Can I make money as a Makeup Artist?
One of the first questions I ask when deciding on a career is how much money can I make? Several makeup artist sites mention the salary one can earn varies widely based on specific jobs, location, education, and skill level. While an average professional makeup artist earns roughly $20,000 to $60,000, high profile jobs can earn as much as $150,000 annually, possibly more.
When first starting out you’ll want to practice on anyone you can get your hands on. This can be family, friends, working with amateur photographers, and anyone willing to network. In the beginning you’ll be working on family and friends just to help grow your skills.
A great way to get your name out there is by working with amateur photographers and swapping services. You provide the makeup and artistry for the models and the photographer will give you photos to add to your portfolio. In this situation, the photos will be your payment.
This could help you find high profile clients while building a reputation as a highly skilled professional. However, even without celebrity status, a professional can earn a decent salary with dedication and skill.
Careers In Makeup Industry
The path you chose in your career can make a difference in your salary. Listed below are several areas in the makeup business that can help guide you to a specialized area.
Your experience and reputation will also be a part of determining how much money you’ll make. The money listed for each division below are only estimates.
- Film & Television $46,000 – 121,000
- Theater & Costume $42,000 – $95,000
- Fashion Runway $32,000 – $48,000
- Print, Magazines $30,000 – $68,000
- Celebrity Makeup $44,000 – $87,000
- Wedding, Bridal Makeup $30,000 – $55,000
- Spa $40,000 – $72,000
- Medical $48,000 – $75,000
- Education $32,000 – $45,000
- Brand Rep $40,000 – $48,000
- Beauty Counter $22,000 – $36,000
- Beauty Blog Writer $20,000 – $30,000
- Funeral $34,000 – $62,000
Where Do Makeup Artists Work?
Many times professional makeup artists start out working at makeup counters, salons, and spas. With a decent portfolio, a makeup artist can get a job working with a professional photographer, talent agency, or theater company.
Salon and spa jobs are also great for makeup artists. They allow the artist to build a portfolio as well as a dedicated client base. In this sort of job you can meet many people that you wouldn’t otherwise.
Depending on the location and client base of such an establishment, a professional makeup artist can establish a very profitable career. A high end salon or spa might charge as much as a hundred dollars per client. With a loyal client base, you could earn an admirable salary.
While there are many benefits of working with an establishment, some may choose to work freelance, selecting their own clients. It comes down to what feels right for you.
Working at a cosmetics counter gives wonderful opportunity to apply makeup on a variety of people and can give you experience to work faster. Many times these companies will train their employees how to apply the makeup as well as supply the makeup you’ll use on the customers.
This can be a great way to get started without spending a bunch of money on schooling and makeup supplies. It’s a very nice job option when one likes stability and structure with a decent annual salary.
For some, working at an establishment comes with it’s own challenges. There is the constant pushing of product to people who stop at your counter. Others might feel they’re being forced into a particular makeup niche.
Freelance allows an artist to develop their own profile with a style that is uniquely their own.
Most who want to establish a reputation start with a typical job such as working at a makeup counter or salon, and build their portfolio in their spare time.
With persistence and skill, many of these artists are able to gain a high profile job.
We’ll be talking more on how to start your makeup artist business in other articles.
High profile makeup artists typically work in movies and film, television, and popular magazines. Some celebrities even work with professional makeup artists individually for events such as award ceremonies, movie premiers, and other red carpet appearances.
Gaining the attention and favor can increase the status of a professional makeup artist seemingly overnight, expanding their client base and allowing them to be more selective of the clients they choose and the rates they are paid.
However, most professional makeup artist have spent years working behind the scenes before they gained any real recognition. With the resources available online, you can work on connecting with others in less time. Online also gives you the opportunity to learning more about a company or person before contacting them. It can be very impressive when they know you’ve done your homework before reaching out.
Training
Some may tell you if you’re interested in becoming a professional makeup artist, you need to know there are certain educational requirements toward obtaining a job in the cosmetology field. Depending on the job you want, you may be required to complete a cosmetology course or beauty school in order to obtain an esthetician or cosmetology license.
However, many are self-taught and can become very well known. With hard work and networking with others you can accomplish anything. There is great training online where you can learn from true makeup artists that will show you much of what you need to know. Nothing should prevent you from practicing your skills. In fact, it’s a good idea to get in as much practice as possible.
Consider volunteering at a local theater to help with the stage makeup or at a spa once a week for a few months. This could give you many different types of faces to work on as well as learning different styles of makeup. Working on people at the theater can teach you different techniques than applying makeup at the spa. You may learn as much from these experiences as you will learn in the actual professional courses.
If you are looking at attending a school, we have listed a variety of wonderful cosmetology schools in the US and Canada. There’s also several in the Chicago area if you live around there or are thinking of relocating.
We give information on both schools and many “How To” videos to help guide you on your journey.
There is a lot to learn when preparing for this profession.
There are a number of exciting directions a makeup artist’s career can take, just as there is a wide variety of uses for makeup itself. You can use it to hide flaws, enhance beauty, set a mood, or create dramatic effects. Whatever path you choose, a career as a professional makeup artist can be both personally and financially rewarding.
In the video above Wayne Goss talks about his career and making money as a professional makeup artist. He shares a great life story of how he got into the business and found his niche. As you listen, you can see how passionate he is about his work and helping others.
Sources:
https://www.makeupartistedu.org/salaries/
https://www.onlinemakeupacademy.com/how-much-money-do-makeup-artists-make/