How to market and advertise yourself as a makeup artist

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?