I Need help starting up as makeup artist/bridal makeup etc!

**dancingbutterfly**

Hi guys,

I currently work part time as i have a 3 year old and ive been searching for another way of 'upping' my income. i like the idea of being an ironing lady but im not very good at it (and im EXTREMELY slow!):o

I love doing makeup on people, i completed a cosmetic beauty course 2 years back which taught me a lot. When i do makeup for my friends i love it and they're always really pleased,

so i really want to start up as a makeup artist/bridal makeup person??!!:o i have no idea re advertising and grants and things and i would be VERY greatful of any advice!!

thanks

Jay08

Sent you a PM.

MrsTinks

I'd recommend you look for people to do free make up for to build up a portfolio before looking to advertise and for paying customers. I'm glad I did my own for my wedding as it meant I knew how to re-apply things through the day and frankly I just thought it was a waste of money... However if someone had been recommended to me I might have thought about it but ONLY if I could see samples of her work before booking a trial (as they ain't cheap either!).
Good Luck tho

jorichste

if you're under 25 ( ithink) then princes trust may help with start up costs, or try local business link. Getting customers will be the hardest part, obviously!! You can advertise in local hair salon, community centres, newsagents etc. Bridal magazines charge a fortune and cover an area too big to be beneficial, same goes for websites. I wouldn't do freebies, but maybe some lower cost starting offers, reduced rate trial session or something. hth

hollydays

just do it-you can

Chollita

You could also give lessons for individuals/groups - I'm 40, and I still haven't got a clue about makeup! Also birthday parties/hen nights/Christmas, for something different from a pub crawl, and what about diversifying into face-painting, then you could do children's parties as well.

**dancingbutterfly**

Thanks for the replies everyone:T i really appreciate it! 'Jay08' has been sending me some FANTASTIC advice and given me a starting point so the first thing i want to do is make up a name. then start building a portfolio.

Any ideas on a good name??!!
my names Katie/kate if this helps?! im finding it hard to come up with a good name!!:o

cheers!

Staciep88

Hiya,

Im a beauty therapist so i would reccommed that you do the following:

Advertise to do free make-up for 10-20 people (first come, first serve) and put together a portfolio of the make up that you have done. By doing this you would have 1) started to establish yourself 2) have work to show others. You need to take a before and after photo, When I done it I used a few family members and friends first and then went on to advertising.

I took a photo of 3 girls before and then on each of them I done; Day make-up, Evening make-up and Bridal make-up, I chose to do it this way so that others could see how much I had changed the individual by using using styles and colours etc.

After you have build up a portfolio and have carried out the treatment on these selected strangers your work will begin. I would advertise in your local newpapers (even though there is an outgoing charge in the beginning its not a great deal and you can easily earn it back!) Have you thought about prices?

Also its suprising how much interest you will get just by friends telling others etc.

I wish you all the best and if you want any more advice please pm me!

Stacey xx

Staciep88

How about..... Katies Kosmetics!

fraz_babe

Sounds silly but. You could try doing tutorials for make up on www.youtube.com - just to see what people think of how you do your make up? What they like, dont like etc.

suckmaster.burstingfoam

Here's a tip. Ring some local (good!) photographers and ask them if they'd like to offer their female clients free makeup services, in return for being allowed to use some of the photos in your own marketing/portfolio. Do a few of them and you're laughing.

It's probably the best way to get some really professional images of your work, and many photographers would take you up on it.