Makeup Schools and You

Are you considering enrolling in a makeup school, but not sure if you have chosen the perfect vocation? An honest assessment of your strong characteristics and weaknesses will assist you with your decision whether makeup schools and you are a good fit.

Makeup artists require a varied range of talent, skills and aptitudes. A makeup artist is versatile and adaptable. To aid with your self-examination, consider the following:

Creativity

Creativity involves unique thoughts. It should not be confused with innovation. A creative person takes a novel idea and makes it into reality. Innovation is also inventive, but does not involve turning the concept into something tangible. Creative individuals have a passion for envisioning distinctive or exclusive ideas and an irresistible urge to bring them to life.

Hand-Eye Coordination

Success as a makeup artist is dependent on fine details. Meticulous design work necessitates excellent hand-eye coordination, which is defined as the ability to use your eyes to guide your hands to perform a task. Hand-eye coordination for makeup artists involves precise fine motor skills.

Physical Contact

A makeup artist, by the very nature of the work, must constantly physically touch other people. In addition to actual touching, makeup artists are in very close proximity to the model. Therefore, a complete feeling of being at ease within inches of people of all shapes and sizes is crucial.

Active Listening

Some clients may give the makeup artist total latitude to create a look, however, others may have firm ideas on what they want. Active listening is essential in these cases. Active listening consists of consciously listening to the speaker without letting distractions capture your attention and not losing focus, interrupting or forming what you'll say in response before the speaker has finished. It involves understanding the complete message the speaker is trying to convey. Studies show that we cannot remember up to 50 percent of what we hear without active listening skills. You can reassure the speaker you are listening with body language, such as nodding.

Interpersonal Skills

A makeup artist communicates with people on a daily basis. Interpersonal skills are a necessity. You may have to communicate with team members, clients, other people working on the project (i.e. a photographer on a fashion shoot), suppliers and prospective employers. All of these people require interpersonal skills but, how those skills are applied, may vary depending on who you are communicating with.

A makeup artist must be able to make small talk with clients and show interest, consideration and empathy for their conversation and concerns. To work harmoniously with team members, you will need to be able to express yourself in a respectful manner. Makeup artists who work in the fashion, film and entertainment fields, in particular, are expected to co-ordinate with production staff in a timely and professional fashion.

Interpersonal skills are evident through an enjoyment and sense of ease interacting with people, self-control of emotions and relating well with a diverse range of personalities.

Communication Skills

Well honed communication skills are vital in the makeup industry. You should be prepared to take the time to understand people as individuals, able to express your thoughts in a tactful and diplomatic way, manage conflicts through clarification and resolution, offer feedback to others, accept critique in a positive manner, practice assertive, not aggressive, behavior and recognize unproductive relationships that require either change or termination.

Professionalism

The adage "the first impression is a lasting impression" is sage advice. Image and attitude are pivotal, especially in creative environments. Clients will look at how you are dressed, made up, and comport yourself to decide whether they will trust you with the responsibility of their special occasion or as part of a crew. Reliability, self-confidence and an appropriate sense of style go a long ways towards convincing prospective clientele they should hire you.

If, after reading the above, you are confident makeup artistry is an attractive vocation, investigate makeup schools and you will soon begin your new career.