Being a working makeup artist, I constantly receive emails from aspiring artists who want to know more about how I got my start, the makeup business, and if this is a right fit for them as a career. I believe I’ve posted about this before but decided to do a refresher post about this since I continue to receive emails on this subject. I’d like to answer this in a public blog post since numerous folks have the same question. I find this more efficient than answering each individual inquiry on this topic. Of course I welcome any additional questions on this topic if you feel your questions were not answered. Please feel free to email me anytime.

How I got my start:

I started in makeup about 10 years ago. Most of my training has been ‘on the job’, so to speak. I started off doing theatre makeup in high school and eventually gained employment working at a makeup counter (MAC Cosmetics). Working at a makeup counter may seem a bit novice but the experience was priceless and really helped me understand faces, skin tones, and how to make people feel and look their best. It was that priceless experience and, as a favorite makeup artist of mine says, ‘real school of beauty’ that helped me achieve my goals today. It has been a passion of mine since a young age along with working for myself and having my own business. Through a lot of hard work building my portfolio (I did numerous ‘TFP’ shoots or ‘Time for Print’ which is basically work for pictures before actually receiving any compensation for my work), promoting my craft, and networking with others in my field, I am at a place in my career that I am comfortable with. I have achieved goals I set in place for myself and continue with a successful career but I also have additional goals I’d like to achieve in the field of makeup artistry. Unfortunately I am the type of person that will most likely never be satisfied with their achievements and always set goals to the highest standard. In the end, I believe my neurotic way of thinking keeps me fresh and on my toes for anything that comes my way.

Understanding the makeup business:

I’m not even sure if I’m qualified to answer this question. Starting any business is hard, especially with little start-up capital or clients. It’s doable but the one thing you have to keep in mind is that it’s not going to happen overnight. Building clientele, networking with others in your field, and building your book are key pieces to the puzzle. Only you can decide if this is the career path for you. I worked two jobs for a few years before going full-time with my business.

I hope this mini-blurb of an explanation assisted those of you who would like a career in makeup. For those of you who have additional questions, please contact me through my website www.VictoriaStilesMakeup.com

I would like to take a moment and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! I will have limited access to phone and email as I will be on travel for the holiday from Wednesday, November 21st until Friday, November 23rd. I will get back to everyone as soon as possible! Thanks for your understanding!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

P.S. – If you haven't had the chance to check out my newly re-launched site, please do so by going to www.VictoriaStilesMakeup.com

I just can't believe it is almost Thanksgiving! Where has the time gone? I've been staying quite busy! Since my return from Europe I did 4 fashion shows, 3 Express covers, and work with 2 national publications. And I can't forget all of my gorgeous brides that I have had each weekend since my return along with my boudoir gals and model test shoots. It's been one busy season!! The national publications I worked with recently are Glamour magazine and Ladies Home Journal. I have to say I'm really excited to see my work in Glamour magazine. Since a young girl, I stared at pictures in Glamour trying to figure out different looks and it was that magazine that helped me figure out I wanted to do makeup for a living. I definitely think this is a step in the right direction. Check out January's issue of Glamour and look for a story titled, 'Women Under 40 in Politics.' I did the hair and makeup for a young gal by the name of Jill Hazelbaker who is John McCain's director of communications.

I would also like to announce a few changes with my website and direction of my business. For the past few years I've been operating under Beautiful by Victoria. I have decided to drop the business name and simply work under my name, Victoria Stiles. My new website, which just launched this week, reflects these changes and my website url is now simply www.VictoriaStilesMakeup.com. Of course you will still be able to get to it by going to the old url but I'd like to start directing clients to the new url. I made these minor changes in order to give my clients a more personalized feel. I'm not a large company and will never take my business in that direction so I basically decided to 'brand' my given name instead of doing business under a fictitious name. Hopefully this change will also help my clients understand the nature of my business. I am the one and only who answers emails and phone calls. I'm a one-woman-show and proud of it!!