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beauty career, cosmetics, debra macki, Make-up artist, Makeup Artist, makeup career, makeup class, makeup retreat, makeup school, mua, Schools
People ask me for advice everyday so I thought it would make a great blog! If you are starting out or a working makeup artist trying to make it to the next level, there are some important things you need to consider.
1. Education: I’ve heard some artists say you don’t need education. Sure you can learn how to be a makeup artist over time and trial & error, but why would you take 20 years to learn what you can in a week from an industry pro? Education is very important. I’m not saying you have to go to a makeup school, but you need to take classes on a regular basis. Look for classes that give you business insight too. You can be a talented artist and have no clue how to make it in this industry. The right classes can take you to the next level and help you to double your income!
2. Advice: Don’t take advice from people who aren’t successful. If you ask makeup artists who are not successful and can’t support themselves as a full-time artist for advice, you’re going down a bad road. Only take advice from successful working makeup artists and remember everyone has different opinions. Some advice might come from a great source but might not be good advice.
3. Assisting: Look for successful artists in your area that you can assist. Everyone has different techniques and tips and you can learn from assisting. As and assistant, it is your job to make the head artist shine. In return you will learn and gain experience. Proving that you are reliable and have a good work ethic to a successful artist can lead to future paid jobs.
4. Be nice: Having a great attitude goes a long way! You’d be surprised how being polite and easy to work with can get you future work. Have manners and be on-time. A lot of makeup artists over the years didn’t get a call back from me because they were rude or late.
5. Don’t give up on your dreams: If you want to be a pro makeup artist and you are talented, nothing is stopping you! Get the education and experience you need. Subscribe to industry, beauty, and fashion magazines. They are a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. A good work ethic, positive thinking, and guidance will lead you on the way to success!
I am blessed to do what I love for a living and I don’t take that for granted. I started teaching makeup classes based on what wasn’t available to me as an aspiring artist. I wanted to give back to the industry that I love so much. I take my students with me to assist on movies, television, celebrity appearances, pageants, photo shoots, and fashion shows. I love teaching and I balance it well with my makeup career. I only teach a few classes per year and look forward to each one:)
Click here for info. on my classes
Debra Macki 
Thank u so much for these tips! I am an aspiring m/u artist and these are so helpful!
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Hi! I’m an aspiring makeup artist and in my state (Florida) they’re telling me I’m required to have a cosmetology license just to apply makeup. Since I work full time and only wish to be a Freelance MUA it’s a huge hurdle because I don’t have time to attend a 200 hour course. Any other suggestions?
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Hello, I hold 2 cosmetology licenses one for NYS & FL. I lived in Florida and had my own business there doing makeup and skincare and also did a ton of freelance work in all the Dept Stores starting from Jupiter to the Florida Keys and also did freelance with Mineral Makeup at Whole Foods Stores.
As far as I know, you do not need a cosmetology license in Florida to do makeup or freelance makeup. I met so many makeup artists in Florida and I don’t remember one having any type of license. If you are doing facials then you would need a license – either Cosmetology or an Esthetician License but far as I know in the State of Florida to get an Esthetician License you need to take massage therapy along with it.
Thanks Again,
Linda Victor
Makeup Artist/Photographer
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Thank you so much for taking the time to give such great advice. I cannot wait to take one of your classes.
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I totally agree with your advice. Especially about taking advice from people working in the field, doing makeup for a living. I do makeup for a living, and people ask me all the time for advice too. I think people imagine it being a slim chance of them getting to that level, but we did it and they can too. You just have to be business-minded on top of being a talented artist. You need to take the time to know what you are getting yourself in to, before just starting a business…so that you are not overwhelmed or chance the possibility of ruining your reputation. Learning the ins and outs of BUSINESS is equally important as being good at makeup. Thanks for writing this. Hopefully someday I will get the opportunity to work beside you, that would be great! 😉
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Hello Debramacki!
I have a similar post and would be happy if you can contribute your 2cents worth. Cheers-
Rowena
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thanks for the awesome tips!!
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Thanks so much and God bless
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Thanks for this article!!! I can’t tell you how discouraging it is for me to see that so many artist who claim to really be so successful but yet when reading twitter and facebook bios, status updates and tweets. their listing jobs and/or complaining about going to work!!!! I’m sorry i just can’t take them serious! Hope to be registered for one of your classes asap!!!! I don’t want to do anything if it doesnt pertain to the beauty field!
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Even as a Canadian aspiring makeup artist ( I am attending an awesome school for it!) I see the points, a lot of people don’t understand the basics of “yes please” and “thank you” can get you really far.
Though, take it from me, learning to be quiet when you talk to much (like me) is a great use!
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Thank you so much for your advise Debra. I am an licenced makeup artist and aesthetician and do feel the right education is important. More importantly is the post graduate education. This is an ever changing field and we need to stay current.
I will be taking your class as it is one of my main goals for my new company “Pretty Faces Makeup Company” if not my number one goal once all the basic business organization is in place. I also have a strong marketing and advertising background and will be using all my knowledge to build my business and make it succesful. All the talent in the world doesn’t do any good if you don’t know how to market yourself and make it a priority.
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Hi Debra that is a wonderful advice cause I’m currently attending Catherine Hinds institute of esthetics and I would love to be a makeup artist but I just don’t don’t know how to start…
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Really great advice, thank you so much!
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Love your genuine words. So true. A long time ago I learnt from my Aunt, who is a full-time hair and makeup stylist and she was always a true inspiration. I went into modelling and met so many muas – good and bad, and learnt even more! It is amazing that the more we know, the more we realise we don;t know! Love x williamspromakeup.blogspot.co.uk
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Hi, i am 15 years old and i want to eventually be a makeup artist. I love articles like this because i want to know what other peoples experiences were. But, whats difficult for me is that my family and i are in the process of moving from Australia to Italy… and hopefully, we’ll stay there. So its going to be difficult communicating in a different language, let alone becoming a makeup artist. But its something that i really want to do and i’ll get there.
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Debra,
This is extremely helpful advice! I recently graduated from The Art of Makeup class from Elizabeth Grady. I am looking to learn more and gain experience. Do you have any suggestions on whom to contact in the Boston area? I would appreciate any suggestions!
Thank you!!
~Amy
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after reading your post I am feeling good and I will come again to your post and I need more information so please make more article for us.
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this blog is very pure and solves my many problems
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