How to Cope

Jun 11, 2011

Karita G.

Hi all. I need advice from my Beauty Divas. I am a young woman who has just figured out just how much I love make up and now want to switch my careers. My family has given me such a hassle about this career change, so much to the point where they will go to great lengths to discourage me. from talking about how UGLY the make up looks on me to just flat out calling me names. As the Diva I am, I just keep pushin' on, but it can hurt sometimes, How can I make myself better at my newly discovered craft that I love so much and overlook the haters. Where would I start my journey to becoming a make up artist? 

Jun 11, 2011

Arie C.

I love everything Mandy said, it's so true! Just keep practicing, girl! Places like here are great ways to build a support network, and getting a support group in real life too can be really helpful, especially when you have people trying to bring you down. Whenever you're having a rough day, talking to a close friend can make you feel better. Also, friends are great for practicing, and networking. A lot of the jobs I've gotten have been through my friends who have talked to other people about me, and then those people contact me about doing their make up. Also, if you are really serious about make up, checking to see if there are any seminars or mini courses you can take near you are very fun, and also great net working tools. Good luck, girl! :)

Jun 11, 2011

Soma S.

If you want to perfect your craft and build a portfolio, join www.modelmayhem.com - there, you can connect w/ photographers and models willing to do TFP shoots [trade for pictures] by investing their skills into the photo shoot for the end result of good photos. If you aren't trying to go the school route, there are lots of online resources such as YouTube, Blogs, Tutorials, etc. online.

Be careful going on shoots w/ strangers though - try to take friends with you and let people know your location at all times. Just as a precaution, it's always better to be safer than sorry. On a website like ModelMayhem, it's really easy to get sucked into scams, so remember: if it's too good to be true for someone with little to no experience - it might just be the case.

Practice on friends, and plan beauty seminars w/ your friends so you can bring all of your makeup to one place to play and practice. You can all teach each other something, and you'll have a larger variety of makeup mediums to play with if you can use what your friends are using as well.

Hope that helps!

Jun 11, 2011

Shelly T.

While ModelMayhem may be a good starting point (similar for Facebook and Twitter), I'm going to strongly suggest getting a proper website, too. It's much more professional and you'll have an even greater chance of being taken seriously by potential clients.

And, of course, lots of practice.

Jun 11, 2011

Yasmin K.

Regarding the license. You DO need a license but not necessarily a cosmetology license. ALL businesses require a license either city or state especially if you're taking money for a service. You need it for tax purposes as well since most cities and states want their share. I would also suggest looking into your state's requirements to see if you need a cosmetology or formal training because if it turns out you live in a state that does require a professional license then you can get yourself into hot water. 

Jun 12, 2011

Shauna M.

You can always apply to a makeup chain and start doing makeup there until you would like to branch off on your own. I am in college right now to be a Esthetician and I will have my Associates degree and the main reason I went is for makeup. I plan on being a makeup artist with MAC and then possibly chasing my dream of having my own little business doing makeup, facials, waxing and so on.. Don't give up and think positive! You can do it!

Jun 16, 2011

Karita G.

Thank you all for the encouragement and advice. I am going to take all of it and apply it to myself becoming a successful make up artist. Mandy your words especially hit home when you said "hurting people will hurt other people". That is so true! Yasmin and Shauna, I would love to go to school I do know. But, are most schools accredited? 

Jun 16, 2011

Kymberli G.

u can google "accredited beauty schools" and i know there's a website that has a list of schools & what's in ur area.
i did it last year, i just haven't had the time to follow thru.

good luck hon :)

Jun 17, 2011

Soma S.

Karita - remember, people don't hire based on where you graduated, in the beauty/design/art world - it's ALL ABOUT your portfolio. Schools are a great avenue to persue, but make sure it's one in which you know will be able to offer you what you feel you'll need to build up a bad-ass portfolio to shine on your resume.  =)

Jun 17, 2011

Karita G.

