Many people first hear about the cosmetology world through the lens of a makeup artist. Although this is itself a pretty wide field, makeup artists are definitely a specialty in the cosmetology field. If you already love doing your own makeup and you’ve realized you truly have a gift for makeup application, makeup artistry might be the perfect opportunity for you. Here’s everything you need to know about this interesting field and how the Tricoci University of Beauty Culture can help.
Definition
Really, “makeup artist” can mean just about anything that includes applying makeup. That could mean creating gorgeous looks for brides on their wedding days, coming up with cutting-edge designs for runways or even applying SFX makeup for movies. That’s one of the reasons a career as a makeup artist can be so exciting — it’s yours to shape. Whether you freelance with individuals, contract with movie companies or somewhere in between, you get to choose what being a makeup artist looks like.
Job Outlook
Because there are so many different fields for a makeup artist to move into and because of the extremely technical experience a cosmetology program can offer, makeup artists are always in demand. Work in the salon industry itself is very stable — the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects it to grow by 14% in the next decade. You don’t just have to work in the salon industry, either. You could work in a department store, product sales, television, theatre or a wide variety of other options.
Requirements
To work as a makeup artist, you first need to meet some requirements from the cosmetology world as a whole.
Education
Especially if you want to pursue more specialized job opportunities, education is extremely important. The cosmetology program from Tricoci University will help you learn everything you need to succeed in this industry, from styling techniques to hands-on instruction and even shop management. A formal education not only shows employers you’re serious about your job, but it may also be necessary for licensure in your state.
Experience
Even with all the education in the world, you can’t become a successful makeup artist without a lot of practice. Even before you enroll in the Tricoci University cosmetology program, practice as much as you can. Do your own makeup in the morning, pull your friends aside in the afternoon, try out different looks for prom — pursue anything that will let you get more experience. The more you’re able to practice on people with different face and eye shapes, skin tones, eye and hair colors and general style preferences, the better equipped you’ll be for your career.
Skills for Success
Are you interested in the makeup artist life? Make sure you have these important skills, which will all serve you well as a makeup artist.
Creativity
Of course, makeup artists need to have a stellar amount of creativity. Even if you have very specific direction, it’s up to you to put your own spin on things. Whether you’re coming up with your own concepts or reworking existing ones, you need that creative spirit.
An Eye for Design
A makeup artist is just that: an artist. Even asymmetrical and alternative designs are still designs, and it’s up to you to master them. No matter what type of makeup you’re working with, you’ll need to work out a design that looks beautiful.
People Skills
Even if you’re working in the world of runway fashion, where you might not really build a relationship with individual models, you still need to be able to make your clients feel comfortable. Whether minutes before a runway show or hours into an SFX application, communication can make your clients feel much better.
Marketing Know-How
This includes all sorts of marketing, from selling products to selling your own skills. If you choose to work freelance, you’ll need to know how to find gigs; if you choose to work in a salon, you’ll need to know how to direct your clients to the best products.
A Professional Career
There are plenty of high-profile makeup artists out there, but there are just as many that are content to stay in the wings and watch their work become the center of attention. No matter which one you’re interested in becoming, there’s a career out there for you. With the cosmetology program at Tricoci University, you can achieve your dreams of becoming a makeup artist, no matter what that looks like to you.