It is never too early to begin to develop a business plan and system. On a computer, in a planner, or directly in your current scrapbook, create a simple log of all your contacts and work completed. The log should include the date, name, company (when relevant), contact number, topic, result, and follow-up. Print your digital photographs from shoots, labeled with the date and persons involved, to include in the scrapbook or log. Networking is such a huge part of being a freelance makeup artist that it is important to keep a detailed record of all your contacts and previous work.
You will need to negotiate the terms and fees for each job, prepare confirmations to make sure that the terms and conditions are met, generate invoices, keep accurate financial records, and collect all payments. Terms might include payments for travel and per diems, materials costs, and assistant rates. You need to know the scope of the project before these terms can be set. Ask questions and take notes, only making your decision when you have all the information you need. Then send confirmation, also called a deal memo. It is a document that includes the job description, day rate, overtime rate, the flat dollar amount if overtime is not included, length of project in days, the number of assistants and pay rate, a materials budget, and for stylists, clauses regarding reimbursement for clothing damage. Create job folders for each job, with copies of receipts, any advance checks, signed vouchers, and invoices. Prepare a professional invoice form, and send it to the client at the end of the shoot. Send a credit sheet, indicating the job you worked on and how you want your credit to read, to the appropriate person. Templates of business forms used in the industry can be found at makeuphairandstyling. com
Remember that many expenses are tax deductible. Keep a categorized record of automobile, travel, and entertainment expenses, plus records of money spent on office supplies and office equipment. Record the purpose of the expense on each receipt, and file it by category, with a copy in the job folder.
Maintaining and updating your portfolio and resume is essential. Stay current. Know what is going on in entertainment, fashion, and beauty. Look at magazines, fashion shows, and music videos. Always dress appropriately, be prepared and on time, be decisive and efficient. If you can’t say something nice about someone, don’t say anything at all. Networking is a major part of the job, so make contacts, listen with interest, be positive, make phone calls, send thank-you cards, and keep your promises.
Agencies provide a wide range of services, including finding work for their talent, doing promotional work, negotiating and collecting fees, and offering career management. In exchange for those services, the artist pays the agency 20 percent of his or her fee.
When starting out as a freelance makeup artist, you will undoubtedly experience frustration. You need a good portfolio to get an agent, but without an agent, it may be hard to get the jobs you need to produce a good book. Having agency representation does help you secure the best assignments. Begin with research. Take the time to learn something about different agencies. What is their philosophy? What type of work do they do? How many artists do they represent? Who are these artists? Why is a certain one the right agency for you? Interview several agencies that seem to be a good match. Ask what you can expect from them How do they promote their talent? Bring a resume that lists all the photographers, editors, art directors, stylists, models, etc., who have worked with you. Include all your work done for magazines, catalogs, ads, or videos. Don’t be discouraged if the agency doesn’t sign you on the spot. It pays to be persistent; after making the initial contact with an agency, keep in touch. Follow up by sending additional tear sheets from new assignments, and try to make another appointment a few months later. It’s also helpful to ask for constructive criticism Find out what the agent likes or doesn’t like about your book or promotional card, and take the advice to heart.
One of the best ways to get a foot in the door at an agency is to be willing to work as an assistant to one of the agency’s makeup artists. Before you call, know which artists the agency represents, what projects they might be working on, and which ones you are most interested in and/or most qualified to assist on. The need for extra assistants often arises at the last minute, and whoever is available and interested may get the job.
Rates vary depending on experience and location. Rates paid in New York and Los Angeles are generally higher than rates in other places. Research the going daily and hourly rates in your area, and always charge competitively.
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