What Does It Take to Become a Professional Makeup Artist?
Here at Autelier Pro, we always strive to impart our bridal hair and makeup knowledge to our students to make them feel prepared to step out into the bridal industry. Are you an aspiring makeup artist but you are unsure if this chosen path is for you? Here are some pointers to guide you in your journey as a professional makeup artist in Singapore.
Our professional bridal makeup courses are conducted by our in-house Korean trainer Julie Kim as well as Principal Trainer Sarah Lee
1. Diligence and (lots of) practice
To master a certain makeup look or hairstyle, you will have to be diligent in practising multiple times. As they say, “practice makes perfect”! To do so, you will have to be resourceful in sourcing for your own models for your practice sessions.
Our students working hard on perfecting their bridal makeup and hairstyling skills!
2. Able to handle critique
It is important for makeup artists to be able to handle critique in order to improve their skills. At times, clients may not be completely satisfied with their look. Hence, it is essential that you remain open-minded towards their critique or feedback to ensure that they leave feeling satisfied.
3. Soft skills
Aside from being a certified professional makeup artist with great skills, it is equally important to possess soft skills such as being able to initiate conversations with your clients. This will allow them to be more comfortable with you doing their makeup. Especially if you intend to do makeup for clients on their wedding day, initiating conversations with them will definitely ease their mood and wedding jitters!
Another essential soft skill would be Emotional Quotient (EQ). While doing the makeup and hairstyling on your clients, observing their facial expressions is the key in gauging their satisfaction level. If they are frowning, you might want to find out why!
4. Customer service
For a professional makeup artist, it is no doubt that you will want to perfect your craft. However, customer service should not be neglected as well. Wedding preparation can be a stressful process for brides. Thus, when they engage your hair and makeup services, there are times that you will need to provide them with valuable advice. Think of it as taking on the role of a counsellor where you support them as they move on to a new chapter in life. Having a heart to serve is vital.
5. Good portfolio
A portfolio is a makeup artist’s greatest asset. When a client engages your services, few or almost none will ask you for your certifications. In fact, they will request to take a look at your makeup portfolio to have an understanding of your skills. In order to build and curate an attractive portfolio, good photography skills is a must in order to stand out.
6. A good sense of visual
Aside from mastering the bridal makeup techniques and looks, having an eye for visual and aesthetics purpose is important as well. This will allow you to have the knowledge to apply the same look on different clients with varying hairstyles and facial features. Even the same look will require minor adjustments to best suit each individual client!
Having a good sense of visual will also allow you to spot your own mistakes and improve upon them. This way, you can definitely put in your best effort in perfecting the look for your clients.
7. Time management
Undoubtedly, good time management skills is a must for a professional makeup artist. Especially during weddings, schedules can be extremely tight, requiring you to manage your time well. In the event of unexpected situations, knowing how to adapt and plan your time should be the priority.
8. Passion
Most importantly, you should have the passion to want to master a hair and makeup look. Do you have that burning desire to perfect the final look for your client? At the end of the day, it is the look of delight and satisfaction on your client that will keep you going in the long run.
We hope that these pointers have been helpful for you in guiding you towards your career as a professional makeup artist!