Here lately I have seen a lot of—hhmm how to put this—a lot of bad makeup jobs posted to message boards on Facebook. I’m talking foundations 2-3 different colors and in the wrong areas, eyebrows beyond fleek and totally out of this world—btw that’s not good. These are all from people who have said they are “makeup artists” and say they have “clients”. I don’t investigate how many” clients” they have, or if they make a living from this. I am more concerned with their overall artistry. It does set an alarm off for me. What it says to me is, they don’t understand the job, the craft, that these folks skills are seriously on fire, and they need help.
This article isn’t on bashing these artists. I do believe they mean well, and they are trying. What is alarming to me is the lack of constructive criticisms (from untrained artists) that comes their way. I read a lot of “Looks good”, “Wow nice job” etc. I am floored by those comments because to a trained eye honestly; it’s just plain wrong and of course the poster eats this up. Ah, as soon as criticism comes, they are rude and nasty. If you can’t stand the heat get out of the kitchen. Meaning if you just want people to kiss your ass, and tell you how perfect you are—don’t post your work on public message boards for all the world to see. Keep critiques to people who think that no matter what you do it’s perfect, and stay off of message boards. My biggest pet peeve is the disrespect I see when a senior artist gives their advice “free of charge” and they are cursed out. This practice has got to stop! I know it’s hard to hear bad news, but it is only there to help you. A bad critique shouldn’t send you into hiding, or triad, it should make you want to do better. Remove your ego, and understand the person is trying to help you with a problem. Before you get totally defensive, you could look up the artist. You just might see— woo, this person is a real working artist. Then pump your defensive attitude, and learn from them. If you’re wise you could actually get them to help you in the future. Ah but not with a bad attitude.
If you just want people to kiss your ass, and tell you how perfect you are—don’t post your work on public message boards
I want to pose a question. What kind of artist do you want to be? Is it an editorial makeup artist? Someone who works for fashion magazines. Is it a film artist who does special effects? Is it someone who loves to work with Brides? How about the overused title of Celebrity Makeup Artist? All of these require different techniques & understanding. All of these need a field of expertise, but all require you to know the fundamentals of the craft of being a working makeup artist. If you’re the kind of artists who doesn’t understand those things, then take several classes with artists who work in the business. Don’t just take classes from someone who teaches around the corner and has never been on set or published in reputable magazines (BTW all magazines are not created equal). I honestly think you should stop working and take lessons. Practice for several months, get critiqued, and then resume working once you get the go-ahead. WHY? Because your makeup is your advertisement, and you can destroy your reputation before it has a chance to flourish. It says, DeShawn did my makeup; this is her skill, don’t you want to hire her? If DeShawn has jacked up your makeup, then it says, DeShawn doesn’t know what the hell she is doing! Word will get around and the phone will stop ringing. Your work speaks for you long after you have packed up and gone home. It lives on in pictures, and videos, through the gossip of supposed friends, behind the back of your client, saying some very unflattering things about her makeup. Think! No one wants to tell their friend they look-a-hot-ass mess.
Your makeup is your advertisement.
Now if your reply to me is “Well DeShawn I am not interested in any of those positions, I just love doing what I do here.” Then I say, ok that is totally fabulous. BUT I pose this question, yes another question:) What happens when the one style of makeup you do, isn’t as trendy as it use to be? Now there’s a whole new trend—what are you going to do then? You’ve got to be prepared. Women/consumers change direction in makeup all the time. The best makeup artists can roll with any style/trend that pops up because they have mastered the fundamentals. When something new comes out you better believe I practice, I buy the right products or adapt my kits to make it work for the new style. My other question would be, Is this a career for you? Or is this something you “like” to do for the moment? I find when folks make it a hobby—they lack in skills, and it shows.
What happens when the one style of makeup you do, isn’t as trendy as it use to be?
As I wrote in Assisting Rules, I would suggest reaching out for critique from real working artists who can steer you in the right direction. Not by someone who does the style you do but someone well versed. Do this professionally and don’t hit them up on Facebook with a “ Hey can you check out my Facebook/ Instagram page?” Email them with a lovely letter explaining—in very short detail one to two short paragraphs, what your aspirations are in this business and how you’d appreciate a critique. Then when you do get an answer do what they say practice, take classes, etc. I so want you all to be fantastic artists—in whatever field of expertise you want. Even if it’s the hometown makeup artists, with lines out the door. I want you to thrive and make money. I also want you to last longer then a lavender lip or a strong eyebrow. How do you feel about this article?–let me know below. If you haven’t followed-nows your time 🙂 ASSISTING RULES ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY
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