Professional Makeup Artist

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. I provide airbrushed makeup for weddings and photo shoots. Meeting with brides/clients before the wedding to come up with the perfect look before the day of the event and also working with photographers, stylists, and other professionals to ensure that everything runs as smooth as possible.

Q. Describe three recent jobs you've completed.

A. On Sunday February 26th, I provided makeup services for photographer Frank Siegel and model, Rye-rye.
On Friday, February 24th, I had the pleasure of being the makeup artist for Designer Ashley Davis of Cut & Sew for a fashion show at the Level Lounge in Philadelphia, providing makeup looks for 9 women.
On Monday February 20th, I provided makeup for 3 models for photographer Chelsea Hamilton.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. My advice would be to bring pictures/magazine tear sheets of makeup looks you like. I also would recommend bringing a friend or family member with you to the makeup trial because they will be able to give you an unbiased opinion and make you feel more comfortable as well. Communicate with your makeup artist. Let us know what you like and do not like.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. Insider secrets to share: Just because something is expensive doesn't mean it is a good product or will work well. There are some great inexpensive products out there.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. What sort of looks do you specialize in?
Are you experienced on all skin tones?
Do you have experience with my unique (insert skin tone or feature here)?
Will you try out several looks until I am satisfied?
Are you willing to travel on the day of the event?
Do you offer a discount for large parties?

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. I'm all about being creative and artistic. My work stands out because I've had the pleasure of working with many extremely talented models and photographers that have helped bring my vision to reality. Another thing that differentiates me from other makeup artists is that I custom blend each foundation on location for every single client to ensure a perfect match and flawless finish.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I love meeting new people, being creative, and traveling. And helping people feel good about themselves too.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. "How long have you been doing this?" My answer: I started off doing this as a hobby 10 years ago...but it's been my profession for 7 years.

"Can you make me look like (insert celebrity's name here)?" I can certainly try! :)

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. It takes more than training to be a good makeup artist. You have to have the drive and initiative to put yourself out there and to keep learning.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. Yes. Each year there are conventions all over, such as The International Congress of Esthetics and Spa in Philadelphia, and the IMATS in NY. I also watch tutorials online, read books and magazines to stay on trend.

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. My pricing structure is pretty simple, but my prices include: me traveling to your location, using makeup from my kit (it's not cheap! :)), false eyelashes, lipsticks, and my expertise. You are also paying for my time.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. I would suggest that they volunteer to work with many photographers in exchange for pictures to build up a portfolio. Practice on as many friends as you can. It's not enough to be good at doing makeup on yourself, you need to be an expert at applying makeup to other people. Know that you will work for free for a LONG time before you get steady jobs.

Q. What is your greatest strength?

A. I'm very good at helping people figure out what they want even if they're not really sure of what it is yet.

Q. What are you currently working on improving?

A. I'm working on improving my sense of direction...seriously. The NY subway system is difficult for me :)