Thanks Kymberlie and Soma:)

Jun 17, 2011

Aspen S.

I understand where you are coming from. I am doing a complete 180 from what I am currently doing. I am an E-6 Nuclear Mechanic in the Navy. Been doing it for 9 years I leave the service next July, my mom hates the idea of me not retiring from the service. But I really don't like my job in the Navy. I am probably at the highest point in my career I don't see me going up any higher in the ranks. I am done with this part of my life. I have been through a lot and ready to start anew. My parents don't understand what it is I want to do. I have a website I am sure my mom has not been there once. But I have faith in me I will hone my craft and become successful just like I did in the Navy. I will become successful and prove all those who don't believe in me wrong like I always have my whole life. Makeup makes me happy and gives me confidence, something I lost when my husband was taken away from me. I working to reclaim what was lost and use what I have to help other people who were like me. Go for what you feel, Karita.

Jun 17, 2011

Yasmin K.

Exactly what Mandy said. There are numerous types of licenses and the ones I was referring to is a state and city business license which is not the same as a cosmetology license. If you're going to make money then your city, county and state all want their share of it. Most people believe you don't need a business license when you do.

As for a cosmetology license, that just certifies you went to cosmetology school, passed it, have an understanding of hygiene, anatomy, chemicals, skin, hair and have the necessary experience then passed a state exam proving you know your stuff. Think of it like going to high school and getting your diploma... same concept.

There are makeup schools such Cinema Makeup School in Hollywood and even MUD. MUD is the only one that I know is seen as a legitimate school (only accredited schools can use .EDU) and have licensed instructors.
http://mud.edu/

Oh, just found out that EI School of Professional Makeup is also accredited.
http://www.ei.edu/

Jun 18, 2011

Karita G.

Thanks Yasmin K. and Mandy. That was very helpful. Aspen S. I wish you all the best and can't wait to see you make it. Please keep us updated on how everything goes for you. It is so true that when you love what you do, and have a sincere passion for it, you are a much happier person. So go for it and I know you will be very successful.

Jun 24, 2011

Shavon A.

I just wanted to say that I love how much love & hope I'm seeing in all of these responses. All of you ladies are wonderful for that. Kudos!

Karita- The goal is to be a better YOU daily, as long as you are doing that then what others say or think is irrelevant. I run into the same problem, but then I realized that there is that drive and will to do what I love for a reason. I don't know your religious background but I always say that God didn't give me this passion/talent for absolutely nothing. Once you've realized what your calling is, use it to serve the world. Hate to get too poetic but I'm all about following your heart's desires. Good Luck hun!

Jun 24, 2011

gee m.

I am so sorry to hear that you do not have that support that you are so wishing for, but I say start off by building your self confidence in doing makeup and reach for your goal. From my understanding you do not need to have a makeup license in order to do makeup however if you branch out into being an independent contractor or something you will need to have a business license. Practice, practice, practice! Look at youtube video's and check out anything that deals with makeup. Live and breath makeup. You not only want to create makeup looks, but also know how to mix colors as far as foundations and lipsticks. The knowledge of the makeup you are using and the reason for using the products you are using. Just go for it! Also some of the makeup counters hold classes at certain times of the year where they charge a small fee and teach you makeup lessons. The sky is the limit for you. Know that more than half of the people that work at these makeup counters and stores have no experience either they only had a dream. Good luck honey!

Aug 3, 2011

Myrna P.

There are always people who think they know what’s best for other people and really should have no say in what they do. This is YOUR life and you get to do whatever pleases you. You should never worry (unless it is for your well being) about those people who try and deter you from your dreams. Who knows maybe they never really went out of their way to pursue their dreams and there is a bit of jealousy. Do your thing hun

Aug 4, 2011

Karita G.

Thank you Hunn:) I will take all those great words of wisdom and hide them in my heart and when i feel like giving up, remember them.

Aug 4, 2011

Myrna P.

: D Glad I could help some