ThE EVOLUTION OF MAKEUP ARTISTS
By Sophia Airhart
For as long as we can remember, beauty has been a billion-dollar industry. However, after taking a significant dip these past few years, the makeup industry is back in full swing. Brands are releasing new products, and the money is flowing in.
But let's talk about the evolution of makeup artistry and how these artists paved the way for their careers. You may know some top artists in this industry, such as Makeup By Mario, Ariel, and Pat McGrath, and the list could go on forever. However, we have yet to learn their whole story and how they came to be. I decided to dive deeper and discover the gnarly and gritty details for those wondering.
The Makeup industry can be complicated at times, as there is no right way to start your future career. Many artists are either self–taught, enrolled in cosmetology school, or even learning online. However, we all must start somewhere.
During my recent conversations with individuals in the makeup industry, I've been struck by the importance they place on creating a unique brand. Whether they're newcomers or seasoned professionals, they all agree that it's not about using the top brands; it's about creating a routine and a brand that reflects your unique style and makes your clients confident. This is the key to setting yourself apart in this multi-billion industry.
The first person I spoke with is Stephany Vargas, better known as @glambysteph on Instagram. Her unique brand of makeup artistry, which focuses on Glam, Editorial, and Bridal makeup, has made her a standout in the industry. Based in Providence, Rhode Island, Stephany's journey is a testament to the power of creating a brand that is truly your own.
"I would say I learned in 7th grade to do makeup, but I got way more into it by watching my mom. As I approached 9th grade, that was the kickstart for me, and I had just turned 15; I was watching YouTube videos to learn - that was back in 2014-2015," she recalls.
At this specific time, how-to videos were viral, and that was Stephany's primary source of growing her knowledge and skills. From the start, she practiced makeup skills herself. Eventually, she found herself confident enough in her looks that she posted them on Instagram, hoping others would stumble upon her work and love it.
“One day, I had my cousin ask me to do her makeup for her sweet 15th, and I said sure, why not! – After I completed, I posted her on my Instagram, and a couple of her friends contacted me," Stephany says.
From then on, she asked various girls to be her models so she could practice. Once she became more comfortable and widespread enough, clientele started rolling in. At first, it was challenging, and her clientele wasn't always stable throughout the seasons. Finally, she learned what time of the year people came to her more frequently: Spring and Summer.
“To grow exposure and build my resume, I would partake in photoshoots. Although I can't speak for all makeup artists, from what I know, clients are more likely to be drawn in when your photos are very professional," Stephany says.
When she began to gain regular clientele, she learned how to work with different skin tones and facial textures and create a look that enhanced her clients' facial features.
Stephany explained that it's all about growing and challenging yourself. "You never are going to gain confidence if you stick with just doing makeup on one skin tone and facial texture." By doing this, she was able to create a personal brand for herself and personalize a routine.
“I would not put all this time and effort into a career if I didn't love it, I enjoy my job, and it never just feels like a task I need to get done. In addition, I grow bonds with clients – so it's not just me evolving as an artist; it's the both of us," Stephany says.
Pro MUA, Business Owner, and Beauty Educator Jaede Forde had much to say about her journey and what lies ahead for her business. Jaede is currently located in Ontario, Canada, and can be found on her Instagram @glowbyj.
Jaede's journey into the makeup world began with her pursuit of cosmetic management. Her dedication to this craft is evident in her words: "I've been immersed in the art of makeup for seven years, and it's been my full-time passion for the past four." Her love for makeup was always there, but it took her time to realize how she could turn it into a profession.
Jaede's path to success was not straight. She admits, " I was unsure of my direction for a while. Should I start a YouTube channel? Should I become a makeup educator?" However, she eventually found her calling by starting to take on clients, a decision that marked the beginning of her professional journey.
Jaede's entrepreneurial spirit was evident from the start. After graduating high school in 2015, she began offering her services to people she knew personally. She was determined to build her name, and if that meant starting with friends as clients, she was more than willing to do so.
