New artists have so much to learn about products and techniques and need to become comfortable with the basics. Beginning artists tend to do everything by the book. They often apply all the layers and don’t see that a woman might not need some of the elements. More advanced artists are confident in their product knowledge and have had time to practice their technique, so they know what works and what is not needed for different clients. They have the ability to handle any situation that comes up. They are not afraid to reevaluate in the middle of an application. A strong knowledge base allows artists to make great choices, see when an application doesn’t work, and know when to stop.
I was once hired by a big celebrity to do her makeup for the opening of a restaurant. She appeared with the biggest scratch on the side of her face. I didn’t panic, but I had to try dozens of products to get the very pink scratch to blend in with her natural skin color. I was ready to handle the challenge with confidence in my ability.
It is important to stay open and eager. I received both good and bad advice when I started out. I was the pioneer of the natural, bronzy look, but I faced lots of criticism for it. I was told that I would have to change my makeup style—that nobody liked the healthy look. A hairdresser once told me that I needed to get a better hairstyle myself if I wanted to be successful.
One of the best ways to get started is to apply makeup on anyone and everyone who will let you. Practice on your friends and family until you get to the point where you feel completely comfortable working on people’s faces. Practice all different types of makeup applications—natural, theatrical, bold fashion looks, bridal looks, men. Hands-on experience is invaluable.
Early in your career, experience is more important than pay. If you have the opportunity to apprentice with established makeup artists—even if it means just observing while you spend time cleaning brushes—do it. It can be a valuable learning experience. You never know whom you’ll meet. Today’s assistant can be the beauty editor of a major magazine in a few years.
Confident, successful artists are those who continue to train. Even top artists go back to the basics from time to time. Skills can always be improved. I learn from my artists, assistants, photographers, models, and friends. Never take a suggestion personally—it is always an opportunity. Things are always changing in the beauty industry, so you need to be open, aware, and looking for ways to improve.
Success is achieving the goals you set for yourself. Artists need to continually redefine their goals. Everyone might want to work in the fashion industry, but there are successful makeup artists working in film, television, and theater. There are those who have used their training and experience in makeup artistry to move into careers in education, marketing, merchandising, and other aspects of design. By maintaining a clear picture of reality while seeking, creating, and fully exploiting every opportunity, artists can secure success one step at a time.
Artists are often eager to grow and move up in the industry. Patience is so important, and time is needed to perfect skills. Be happy at whatever level you are working, even if it is just observing. Look for a mentor. Work to completely understand the basics so that you can begin to make your own interpretations. Ask for help and guidance. It will be perceived as strength, not weakness.
Desire is perhaps the strongest determinant of success. When I hire a new artist, I look for someone who really wants to be doing the work. It is apparent in every aspect of the person. I want to work with people who are as passionate about beauty as I am. I look for applicants with great attitudes who are eager to work hard and to learn as much as they can. Some of the artists who assist me at fashion shows have worked for me for five to ten years. Yet they still watch carefully as I do the first model. Others seem uninterested. Guess which ones have the most talent?