IBW’s Makeup Artist – Adrienne
When making the decision to become a makeup artist, you must understand the role, continue to build on your skills, gain experience, create your own portfolio, and network, network, network! We tapped in on one of our Makeup Artistry instructors, Adrienne, to ask her a few questions about her history in the industry and to share her personal journey.
Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AN EDUCATOR? WHY WERE YOU INTERESTED IN A CAREER OF MAKEUP?
ADRIENNE: I have been a Cosmetology educator for 3 years. I became interested in makeup back in high school when I would imitate looks in fashion magazines on myself and friends in my spare time. I had friends in bands who also wanted me to do rock and roll inspired make up for them. I went to cosmetology school soon after high school to pursue this interest in makeup.
Q: WHAT TRAINING AND CONTINUING EDUCATION DID YOU HAVE TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP ARTIST?
ADRIENNE: Too much to list it all here! I have done continuing education with the Make Up Forever Academy and Aveda. I took classes to be a Sephora Certified Make Up artist when I worked there. I have also taken a number of Aveda trainings for seasonal collections and the Face-to-Face curriculums. I have also participated in the Aveda Runway Make Up Course in New York City.
Q: WHAT IS ONE MAKEUP TRICK YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
ADRIENNE: Highlighting above the upper lip can give the appearance of a fuller and more balanced upper lip. A small amount of shimmer in the Cupid’s bow can do a lot to draw attention to the mouth and make lips look plumper.
Q: WHEN YOU ARE NOT TEACHING YOU ARE DOING MAKEUP FOR YOUR SALON…HOW DID YOU MAKE A SUCCESSFUL CAREER OF MAKEUP ARTISTRY?
ADRIENNE: Realizing that your business is biggest on the weekends and being willing to work Friday, Saturday and Sunday were great advice given to me early on. Weddings, special events and occasions tend to fall on the weekends so having weekend availability can have a huge effect on how much make up you tend to book.
Another factor to help business can be trying to make up booking times as short as possible. Getting proficient at extras like false lashes, airbrush make up and body work (tattoo coverage, tan line camouflage, etc.) can also help a makeup artist add value to their services.
Q: WHAT IS A PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO SOMEONE WANTING TO BECOME A MAKEUP ARTIST?
ADRIENNE: Get as licensed and educated as you can. The more knowledge and certifications you have the more valuable you are as an artist and service provider. I have 3 licenses (Cosmetology & Esthiology) and they have all helped me in this business. The more knowledge you can obtain about the skin and hair will definitely help your artistry as the finished result will be more natural and be more likely to wear well.
Be open to learning about the history of makeup and more familiar with different make up eras and trends. A lot of the current beauty trends borrow heavily on vintage looks. A strong education in fashion and beauty history can be essential to executing the look clients are asking for.
More Information
If you are passionate about the art of makeup and would like to learn more how you can enroll in our beauty school to jumpstart your career as a professional artist, be sure to visit our website.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Institute of Beauty & Wellness, contact our admissions team or schedule a tour. Click the button below to schedule a tour.