She took the giant leap and grew her business immensely as time progressed. "2015 is a very different time now; there weren't a lot of social handles. Instagram was the main source for me- not to mention word of mouth. A good percentage of my clientele came from this," Jaede says.
For her, it's about building consistency and conveniently her location; many people have already heard about her. Some of her first bookings mainly consisted of homecoming and prom looks. At that time, her career choice was very convenient.
An essential skill for her was working with any client that came her way, which meant that she could work with any skin tone and facial texture. "I think this one comes mainly from experience and practice, just seeing what works and doesn't—working with all age groups and ethnicities, lastly, working hands-on is a priority," Jaede says.
Doing this has helped her grasp the type of artist she wants to be and the makeup style she is trying to tap into. "Doing research has been able to help me become extremely versatile. I want knowledge and not basing everything off as I know," says Jaede as an artist. She even decided to enroll in online classes to further her education.
Touching back on skills, "communication is a tremendous skill an artist needs. Being comfortable around people makes everything so much easier. When you communicate, it leaves less room for mistakes—you will meet and talk to people of all walks of life," Jaede says.
As an artist, your communication skills will be tested, and you must coordinate professionally. Jaede had a three-year background in customer service before her makeup career began. It was easy for her, but you must practice this skill for all upcoming artists.
Organization is another skill that benefits makeup artists. With so many clients, you must have a place for everything. I am sure you could wing it but promoting it would not be successful or helpful.
“I wear so many hats, and to do that, organizing is a priority- if you can get that down pat within the begging of your journey, I think that will be very beneficial, and you're off to a very well start," Jaede claims.
As an artist, time management is essential for your clients. It's critical for yourself, too as well. Making a personal and work boundary sets you up for all the unnecessary overwhelming. When you start to gain a steady clientele, artists can sometimes get lost in the job's euphoric aspect.
“ I love to work, and I tend to overwork myself. So recently, I have made a policy of taking off Sunday- this is my day of rest and enjoying my life outside of work, although I take maybe one client occasionally," Jaede says.
Jaede has a very stable business, having perfected it for many years. She takes pride in creating her brand and is very routine based." As a professional Mua, I only sometimes have so many products. It is about creating what works best for you and your clients- clients must pay for products. They pay for a professional makeup look," Jaede states.
Lastly, on Instagram, I spoke with Bridal Makeup Specialist Emily McNulty, also known as face.forward1. Located throughout New England, she will travel to you.
Emily is a self-taught makeup artist. "YouTube was my main source of learning, and I owe all the countless days I spent watching YouTube and perfecting my skills to my current career, " Emily says.
She dropped out of college and immediately got a job at the front desk of a salon. This exposure made her confident enough that she started taking clients herself.
Tackling the art of makeup by yourself can be difficult at times, but you must start somewhere. Of course, many failures will come, but this will all be a myth when you're comfortable enough with a clientele base.
Although Emily is very versatile , she was most drawn to Bridal looks. " There's just this certain high I get from doing something I am so passionate about—I am hoping for all my future artists out there to consider specializing in what they're most comfortable with," Emily says.
“ love to keep up with trends, which helped me evolve so much. Knowing I am learning something new every day makes me feel confident in my looks," Emily states.
Being an independent worker is not all that glamorous, but it helps her grow as a makeup artist. She doesn't want to piggyback off anyone, and by doing this, she can educate others who enter the makeup industry.
Spring and Summer are busy and packed for her as she is booked almost every week for a wedding. "I love working with Brides because I spend so much time with them, and by the end of the week, we have created such a bond," Emily says.
Hearing from these individuals and learning about their journey can give hope to all future Muas. So, for those weary about leaping into the makeup industry, hopefully, you will find hope in all these unique journeys.
Remember, being an artist isn't all about who's the best. It is about being versatile and taking that chance career-wise. By reading this, you will know there isn't a correct way to dip into this career. Instead, you make your brand and create an environment for your clients. Makeup artists, even the most highly known artists, evolve every day.
