How to build up a portfolio...?

Jan 4, 2014

Jenna A.

I want to work in the makeup field and was told a good way to start was to build a file of things I've done. Is this a good idea? If so, what would be some good things to include? So far I've just taken pictures of my eyeshadow and other makeup with a very poor quality camera (I need to invest in a new one badly) Any tips on what I should do would be great!

Jan 4, 2014

Jennifer S.

Hi Jenna A! What I'm doing to build up a portfolio is asking my friends (different ages and races, of course) to pose for me. I'm lucky that I have a professional camera, but I have an idea to what you can do. If you want professional models to be your subjects, you ask a friend who is a photographer or ask someone at a local college to take the pictures. They will gain experience and you can tell the models that they will receive compensation in the form of prints of their session. I hope that helps!

Jan 4, 2014

Carolyn H.

My number 1 bit of advice would be: do NOT show your portfolio until it is ready..
Meaning don't go around promoting it until you begin having more professional quality pictures in it.
I feel like especially now when everyone is saying they can do makeup and it's easy to filter and use smoke and mirrors to make it look good- you need to be on your a game.

Model mayhem is a good place to get started and you can do TFP where you'll be paid in pictures.

Also depending on the industry you want to work in you need a good variety of looks.

Most people say you need: a smokey eye, a perfect lip, and flawless natural skin.
If you want to do more fashion have that too
For bridal you'll want almost all of your looks to be pretty natural..

When I was building my port I would post any old snapshot online and looking back it's like ughhh

Behind the scene pics, before and after pics etc- are all great for your social media sites so people know you're actively working.
But when it comes to interviews or showing your work to potential clients it should all be done professionally.

A good photographer will sharpen and edit the pictures so your makeup looks the best :)

Jan 5, 2014

Paige M.

Make a http://www.starnow.com account and apply for jobs on there to build your client list and portfolio :-) You can also post ads looking for beginner models, stylists and photographers to work with who also want to build on their portfolios, just say that no one will get paid but they can use the photos for their portfolios as long as everyone is creditted for their work/involvement. You'd be surprised how many people are willing to be involved in that, plus if you are the one to organise everything then you can also be creditted as Artist Director :-)

Jan 6, 2014

Ashley V.

I wanna b some one plus size model :)