If you’re wondering how to become a freelance makeup artist, then you’re in the right place. A freelance makeup artist is simply a licensed beautician who applies makeup on a freelance basis, instead of working for a company.
This post includes a step-by-step guide, recommendations for the best makeup schools, and all of the basic background info you need to be a freelance make up artist. Check out the table of contents below to find out exactly what you’re looking for.
How to Become a Freelance Makeup Artist: Table of Contents
- The 3 Essential Steps to Becoming a Freelance Makeup Artist
- Insider Tips for Freelance Makeup Artists
- Do You Have What it Takes to Become a Freelance Makeup Artist?
- Where to Find the Best Makeup Classes Online
- How to Be a Freelance Makeup Artist [Video]
How to Become a Freelance Makeup Artist
The 3 Steps
In this section, we’ll cover the basics steps to becoming a freelance makeup artist. Being a freelancer is hard work. So, it pays to do your due diligence while you’re building a foundation!
#1. Determine Your State Requirements for Makeup Artist Certification
In most states, there isn’t a specific “makeup artist license.” Instead, this falls under the category of a Cosmetology License or an Esthetician License.
Therefore, you should visit your state board of cosmetology’s website to determine the most appropriate license for you. Even though you get to make most of the rules as a freelance makeup artist, it’s illegal to work as a professional makeup artist without a license. Even if you’re freelancing.
#2. Complete a Cosmetology or Esthetician Training Program
Find an accredited cosmetology training program near you, and start taking makeup classes. Since you’re interested mostly in makeup application, choose schools that emphasize makeup artistry.
Make sure to look at the various course offerings, as some beauty schools have more in-depth makeup classes than others.
In order to find a makeup school near you, enter your information into the search bar below. This tool is safe, and it will provide you with a customized list of the best makeup schools near you.
#3. Pass the State Board Exam and Get Your License
After completing the required length of makeup school for your state, it’s time to pass the state board exam for cosmetology. Typically, this involves a written segment and a practical (hands-on) segment.
Once you pass the test, you’re golden! You can now start working as a licensed freelance makeup artist.
Just remember to renew your license as required by your state board. This is usually every 1-4 years. As a heads up, make sure to check whether or not your state has continuing education requirements. Some states require you to take continuing ed courses during the renewal period.
4 Insider Freelance Makeup Artist Tips
In the previous section, we covered the basic steps for how to become a freelance makeup artist. However, those were just the bare bones. In reality, being a freelancer (in any field) requires more effort than a traditional job. The following are some steps beyond the minimum that you can take to set yourself apart.
#1. Get Experience as a Makeup Artist
The reason freelancers become successful is that they work hard to build a good reputation for themselves. Before going out on your own, we suggest gaining experience by working in salons. You can also gain experience by working at retail makeup counters. (And have a ton of fun while doing so!)
This will help you build up your clientele. Over time, people will start to ask just for you. When it’s time for you to break off as a freelance makeup artist, you’ll have loyal clients who are ready to follow you.
#2. Create a Portfolio & Website
In addition to gaining experience, you should build up a professional portfolio. This can be as simple as keeping before and after photos in a binder. However, we recommend building a portfolio online and eventually getting your own business cards. Everything professional has a website these days, so it’s important to show your professionalism to others. A business card is a great way to tactfully get the word out in your day-to-day conversations.
#3. Spend Time Creating a Killer Beauty Kit
While you’re gaining experience, spend time creating the best beauty kit possible. Your personal toolkit can make or break you, so make sure you’ve researched the best tools and products to use. (You’ll learn a lot about this in makeup school, as well as during your work experience.)
Your makeup kit doesn’t have to be extremely expensive. In fact, there are many excellent budget options on Amazon that are great for freelance makeup artists on a budget!
#4. Stay Current
Make it a point to keep learning. You can learn from taking makeup artist classes online, and also by going back to school. Another way to keep learning is to simply watch free makeup classes on YouTube.
Since the industry is always changing, you need to be on top of it. And as a freelance makeup artist – you guessed it – you’ve got to be better than the rest. Your livelihood depends on it!
Do You Have What it Takes to Become a Freelance Makeup Artist?
In order to be a freelance makeup artist, you have to possess certain skills. And they need to be strong. The good news is that you can always work on improving yourself. In fact, we recommend staying current on tips for freelancers in general.
The following are the most important traits of a freelance makeup artist:
- Rock solid organizational skills: It takes a lot of organization to flawlessly juggle your own schedule and your clients’ needs.
- Strong work ethic: As a freelancer, you are your own boss. This can be amazing, but it means you must have a rock solid work ethic.
- Entrepreneurial knowledge: You will be a business owner of your freelance business. Therefore, you should read up on how to be a kick-ass entrepreneur. This should be a regular part of your practice.
- Tech savvy: Since you’ll need to market yourself through your website and social media, being tech-savvy is a must.
The Best Makeup Classes Online
Even if your state doesn’t have continuing education requirements, it’s important to keep learning. One of the best ways to stand out as a freelance makeup artist is by knowing all of the latest trends and safety measures.
We encourage you to check out the best makeup schools online. In fact, here’s a list of the 6 top online makeup schools:
- Online Makeup Academy
- QC Makeup Classes Online
- The Institute of Makeup Artistry
- Fashion Institute of Technology
- Academy of Freelance Makeup (AOFM Online Makeup School)
- VIZIO Online Makeup Academy
How to Be a Freelance Makeup Artist: Video
How to Become a Freelance Makeup Artist
What do you think?
After reading about how to become a freelance makeup artist, what do you think? Does it sound like the career for you? If you think you have what it takes, we at Trades for Careers wholeheartedly support and believe in you!
In order to begin your journey, start reaching out to admissions of the best makeup schools today!
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Sources:
How to Become a Freelance Make-Up Artist
QC Makeup Academy’s How to Become a Freelance Makeup Artist: A Step-by-Step Guide