Makeup is a form of living art. With the flick of an eyelash brush and a coat of lipstick, you can transform someone in front of their very eyes. While many makeup artists learn the tricks of their trade at a salon or beauty counter, going freelance may be their ultimate goal. As a freelance makeup artist, you can specialize in any area, from bridal makeup to editorial or traditional makeup.

When you decide to become a freelance makeup artist, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the process. We’re breaking it down step by step to show you how to become a freelance makeup artist.

1. Choose your niche

While some freelance makeup artists offer a full variety of services, many choose to specialize within a niche. You’ll want to make the decision early on as it will set the tone for your work. The niche you choose will also determine what makeup you’ll need to add to your kit. Bridal makeup is different from special effects makeup, while editorial makeup is different again.

The niche you choose will also determine your target customer. If you’re unsure where to start, you can throw the net wide and offer a full-service portfolio. As you develop your skills, you can choose to specialize in a niche.

2. Curate your kit and portfolio

Once you have your niche, you need to start building your kit. It’s not just makeup that you’ll need to purchase. You’ll need other essentials like towels, makeup sponges, and wipes. Your kit should also work for clients of different complexions and skin types – meaning you can’t just rely on one of everything. 

Take advantage of professional makeup artist discounts to make your kit more affordable. Many freelance makeup artists also offer their clients the option of purchasing makeup directly from them, such as the lipstick you’ve applied on them or the false eyelashes that you use. If you offer these extras, you’ll need a separate kit of unused products for purchase by your clients.

When you’re building your kit, you’ll also want to start creating a portfolio of work to share with your potential clients. You can showcase clients that you’ve previously worked with or ask your friends to volunteer as models. Use your portfolio to showcase the range of your work and tailor it to attract your ideal client. 

You can showcase your portfolio on a website or keep it streamlined by using social media. Establishing a social media presence allows you to build a following and customer base. Your social media can double as an evolving portfolio showing your most up-to-date work.

3. Set your prices

Setting your prices is one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make as a freelance stylist. You want your prices to reflect your ability as a makeup artist, as well as covering the cost of your kit and any other expenses. 

In the beginning, you want to keep your prices attractive to new clients until you build up your portfolio. You want to find a balance between pricing fairly to make a profit while still attracting clients. We have an in-depth guide about how to set your prices as a freelance makeup artist here.

4. Start getting bookings

Once you’ve got your kit, portfolio, and prices, you need to start getting bookings. You want to be promoting your freelance makeup service as widely as possible. Social media is your friend for spreading the word, including within your local area. You can connect with prospective clients using online platforms that connect service providers and customers looking for barber services and beauty services related to makeup, haircuts, hairstyling, manicure, pedicure, massage and facials. 

Don’t forget to sign up to Indulge Now to promote your services within your local area as a freelance stylist. We’ll help you connect with clients looking for a freelance makeup artist in your area. you can simply sign up for free as Service Provider at Indulge Now. 

After securing your first few bookings, you’ll start to see organic growth as clients begin to suggest your services to their friends and family. You’ll want to use current bookings to secure future bookings by taking before and after photos, as well as encouraging your clients to tag you in their photos. 

Once you’ve completed your first few bookings, you’ll start to see steady growth with your freelance makeup services.

4. Protect yourself and your business

One area where aspiring freelance makeup artists often fall short is protecting themselves and their business. You’ll want to put the right systems in place to ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible.

You want to agree on your rate with your client in advance and ensure they know your preferred form of payment. While freelance makeup artists typically operate on a cash basis, more people are going cashless. If you use online marketplace like Indulge Now, your clients can pay with credit card.

You’ll also want to look into some form of insurance for your business. Insurance can cover anything from small accidents to major problems. General liability insurance will offer coverage against a claim from a client for personal injury or property damage. By comparison, professional liability insurance will cover you against negligence or errors that result in your client suffering a financial loss. 

Getting insurance and personal protection is worth the paperwork that you’ll need to complete.  

Finding out how to become a freelance makeup artist is easier than you might think. This 5-step guide sets out the basis of what you need to consider when starting your business. You want to give it the same TLC you’ll give your clients, paying close attention to detail and putting your best foot forward. With the help of IndulgeNow, you can grow your client base locally to help you build a career as a freelance makeup artist.