleased (or displeased) with your art, they will be sure to tell
others and that news, whether good or bad will spread. Trial, error, research
and practice are KING in this game. Most of all, remember to be true to you and
your own creativity.
NETWORKING WITH OTHERS
Networking with other makeup
artists can also assist you in marketing and advertising yourself as a makeup
artist. Bear in mind that some artists will be reluctant in assisting while
others will be very helpful.
Attending events such as trade
shows- makeup shows, hair and beauty shows will allow you to network with
people in your field. You can exchange ideas, learn new tricks of the trade and
buy products. I recently attend the Makeup Show in New York and while I didn't
necessarily learn any new tricks and tips, it was great to meet some well-known
makeup artists and bloggers.
LOCAL CONTACTS
Event planners, especially
wedding planners, are always seeking makeup artists (and even better if you can
style hair as well) to assist with completing their wedding plans. Contacting
wedding planners and photo studios in your area about your services is another
free way of advertising yourself. Be sure to leave business cards with them as
well.
BUSINESS CARDS
Business cards can be expensive
but they can also cost next to nothing (if printed at home). They are necessary
and can non-verbally speak a thousand words. Remember that in the absence of
your presence, your business cards will speak for you so your name and title
(Makeup Artist) should be clearly stated on the card along with contact details
in the event someone needs to contact you. The design of your card is a
personal thing but because you are in a professional line of business, you want
to ensure that your card is a true reflection of you and your business. If you
have a blog, page or another medium which shows your work, then include this
information on your business card also.
PERSONAL WEBSITE
Personal websites can be costly.
If you know someone who can create one for you at no charge, then great but if
you don't, just bear in mind that if you are a newcomer to the industry, it is
not necessary that you have a personal website. For more experienced
professionals in the business, having a personal site would be great.
At the end of the day, if you do
not make the effort to advertise yourself, you may become disappointed and
discouraged with the industry. As a matter of fact, this goes for any line of
business. If no one knows that you exist then what is the point of it all?
