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
