Freelance?

May 24, 2012

Stephanie T.

So lately a lot of people have been asking me to do their makeup for them for events (proms, formals, birthdays etc.) and I got asked to do my cousins wedding party.
At what point do I start charging people? I can't afford to keep using all my makeup on people! And doing a wedding party is kinda a lot of work. 
Help!!

May 25, 2012

BeGwenly G.

I love that advise Ally S. and I agree start charging people when ever you like. I did run across that problem espically with family memebers but you have to remember that if you want to be successful you have to make money i would say be fare with the prices you set and you will be fine . Remember to take tones of photos for your look book !

May 25, 2012

BeGwenly G.

I love that advise Ally S. and I agree start charging people when ever you like. I did run across that problem espically with family memebers but you have to remember that if you want to be successful you have to make money i would say be fare with the prices you set and you will be fine . Remember to take tones of photos for your look book !

Jun 4, 2012

Megan N.

i totally know where your coming from. especially from close friends and family members expect "free" service, but honestly you just got to tell them straight up that they have to atleast pay for the products your using on them or atleast leave a tip? people have to realize that makeup is not cheap, and SOMEONE has to pay for it. 

Jun 4, 2012

Matthew M.

Yeah freelance should not be confused with dontgetpaidlance. If makeup is your profession, or even a hobby that requires you to spend time and money for the benefit of others, you have ever right in the world to charge for it.

Jun 5, 2012

Lauren C.

You should have never done a free job to begin with, that's when you run into this problem, it's hard to start charging family members and friends when previously you weren't.

In any case, I think no matter how hard it is, you need to stick to your guns and charge them and from here on out.

Jun 5, 2012

Giselle K.

If you do any work for "free" make sure you get photos...especially if a professional photographer will be shooting the event. This is a good way to start building your portfolio. Good luck!!

Jun 6, 2012

Mimi P.

Does that income tax advice go the same in the US?

Jun 8, 2012

Stephanie T.

Thanks so much for all the replies! I just feel like if I ask for money from my friends they're gonna be like.. are you serious? I'm not a professional, and I know that. Gah! It's a touchy subject. You all helped though, thank you!

Jul 18, 2012

Monica M.

you may not be a professsional but obviously there is something about your work that they either feel as if they cant achieve themselves or they would rather you for a different reason. I just recently started charging for my "services". doing makeup started as a hobby and its slowly turning into something im good at. i do understand how its a sensitive topic.. congrats on beginning a new journey :)

Jul 19, 2012

Dhandeaka H.

Stephanie, if this is what you want to do for a living, at some point your friends will have to pay up or do their own makeup. That simple. All the above advice was great. I'd just like to add that becoming an MUA is so much more than picking up a brush and going painting. Make sure you understand how to prevent cross-contamination through sanitary practices, continue to get education through books, other MUA's YouTube channels, and workshops, and most important, charge market value or better! There are so many so-called MUA's out there that charge peanuts with no real understanding of how this profession works. It ruins it for everyone. Research your market and charge within that range based on your expertise, years of experience, education, and quality of product.

Jul 19, 2012

Amanda B.

I would say start doing it now. Truth is makeup is expensive while experience is wonderful. It seems to me like youve had enough of that. I know with your friends and family this could be a hard thing to bring up but surely they will understand

Jul 19, 2012

Angel M.

Always charge what you feel you're worth when you feel your worth something. If that doesn't help you to decide your artistry worth you can also charge a kit fee. Again, its a price that you make up when you decide how much you feel your kit is worth. But you can tell people you will not charge for the service of doing their makeup (if you choose) but explain that you will require a small kit fee for the expense of using your products.

Jul 23, 2012

Reni V.

there is an article on freelance business start-up at the sba.gov website this morning. there are tax requirements when charging others. the basics are tax id number and the w-9. beyond that, i'll admit i have a friend who is an accountant who helps me deal with all the paperwork so that i can focus on what i'm doing.

Jul 25, 2012

Jeanette E.

By "point" i will assume you mean how much you should start charging, right? Well you should look up other makeup artist's price range around your area so you don't under/over-do you price range. Full makeovers, proms, and wedding makeup varies from price since they're done for different events. I know that for travel you charge 51 cents per mile to cover for gas and (in case of) tire repair. Also, for weddings, you need an assistant. She/he collects the money, calls up the next person to be seated, cleans up your brushes, etc, etc, that way you only have time to apply makeup and not worry about anything but the client who is sitting in front of you.