Working backstage at New York Fashion Week is any makeup artist’s dream come true. Being able to highlight backstage Fashion Week experience on your resume will make you a top candidate for any makeup job. Resume experience isn’t the only reason to break into Fashion Week. You will have a chance to network with the top names in beauty and learn invaluable tips on how to perfect your makeup techniques from industry experts. Gaining a spot on a makeup team for Fashion Week may not be as impossible as you believe—especially for students of the New York Institute of Beauty.

Prepare Ahead of Time

Practice, practice, and practice some more. To be part of a NYFW makeup team, you need to have technical prowess. Practice on clients, friends, neighbors, and more until you feel confident you are ready to create flawless makeup looks on the world’s most photographed models.

Perfect the Portfolio

All that practice will help you choose only the best looks for your makeup portfolio. Try to vary the looks in your portfolio since each fashion designer may have a particular look in mind for their models. Some designers may post open calls for makeup artists for their Fashion Week shows. Put your best foot forward with a killer resume and eye-catching portfolio. Don’t lose heart if you get a few rejections before finally getting accepted.

Make Connections

Breaking into NYFW doesn’t mean starting off your first year as lead makeup artist. Many backstage makeup artists work as assistants and will perform a lot of the prep work on models. The experience offers a once in a lifetime learning experience and could put you in contention for another spot on the makeup team for future shows.

Be on the New York Institute of Beauty Makeup Team

The New York institute of Beauty provides students with unique opportunities, including working backstage at New York Fashion Week. The New York Institute of Beauty Make Up Team screens applicants and picks only the best and brightest talent in the industry. Besides gaining backstage access at NYFW, team members are hired for top makeup jobs for trunk shows, galas, and exclusive charity events.