If you love all things fashion and make-up it’s natural to consider whether a career as a make-up artist would be the right choice for you. But there’s a big difference between enjoying something as a hobby, and being able to turn that interest into a long-term career.
Before you get started on this path, it’s essential to understand whether you have the right qualities. How can you find out if you’ve got what it takes to be successful?
Try a few different approaches. First, ask your family and friends. They know you best and will encourage you to go for it if they see that it’s your passion and you’ve already shown your raw talent.
Another way to confirm that you have the right qualities is to invest in an online psychometric test to provide a report on the kind of work that suits you. Sounds complicated? It’s surprisingly easy. There are several on the market, including free versions, but for something this important, it’s best to go for one that’s been tested over decades, such as the online MBTI.
Once you’ve input your responses, it gives you your profile ‘type’. For example, this could be an ‘INFP’. The INFP meaning will be explained in detail in the report to help you understand yourself better and to know if you have the right qualities to become a successful make-up artist.
So, what are the five key qualities you’ll need for success?
Good listener
You’ll need to be a really good listener to understand what your client is trying to achieve. Is the make-up for a professional photo shoot, a country wedding, a corporate headshot? If you are too busy chatting to understand what clients want, you’ll have a hard time gaining repeat business.
Creativity
You’ve probably already shown your creativity. Clients will want you to take them beyond what they could achieve themselves and to surprise them with how good you make them look.
High standards of professionalism
Being punctual, well-organized. and a scrupulous approach to hygiene and safety will also help you gain the reputation you want.
Good learner
As fashion trends are constantly changing, you’ll need to spend time and effort keeping up to date with the latest techniques and styles. Your work and the products you use will need to reflect the looks of fashion leaders.
Able to work quickly
The final essential quality is the ability to work at speed. Your clients won’t have time to waste, so you’ll have to have a clear concept of the look you’re going for, and to achieve it in the minimum time possible. Experimentation should be done before you try a lookout on a client- so you’re always in control and get it right the first time.
If you’re able to say ‘yes, that’s me’ to all of the above, you’re halfway there. Take time to analyze your personality and preferences in detail, to be sure. Then, when you are certain you have what it takes, go for it 100%!
