What It’s REALLY Like to Work as a Makeup Artist

What is it really like to work as a professional makeup artist?

In Episode 193 of Time We Discuss, I'm talking with Carla, the owner and founder of Creative Contour by Carla, to find out what it's actually like to build a career in makeup artistry.

Makeup artists can work in weddings, private client services, film, television, advertising, print, special effects, and more. But what does the job look like behind the scenes? How do you become a makeup artist? Do you need formal education? How do makeup artists find clients? And how much can you actually earn?

Carla shares her experience building a makeup career in Boston and eventually starting her own business. We talk about:

• What a typical day is like for a professional makeup artist
• Makeup artist education and licensing requirements
• Why hands on experience and assisting can be so valuable
• The importance of color theory and understanding different skin tones
• What it is like working with private clients
• How makeup artists find and attract new clients
• The realities of running your own makeup business
• The physical demands of carrying equipment and working long days
• Early mornings and seasonal fluctuations in the industry
• The emotional side of working closely with clients
• How much makeup artists can earn
• The differences between traditional employment and gig based makeup work
• Opportunities to branch into education, public speaking, consulting, and other areas
• The creative freedom and flexibility that can come with a makeup career

Carla also explains how she went from studying esthetics and assisting other makeup artists to launching Creative Contour by Carla and building her own career.

If you're considering becoming a makeup artist, starting a beauty business, looking for a creative career, or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes in the makeup industry, this conversation offers a firsthand look at the profession.

Learn more about Carla and Creative Contour by Carla:

https://www.creativecontourbycarla.com/

Subscribe to Time We Discuss for more conversations with real professionals about what it's really like to work in different careers.

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Timestamp:
0:00 - Intro to Makeup Artists and Licensed Esthetician
0:44 - Where can makeup artists work?
2:02 - Transitioning between industries
3:38 - Education need for professional makeup artists
4:57 - What about color theory?
5:53 - Typical day of a makeup artist
7:20 - Getting into the makeup industry
8:45 - Providing makeup and supplies
9:11 - Licensing between states
10:18 - Methods for billing clients
11:49 - Getting customers and clients
13:12 - Possible barriers to entry
18:18 - Busy and quiet seasons
19:54 - The family makeup person
21:10 - Why makeup artists have the best job
22:53 - Career after a makeup artist
23:45 - Networking opportunities
26:07 - Makeup Artist / Licensed Esthetician Carl B has the floor
26:56 - Highlights from the episode
28:43 - Salary information
29:13 - Outro

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Guest Information:

Carla B

• Creative Contour by Carla Website
• Creative Contour by Carla Podcast

Also Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:

• Tattooing Career with Holly Danesi of Black Vulture Gallery
• Plan a Dream Vacation as a Tour Planner
• Becoming a Mentor with Doug Lawrence

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