Want to Be a Makeup Artist? Here’s Exactly How to Get Started

You love makeup, but how do you turn that passion into a successful career? The good news is, you don’t need years of school or a long list of celebrity clients to get started. If you’ve been asking yourself, “How do you become a makeup artist?”, this guide is for you! The Institute of Makeup Artistry breaks down the exact steps you need to get started in the makeup industry, no matter where you are in the world.

Step 1: Get Professional Training

While self-taught skills are a great start, professional credibility requires more. A professional training course provides the foundational knowledge and practical skills that clients and brands expect.

At The Institute of Makeup Artistry, our expert tutors provide comprehensive makeup artisty training for beginners.

• Respected Certification: Receive an industry recognised certificate upon graduation that demonstrates your professional skill level to clients.
• Expert Mentorship: Your course tutors and mentors will be experienced, professional makeup artists who will share real-world insights and techniques.
• A Professional Portfolio: Our courses are designed to help you build a high-quality portfolio from day one, so you have stunning photos to showcase your work.
• Flexible Learning: Learn at your own pace from anywhere in the world with online access to course materials.

To discover why a makeup artisty course is the perfect way to get started, read our blog: Why Study Makeup Artistry Online?

Step 2: Explore the Basics of Makeup Artistry

Before you can build a career, you need to master your craft. Here’s how to take the next step and build a solid foundation.

• Practice: Build your confidence and technique by practising on yourself, friends, and family. Getting comfortable with different face shapes and skin types creates a versatile skill set.
• Learn: Expand your skills by watching tutorials, following industry trends, and recreating looks from social media and magazines.
• Focus: Master the professional skills that clients expect, from impeccable hygiene and flawless brush technique to developing your own unique style.

Ready to turn your passion into a profession? Find more top tips in our blog: Monetising your Passion for Makeup Artistry.

Step 3: Choose Your Makeup Niche

A great makeup artisty career isn't just about technique. It's about finding your niche and defining your path. To begin, ask yourself: what kind of work do you love to do?

• Bridal Makeup: Flawless, long-lasting looks for weddings.
• Editorial & Fashion: Creating avant-garde looks for photoshoots and runways.
• Film & TV: On-set work for actors and characters.
• Special Effects (SFX): Designing dramatic transformations for film or events.

Formal training is the perfect way to explore these areas and discover the niche that genuinely excites you.

Step 4: Build Your Portfolio

One of the most essential steps to becoming a makeup artist is building a killer portfolio. Think of it as your visual resume for getting clients and jobs.

• Great Photos are Non-Negotiable: Professional shots are the best tool for showcasing your skills and attracting clients.
• Showcase Transformations: Include impactful before-and-after looks to highlight your ability to create a stunning transformation.
• Turn Practice into Portfolio: Our makeup artisty courses help you build a high-quality portfolio from day one with structured projects. We also provide access to a free online portfolio platform to display your work.
  
  

Step 5: Get Experience & Start Building a Client Base

Understanding how to start out as a makeup artist can be overwhelming. But don’t let this hold you back from gaining real-world experience. It’s the crucial next step to connect with clients.

• Look for Opportunities: Work with friends, family, or assist other artists to gain hands-on experience and build your portfolio.
• Learn the Business Basics: Master pricing, contracts, and client care to turn your passion into a profitable business.
• Build Your Network: Every person you work with is a potential referral. Be professional and reliable to build a strong reputation and a loyal client base.
  
  

Step 6: Keep Growing with Ongoing Learning

Makeup artisty training for beginners is an essential start, but ongoing learning is essential to keep pace with the industry.

• Stay Ahead: Keep your skills sharp by tracking emerging trends and exploring new products and techniques.
• Get Feedback & Network: Join online communities and industry groups to connect with other artists, get feedback on your work, and stay motivated.
• Continue Your Learning: Deepen your knowledge with IMUA’s advanced optional modules, covering in-depth subjects like advanced fashion, editorial, or airbrushing to further refine your skills and boost your industry expertise.

Want to know how much you can expect to earn as your career progresses? Check out our article: How Much Does a Makeup Artist Earn?

Why Study with The Institute of Makeup Artistry?

Here's why our online makeup artisty training is the perfect way to launch your career.

• Self-Paced Learning: Study anytime, anywhere, at a pace that fits your schedule.
• Industry-Recognition: Graduate with a professional certificate that proves your credibility.
• Expert Mentorship: Learn directly from experienced, professional makeup artists.
• Professional Portfolio: Build a professional portfolio of stunning photos to attract clients.
• Business Skills: Our course includes modules to help you master the business side of makeup, from pricing to client care.

Explore the benefits of online learning and how our flexible courses allow you to approach your study, your way.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start as a makeup artist?

Start today by building your skills, creating a portfolio, and marketing yourself to find your first clients! Begin by offering free or low-cost looks for friends to get comfortable and build your first portfolio.

What qualifications do you need to be a makeup artist?

While a formal degree isn’t required, a professional course is a great way to gain the skills and credibility that clients expect. This kind of training proves to clients that you have mastered the foundations needed for professional work.

Can I become a makeup artist with no experience?

Yes, you can absolutely become a makeup artist with no experience. But we recommend taking a structured course that teaches you the fundamentals. Online courses, like those from The Institute of Makeup Artistry, are designed specifically for beginners, guiding you from the very first steps to building a full professional portfolio.

How many years does it take to become a makeup artist?

It doesn’t take years, as you can begin booking clients and earning money once you complete a course and build your portfolio. The timeline is entirely up to you, with many artists launching their careers within a matter of months.

Take the Next Step in Your Makeup Career

If you've made it this far, you already know that turning your skills into a successful career is genuinely achievable. There's no need to wait or enroll in an expensive, traditional beauty school. With the right steps, you can begin your journey today on your own terms.

Ready to make it happen? Explore our online makeup artisty training and download our free course prospectus to learn more.