How To Build A Beauty Portfolio

To succeed, makeup professionals need to package themselves as attractively as possible. Prospective clients will most likely decide whether or not to use your services based on your portfolio. Your portfolio needs to highlight your very best work. If you’re struggling to build your portfolio, one option is to volunteer your services at special events.

Newly minted makeup artists are typically leery of volunteering their services at events such as fashion week. Not only may they feel undervalued by not receiving payment, but they also know volunteering could come at a steep cost. Premium cosmetics are expensive. However, the future of your brand will likely be built on a few freebie events you participate in. Candids of makeovers done on your friends and family will not have the same impact as professional photographs done in preparation for a formal event. If you have several models to work on during the event, you’ll have more options to choose from when picking which images to use for your portfolio.

Working multiple events can help you show variety. Your images should reflect your willingness to create bold looks as well as the ability to highlight a person’s natural beauty. Don’t use photographs of only fully done faces either. Remember to include close-ups of eyes, lips, and cheeks. Each page in your portfolio can be used to tell a story of a client’s makeup look, from start to finish. Ideally, aim to include two to four photos from each session. Always put your best work first, and aim for quality over quantity.

During the event, you should have all clients sign a release form allowing you to use their images for promotional purposes. You don’t want to dedicate hours of makeup work and later find out you’re unable to use the photographs for your portfolio.

Volunteering your time at an event is also perfect for networking. You will connect with models and photographers – enabling you to expand your contact lists. You may find TFP – or trade for prints – opportunities following the event. TFP sessions permit photographers, models, hair stylists, and makeup artists to come together and trade their services for portfolio images. All parties agree ahead of time on the commitment required and what you’ll receive in return for your services.

Volunteer at the start of your career to avoid unpaid gigs in the future. Not only will your portfolio expand, but you’re likely to gain new clients from word of mouth advertising.

Building a portfolio through volunteering will also help build a strong resume. The experience gained working backstage and learning how to deal with difficult situations is valuable. These experiences help build speed and help build confidence and professionalism. 

It is best to take advantage of these volunteer opportunities as a beginner to prepare you for the ‘real word’ rather than to jump right into a paid project without the experience. Chances are you will be much more successful!

In the long run, volunteer opportunities pay off. It is important to look at the bigger picture and not immediate compensation, especially in this field of work.

http://www.careerinmakeup.com/portfolio

Glossible: http://www.glossible.com/beauty-business-blog/how-to-build-a-makeup-portfolio

NYIB Beauty Essentials Makeup Course: https://www.nyib.edu/advanced-education/beauty-essentials/